What is an ultrasound degree, specifically?
If one is looking for an ultrasound technician degree, it can be quite a challenge to find an ultrasound technologist school offering such programs. This is because in actuality, there is no such thing as an ultrasound tech degree. However, obtaining a medical degree is still essential to be prepared for ultrasound technician training. If an interested student completes coursework with an accredited institution, he or she should be prepared to take ultrasound certification exams upon graduation.
What are the varying types of degrees in this field?
While one cannot obtain a bachelor's degree in ultrasound sonography because it does not actually exist, there are still many different degrees that can help persons jumpstart their ultrasound technician career. These degrees include:
- AS in Health Care: An associate's degree in healthcare is an excellent choice for someone interested in ultrasound technician certification. This degree can be completed in as little as two years, depending on class schedules and any prior credit earned by the prospective student. This degree program covers many general health topics.
- AS in Allied Health Science: This is another degree that focuses on a variety of general health topics. Depending on the school one may be able to take some classes specifically for ultrasound technician training. Programs in this area will typically require about two years of study.
- AS in Healthcare Administration: Someone who has higher career aspirations than simply obtaining an ultrasound technician job may be interested in this degree program. Health care administrators may start in an occupation like an ultrasound technician, but through experience and education can move up to leadership positions within their company.
- AS in Medical Assisting: Obtaining a degree in medical assisting is a good choice for someone who has an interest in pursuing certification for being an ultrasound sonographer. Degree programs in this field typically cover a wide variety of medical topics, with a focus on how to best assist medical doctors.
- AS in Healthcare Information Technology: Ultrasound technology is constantly changing and evolving. Because of this, obtaining an associate's degree in healthcare information technology can be quite beneficial to someone interested in the field. The additional technological knowledge obtained in this degree program can go a long way an ultrasound sonography job.
- BS in Health Sciences: This four-year baccalaureate degree program will prepare students to obtain leadership positions in healthcare organizations, while equipping them with the knowledge to work with a many different pieces of modern medical equipment. This program goes beyond ultrasound technician training to give students a more balanced understanding of medical technology.
What is the average salary of an ultrasound technologist?
The average salary of an ultrasound technician varies both by state and the level of education of the employee. Additionally, some organizations pay more than others, so this causes more variation. On average, a medical sonographer can earn anywhere from $48,000 and $68,000 per year, depending on number of hours worked and other aforementioned factors. Some ultrasound technicians can earn as much as $77,000 annually, which is a highly competitive salary for a person with only an undergraduate degree.
Which schools offer ultrasound technician degrees?
Once again, there are no specific ultrasound technician schools. However, there are many different accredited institutions that offer highly competitive medical degrees. Some of these schools also offer ultrasound technician courses in addition to a broader curriculum. Obtaining an education is essential to starting a career as an ultrasound tech.
- University of Phoenix: Considered to be one of the largest universities in the world, the University of Phoenix offers an associate's degree in health care that is quite helpful for students interested in becoming ultrasound technicians.
- Virginia College Online: Virginia College is an accredited institution that offers excellent degree programs online. Specifically, their bachelor of science in health services management will cover topics relevant to an aspiring ultrasound sonographer.
- Kaplan University: Kaplan is well known in professional circles, and has some of highest enrollment rates amongst online schools. Kaplan students are able to choose from a wide variety of programs that include a medical assisting program, a BS in health administration, and more.
- Keiser University: Keiser University boasts a knowledgeable faculty, and quality accredited programs designed to help students achieve their goals. Prospective ultrasound techs will find the most use in Keiser's BS in Health Sciences degree.
- DeVry University: If a student wants to reach for the sky, they need not look further than DeVry. Future ultrasound sonographers can learn a significant amount about medical technology in DeVry's health information technology associate's degree program.
- Lincoln University: This school was founded in 1919 and has been offering students opportunities to obtain a great education ever since. Students can enroll in an ultrasound technician certificate program that takes 80 weeks to complete part time.
- Sanford-Brown: SBC - Houston is a well-regarded institution in the medical field. Students can study a wide variety of focus areas while learning exactly what they would like to do in a medical setting. For an aspiring ultrasound technician, this is an excellent opportunity.
What kinds of financial aid are available for ultrasound tech schools?
While an education is extremely valuable, it is also extremely expensive. Affording higher education can be a challenge for many. Luckily, there are quite a few different places that one can go for potential financial help with an education. First of all, everyone should fill out the FAFSA, to see if they qualify for federal aid. After that, discussing options with the prospective university is a good idea. Additionally, there are many different scholarships and grants available to someone who is pursuing an ultrasound technician occupation. Some scholarships and scholarship programs include, the Allied Health Student Scholarship, the Allied Healthcare Scholarships (AHS), the Armed Forces Health Profession Scholarship Program, grants from the Bureau of Jewish Education, grants from the Foundation for Science and Disability, the Health Professions Education Scholarship, and more.
