Best Online Certificate in Sonography Programs
2024Many online certificate in sonography programs exist, but not all are created equally. If you’re looking for a great program that meets your academic, financial, and career goals, you came to the right place.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers earned a median annual salary of $84,470 per year in 2023. Jobs for these professionals are projected to grow by 10% between 2022 and 2032, creating plenty of opportunities to join the field.
Keep reading to learn about our top picks for ultrasound tech certificate programs, what it takes to attend, and where these programs can take you.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Ultrasound Tech Certificate Programs
Great Basin College
Elko, NV- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,518
- Out-of-state$10,219
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,414
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,044
- Out-of-state$20,328
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$19,470
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled5,460
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Admission Requirements for an Online Certificate Program
Admission requirements for ultrasound tech programs vary from school to school, but you can expect some similarities across all.
For instance, both Great Basin College and Washburn University require candidates to hold, at minimum, an associate degree from a regionally accredited school. They must also meet prerequisite requirements.
At Washburn, applicants need to have taken least one prerequisite course in an area like communication, human anatomy, human physiology, mathematics, physics, or medical terminology.
In addition to coursework prerequisites, students must also supply references and pass a background check in addition to paying an application fee. Pay close attention to deadlines, as these will vary among schools.
What to Expect With an Online Sonography Certificate Program
Most online sonography certificate programs take one year to complete, although part-time learners may need additional time.
Some of the classes you can plan to take include intro to diagnostic medical sonography, sonography principals and instrumentation, sectional anatomy in medical imaging, and small parts ultrasound.
Students also participate in clinical experiences, allowing them to gain hands-on training prior to graduation. These are typically broken up across three semesters, giving you the option to try different specialty areas.
In addition to required core coursework, some schools may offer training in specialty areas. At Washburn University, you can choose from many specialties, including OB/GYN and vascular medical sonography.
Popular Jobs with a Certificate in Sonography
Several specialties exist within medical sonography, allowing you to focus on an area that interests you most. In addition to clinical roles, you may also decide to work in education or research. Popular jobs include:
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Average Base Salary (2024):$71,730
These professionals conduct sonograms, maintain machinery, coordinate with patients, and deliver results to nurses and physicians. They work across bodily systems, providing more generalist imagery services.
Obstetrics Sonographer
- Average Base Salary (2024):$73,580
Obstetrics sonographers work with expecting parents to sonograph fetuses, measure growth and development, and take uterine images. They can work in hospitals, OB/GYN offices, or clinics.
Cardiac Sonographer
- Average Base Salary (2024):$74,240
Whether working in a hospital, physician’s office, or clinic, cardiac sonographers focus on identifying any present issues within patients’ hearts. They conduct echocardiograms, capture clear images, and provide findings to physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sonography Certificate Programs
Simply put, it depends on your career goals. Earning a certificate helps you qualify for many sonography roles in clinical settings. That said, a degree may better serve your interests better if you want to work in a supervisory position or potentially move into research and/or education.
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