How To Earn Your Ultrasound Technician Degree

Found programs from 343 schools

As the baby boomer generation ages and become more susceptible to illness, the demand for diagnostic medical imaging is growing.  On this page we'll tell you how to become an ultrasound technician. You'll learn what you need to know about education, certification, and areas of specialization for this career. Choose the schools that interest you and click on "More Info."  Then, from the dropdown box, select a program to get detailed information. 

Specialty Areas You Can Enter with an Ultrasound Tech Major

Ultrasound technology is only one of a number of medical imaging specializations. You can choose an area of focus in sonography, radiology, cardiac, vascular, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and others. 

The primary difference in these specialty areas is the technology used to create the images or the parts of the body that are focused on. 

Ultrasound Technician/Sonogram Technician 

A sonogram technician, also known as an ultrasound technician, specializes in the field of ultrasounds. The sonogram equipment uses sound waves to create an image of the tissues inside the body. The sonogram technician administers ultrasounds to help physicians diagnose and screen medical conditions. Ultrasounds are most commonly known for their use pregnancies so expectant parents can see their unborn baby. They can also be used to the diagnosis of heart disease and cancer. Click here to learn more about sonography education and careers. 

MRI Technician 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technicians operate MRI scanners, which use radio frequencies and magnetic fields to create 3D images of the body. These images assist medical professionals with diagnoses and identifying injuries and illnesses in patients. If you’re interested in learning more information about MRI technicians, visit this page to learn more about careers in MRI and what education you need to become one. 

Radiological Technician 

As a Radiological Technician, you are responsible for taking x-rays, CAT scans, and PET scans, as well as performing duties such as administering dye for diagnostic purposes and preparing patients for x-ray procedures. You are also responsible for organizing and maintaining patient records, as well as managing x-ray, or radiological, equipment. Sound appealing? See our radiology page to learn more about what to expect as a radiological tech and what steps you need to take to become one. 

Cardiovascular Technician 

Cardiac imaging, also known as cardiovascular imaging, can be used to view the heart muscle and tissues and the areas surrounding the heart to diagnose disease and help treat heart and blood vessel problems. Cardiac imaging is a specialty area that requires an associate degree in the field or extra training and a certificate after earning an associate degree in an applied medical field. Additional training outside of the regular associate degree curriculum ensures accurate diagnoses and treatment for patients undergoing diagnostic procedures. 

If you're interested in adding this certification to your previous training, head on over to our cardiac technician page to learn more about this education and career field. 

Vascular Technician 

Vascular technicians are similar to cardiac technicians but their role is a little less specialized and doesn't focus only on the heart. Vascular techs use ultrasound and sometimes other technologies to examine how a patient's blood and oxygen flows through their body and to check for abnormalities in their blood circulation in arteries and veins. If you want to learn more, check out our vascular technologists' page for information on education and careers and to find programs. 

Ultrasound Technician Education Requirements

There are different levels and specializations for medical imaging degrees. Education can progress from an associate, to a bachelor's, to a master's degree and beyond. As you consider which degree program is right for you, you'll also want to think about areas for specialization and certification. Here's some basic information. 

Prerequisites for an Ultrasound Tech Degree

To begin your career path with an associate degree, you'll need to submit an official high school transcript or official GED score (if applicable). Some programs may request SAT or ACT scores. Many programs will also ask for letters of recommendation or references. If you're pursuing a bachelor's degree, in order to enter a medical imaging program, you'll need to have successfully completed general education requirements, pre-admission math and science courses (typically four to six classes), and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.  A master's program will require the successful completion of a bachelor's degree, GRE or MCAT scores, and an official transcript from an accredited institution. 

Associate Degrees in Medical Imaging 

A common path into a medical imaging career is to begin with a two-year associate degree, which will qualify you to earn a license. There are different technology areas you can focus on depending on which field of medical imaging most interests you. Specialization can include sonography, radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, or cardiovascular technology. Each has its own rewards and challenges. 

Generally, regardless of the specialty area you choose, courses in a medical imaging tech program will include:

• Written and oral communications
• Basic physics
• Anatomy and physiology
• Radiographic and medical terminology
• Healthcare skills, such as methods of patient care
• Clinical hours in area of specialization 

Graduating with an associate degree takes at least two years of full-time study. In some cases, because of the clinical requirements, which may include internships, externships, or practicums, it can take longer, sometimes up to three years. 

If you plan to become professionally certified after earning your degree, you'll want to confirm that the program you choose is accredited by a national accrediting agency such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS), or Joint Review Committee in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). 

