As an ultrasound tech, you can easily make $60,000 annually, and some experienced workers even make six figure salaries. You’ll make more with an advanced degree in any field, and this is definitely true for ultrasound techs. You don’t need a degree to get started in this field, but many employers prefer educated workers, so you’ll have a better chance at finding a job if you go to college. There are many sonography educational paths you can consider.

The highest degree you can get directly in sonography is a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degree programs typically take four years to complete, though it depends on your specific program and whether you go to school full time or part time. The advantage to getting a bachelor’s degree is that you can specialize in one area of sonography, and your advanced education means that you’ll be eligible for higher-paying jobs. Although there are no master’s programs in this field directly right now, having a bachelor’s degree does allow you to consider a master’s degree in a related areas, such as health administration or public health.

Many ultrasound technicians option instead to get an associate’s degree. This type of program takes just two years instead of four, so you’ll be able to get started more quickly working in your field. Your education won’t be as specialized, but you’ll still learn the basics of sonography and patient care. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits both bachelor’s degree and associate’s degree programs, which are offered by colleges, universities, and hospitals. Through some of these programs, you can take classes online to get your degree.

Not every employer requires a degree. For some, a one-year training certificate is enough for employees to get started working as a sonographer. This is becoming more and more rare, however, since the job market is highly competitive and employees want to avoid mistakes that could lead to patient injury or lawsuits. So, although a degree is not legally required, getting one makes sense in most cases.

If you go through an associate’s degree program or bachelor’s degree program, you also have the choice of being certified with your state through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). While not required to legally practice sonography, most employers prefer to work exclusively with sonographers who have passed the certification exam. You aren’t eligible for the exam until you’ve gone through a degree program. Additionally, you can also seek specific certification in your ultrasound specialty. For example, Cardiovascular Credentialing International provides a certification program for sonographers specializing in the heart.

If you’re currently working as a sonography, you may be able to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree for free. Many employers provide tuition assistance programs to help their best employees get an advanced education, and you can also often participate in continuing education classes offered directly from your employer. Having a degree in ultrasound tech is the only way to ensure that your education leads to a job, so considering bachelor’s degree programs in this field makes sense.

Having a degree in the healthcare field is a wise move for anyone looking to become a part of a growing medical field. Becoming an ultra sound tech generally requires some formal training, with the most popular form of education being a two-year degree in a field such as medical assisting, as there aren't really any degrees specific to ultrasound technicians. The following schools offer accredited online degree programs in related healthcare fields.

AS in Medical Assisting AS in Health Info Tech	Kaplan University - The medical assisting program from Kaplan University, while not an ultrasound technologist degree program, is a related healthcare service program and 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. Kaplan also offers a program in health information technology.
AS in Health IT	DeVry University - DeVry University is offering a health information technology associate's degree program, though not specifically an ultrasound 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 Mgmt AS in Medical Office Admin	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. The health services management degree is not an ultrasound technician program, but is related to the heathcare field. Graduates of this program will be suited for management positions in hospitals, private practices, home health agencies, and more. Virginia College also offers a degree in medical office administration.
AS in Medical Assisting	Herzing University - The AS in medical assisting online degree program from Herzing University gives students a general introduction to the basic operations of a physician's office, with training in medical examination and laboratory procedures. Please note that this is not an ultrasound technologist degree.
AS in Health IT	Hodges University - Those graduating with an HIT degree from Hodges University's Online are trained to become specialists at overseeing computer information systems, managing patient health information and medical records, programming and coding the diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients. Though this is not specifically a medical ultrasound degree, it could provide a good background.
AAS in Medical Billing	Lincoln College - Lincoln College Online does not have an ultrasound program, but does have related healthcare service programs such as the associate's degree in medical billing and coding which is geared specifically for students looking to advance their careers within the healthcare administration business. Specifically, this degree program will prepare individuals with the skills needed to properly bill patients and health insurance companies, a useful skill in many hospitals, ultrasound facilities, or physician offices.
AS in Health IT AS in Healthcare Admin	Carrington College California - Although this Carrington College California program is not an ultrasound technician degree, students of Carrington College California have two online degree options available to them: the AS in healthcare information technology focuses on the gathering and handling of patient-related health data; the AS in health administration focuses on developing entry-level administrators or administrative assistants within a healthcare setting such as a hospital or lab.
AAS in Health IT	Rasmussen College - The healthcare information technology program allows students to learn medical coding skills when obtaining an A.A.S. degree from Rasmussen College. Note: This is not an ultrasound tech degree. Students learn to the techniques and skills required for maintaining patient files, medical records and disseminating data needed within their medical agency. Enrollees will also be required to receive management and supervisory training.
AS in Medical Assisting 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. Ultrasound techs can have a variety of degrees and healthcare backgrounds, but the BS degree in health science is not a diagnostic ultrasound technician degree. The entirely online coursework focuses on business law, management, medical anatomy, physiology, and more. Keiser also offers an associates degree in medical assisting.
AS in Medical Assisting	San Joaquin Valley College - Though not a specialized sonography program, the AS in medical assisting online degree program from San Joaquin Valley College teaches students essential technical, technological, 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.
AS in Health Administration	Brookline University - Brookline College does not offer an ultrasound tech degree. The AS degree in health administration from Brookline College Online is a two-year program that educates students on the importance of both ethical and practical issues pertaining to 21st century healthcare and healthcare technologies, such as ultrasound.
AS in Health Administration	Iowa Central College - Iowa Central College's AS degree in health care administration is a two-year program that prepares students for the real world of patient care in a health setting, such as hospital, physician office, or medical ultrasound clinic. Please note - this is not a diagnostic medical sonography degree.
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