Online Sonography Courses, Classes and Training Programs

Though rare, it's possible to find programs with online sonography courses that provide the full didactic portion of a diagnostic medical sonographer's education. Coupled with hands-on clinical training, these online courses can lead to an undergraduate degree in general sonography or one of the field's subspecialties. Continuing education courses also are offered online.

Overview of Sonography Courses Available Online

Sonography is a medical technique that uses ultrasound to produce diagnostic images of anatomical structures within the body. Online sonography courses can be part of a certificate, associate or bachelor's degree program in general, vascular or cardiac sonography. Courses cover anatomy and physiology, pathology and scanning techniques specific to various parts of the body. Medical ethics, pharmacology and patient care practices also are covered.
Completion of online courses, coupled with mandatory supervised clinical experience, can qualify students to test for voluntary certification in general sonography and sonography specialties through recognized bodies like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Most employers prefer to hire sonographers who hold or are eligible for these designations since they are an indicator of experience and skill.

Course Requirements

Students must possess basic computer skills and have access to a computer with Internet access and an efficient processor to take part in online classes. Many courses require a sound card with speakers and a CD or DVD player. Preferred browsers are common, along with specific settings, plug-ins and freely available software for the proper display of coursework and related media.

List of Online Sonography Courses

Physics of Ultrasonography Course

This course introduces the basic underlying physics of ultrasound as used for diagnostic medical imaging. Students learn how different frequencies of ultrasonic waves interact with tissues of various densities and depths within the body. They also receive a detailed explanation of the sonography process, including the production of sound waves, receipt of echoes, and formation and display of images.

Sonographic Scanning and Instrumentation Course

This course discusses sonographic scanning practices. Students learn to optimize their scans through an understanding of equipment and instrumentation used, scan preparation procedures, anatomical positioning and transducer movements. Modes of sonography, including A-mode, B-mode, M-mode and Doppler mode, are covered, along with their attributes and applications.

Obstetric and Gynecological Sonography Course

Students in this course explore sonographic scanning of the pelvis and gravid uterus in gynecologic and obstetric patients. They gain in-depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, while learning techniques for acquiring cross-sectional scans. Diagnoses of trauma, specific diseases and non-specific manifestations are covered.

Cardiovascular Physiology and Sonography Course

Principles of cardiovascular ultrasound are the emphasis of this course, through which students learn to identify normal cardiac processes from various pathological echocardiographic manifestations. Included is an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and great vessels, ventricle function and associated terminology. Echo indications and assessment also are discussed so that students will have the didactic knowledge to acquire accurate cardiac images for diagnostic purposes.