Ultrasound and X-Ray Technicians receive their Certification or Degree in Sonography.
A sonographer or Ultrasound Technologist, uses, maintains, and prepares diagnostic imaging machines that utilize sound waves, x-rays or magnetic resonance to take images of the body. They complete patient exams, help diagnose illnesses, and report results to medical professionals. There are numerous community colleges, vocational schools, or universities that offer both 2-year Associate and 4-year Bachelor degrees throughout the United States. Upon graduation, sonographers are required to pass a certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). According to the Department of Labor, the salary ranges from $45,000-$72,000 annually as of 2011, depending on the area of focus and advanced training.
Weber State University
Weber State University is located in Ogden, Utah and has over 23,000 students in more than 200 undergraduate and eight graduate programs. It offers sonography programs ranging from professional certificates which can be completed in less than a year to several 4-year Bachelor degrees. Average annual tuition in 2010 for full-time students was $4,000 for in-state residents and out-of-state residents pay $11,500. WSU offers three Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs with an emphasis on Cardiac, Medical or Vascular areas. Clinical education courses require a minimum of 24 hours per week in an affiliated health care facility.
Sanford-Brown College
Sanford-Brown College has sonography programs ranging from associate certificates in Technology to Bachelor degrees in Diagnostic Medical and Cardiovascular Sonography. Sanford-Brown has over 30 campuses primarily in the Eastern the United States offering both on-line and in-person health career-based training. Sanford-Brown has a network of hospitals and facilities where student externships are conducted. Tuition varies based on the type of degree and campus location but in 2010 was approximately $38,000. Financial aid is available for qualified students.
Argosy University
Argosy University, offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at its Eagan, Minnesota campus. Argosy is a career-based university and the accredited sonography-specific program requires 70 credit hours above the 21 general education hours to complete the Associates of Arts degree. The recommended time frame to complete the program is 26 months. Cost per credit hour in 2011 is $540. Financial aid is available and applications can be completed on-line or at the Twin Cities campus.
Red Rocks Community College
Red Rocks Community College offers three areas of specialization: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vascular Technology and Echocardiography. The college located in Arvada, Colorado accepts 16 to 20 students each year and requires classroom and clinical instruction. The program is five semesters, or 21 months for a Certificate of Completion plus general courses for the Associate of Applied Science. Tuition is $7,500 which includes uniforms and textbooks; general education classes are not included. The Arvada campus offers innovative scheduling options, has technology "smart" classrooms and offers an online writing center for students and community members who are interested in improving their writing.
Tags: Diagnostic Medical, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Sonography, Bachelor degrees, 4-year Bachelor, 4-year Bachelor degrees, Applied Science