Best Ultrasound Technician Schools

Someone seeking to earn a job in the medical field might consider studying to become an ultrasound technician. Working much like the sonar used by dolphins or ships on the ocean, Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 46,000 jobs were held by diagnostic medical sonographers in 2006. In 2016, this number is expected to grow to 54,000, a rate increase of 19% in ten years.

Considering the practicalities of ultrasound technology and the growing job market, anyone interested in a position as an ultrasound technician should consider applying for scholarships to make formal training in their field possible. Scholarships don’t have to be repaid after college, unlike student loans, and they’re based on merit, like you high school grades or SAT scores, essays you write about your field of study, or specific talents. Some colleges offer scholarships directly from the school or the ultrasound program. However, you can also look to outside organizations for ultrasound technician scholarships.

Start by checking with medical organizations specifically gear toward ultrasound technicians to see if they have any scholarship opportunities available. Some organizations in particular include the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. You can also branch out to general medical organizations, such as American Medical Association, as many have scholarship funds available for anyone in medical fields, including ultrasound technology.

If you know your specialty, you can also apply for scholarships directly from organizations that support your field. For example, if you want to attend school to be a neurology ultrasound technician, you can look to organizations such as the American Academy of Neurology Foundation or the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. There are national and state organizations for just about every disease, organ system, and patient group, and many have scholarships available – all you have to do is ask.

Don’t overlook funds from your employer as well, if you already work at a hospital or other health organization. Some larger employers have scholarships (or grants) available for employees who want to go back to school. They’ll choose the best candidates and completely finance your education to create a stronger team within their ranks. Talk to you employer today about your educational options to learn more.

Top Five Online Ultrasound Tech Degree Programs

Having an ultrasound technician's degree is a wise move for anyone looking to become a part of a growing medical field. To become an ultra sound tech, a student will need at least an associate's degree in medical assisting or comparable field.

AS in Healthcare	University of Phoenix — The College of Health and Human Services of the University of Phoenix offers an associate's degree in health care that will prepare its students for a wide variety of entry-level medical assisting jobs, potentially in the ultrasonography field.
AS in Allied Health Science	South University — The associate's degree in allied health science from South University is geared specifically for students looking for a general education with a focus in life science subjects such as anatomy, chemistry, nutrition, and physiology.
BS in Health Science	Keiser University — The BS degree in health science offered by Keiser University prepares students for both health service administration as well as business endeavors. The entirely online coursework focuses on business law, management, medical anatomy, physiology, and more.
Medical Assisting Program	Kaplan University — The medical assisting program from Kaplan University is a flexible and affordable way for anyone to train to become a certified ultrasound technician. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant examination given by the American Association of Medical Assistants.
AS in Health IT	DeVry University — DeVry University is offering a health information technology associate's degree program intended to prepare individuals to work with health information systems and databases in their future careers assisting nurse staffs and physicians.
BS in Health Services Management	Virginia College — The health services management degree from Virginia College Online is a bachelor's level degree program that is geared toward medical professionals looking to advance their careers within the medical industry. Graduates of this program will be suited for management positions in hospitals, private practices, home health agencies, and more.
BA in Medical Technology	Ashford University — The BA in healhcare - medical technology degree program from Ashford University presents its students with a full spectrum of knowledge regarding the healthcare industry. The specialization here is on medical technology, which is ideal for anyone interested in a degree as a medical sonography or ultrasound tech.
AS in Healthcare Admin	California Coast University — California Coast University offers an associate's degree in healthcare administration program intended to prepare individuals for entry-level positions as managers within the healthcare field.
BS in Health Informatics	Walden University — The BS in healthcare informatics degree with an from Walden University Online teaches students essential technical, techological, and organizational tasks within a healthcare office. There may also be an accelerated option for those who wish to get their career underway as soon as possible.
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