Even if you think you want to pursue a more advanced degree, it takes less time and costs less to begin your career with an associate degree. Once you have that in hand, you can work to gain important real-world experience while earning an income.

Bachelor's Degrees in Medical Imaging

If you decide to get a bachelor's degree, you'll take additional general classes and more science and math courses. As a result, you'll receive more in-depth instruction, observation, and experience than you'd get through an associate degree program. 

There are different technology areas--sonography, radiology, or cardiac to name a few--that you can specialize in, depending on which field interests you most. No matter which area you choose, you'll study the science and function of the human body and take courses in:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Physics
• Pathology
• Medical terminology
• Science of medical imaging
• Clinical education 

To graduate with a bachelor's degree in Medical Imaging Technology, you'll need to complete at least 120 semester credit hours, including clinical field experience. When you successfully earn the degree, you'll be prepared to take the national credentialing exam in your imaging modality specialty.  

Getting a bachelor's degree is a smart move to advance your career. You'll learn problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as advanced knowledge in your chosen area and solid clinical preparation. In this very competitive field, many employers show a preference for those who've made the commitment needed to complete a bachelor's degree. 

Master's Degree in Medical Imaging

Master's degree programs provide the opportunity to study medical imaging at an advanced level and develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a leader in the field. Graduate programs often have a research and thesis component and may require completion of a clinical preceptorship. 

Master's degree coursework will vary depending on the area of focus. Those interested in administration or teaching will complete coursework on leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Clinical graduate students in medical imaging learn the latest techniques and methods for advanced image analysis and diagnosis. Specialization programs may include:

• Advanced Human Anatomy
• Advanced Image Analysis
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Pathologic Pattern Recognition
• Current Topics in Medical Imaging Technology
• Clinical Internship 

A master's in medical imaging will prepare you for clinical work using advanced imaging techniques, diagnostic procedures, and patient care. You'll also need a master's degree if you're interested in becoming an administrator or educator. 

In addition to hospitals and medical offices, companies that make and sell medical imaging equipment seek to hire people who have a good education, knowledge, and experience with medical imaging technology. 

Medical Imaging Certificates

In order to work in the field, some medical imaging specialty areas require certification. Requirements vary from state to state. Even when it's not required, however, you'll have access to better career opportunities and earning potential if you hold one or more professional certifications. 

How Long Does an Ultrasound Technician Education Take? 

The answer to that question depends on the degree program you choose. If you already have healthcare training, you can probably qualify for a 12-month certificate program. For students just starting out, an associate degree will likely take two years, or less in some cases. You can find bachelor's programs in ultrasound and medical imaging, which follow a standard four-year track. In many cases you can get your certification before completing your bachelor's degree. 

How Much Does Ultrasound Technician Training Cost? 

The cost for sonography programs can vary greatly. Certificate programs costs can range from $5,000 to $25,000, while an associate degree can run from $6,000 to $40,000.

By the time you complete your bachelor's level education in sonography you could spend almost $50,000. That's why you need to shop around and compare all your options for training.

Once you find schools with curriculum that could lead to your desired specialization, check out the cost and financial aid options. Many schools have financial aid advisors who can help you map a strategy to afford your education, with as little stress as possible. If you already are working as a medical imaging technician and want to get a certificate or more advanced education, check if your employer will reimburse you for any of the costs. 

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 

When you review the requirements for any ultrasound technician education program, make sure you choose a school recognized by CAAHEP. They are the number one accrediting body for top healthcare education programs. 

Even if your state does not regulate the field of sonography, your employer will likely want to know you went to a CAAHEP approved school. This is also essential for qualifying for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exam. 

Regardless of the degree you earn, everyone who would like to work as an ultrasound technician must be aware of the licensing and credentialing requirements for each state. Make sure to check out the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examinations and certification requirements so you have the best opportunity in your career. 

Working with an Ultrasound Degree

There are many different jobs you can pursue within the field of medical imaging. Even though you may focus on a different area of the human body or work with a specific technology or population, there are many similarities between these positions. 

First of all, you need to be a caring and empathic individual. There is so much more to medical imaging than the science and skills required to run the equipment and diagnose or treat illnesses. You will be the one who makes patients feel at ease before and during procedures. 

Like other healthcare professionals such as medical assistants and nurses, people who work in medical imaging are on their feet throughout the day. You will also have to help position patients, which adds a bit of physical activity to your job, so it helps to be in pretty good shape and enjoy interacting with others. 

Physicians will expect you to be highly organized and accurate when taking patient histories and recording information. These are things you should keep in mind when determining if this is the best career path for you.  

Differences between Ultrasound Careers: Picking a Specialty

The medical imaging field includes many different technologies and populations, so you have plenty of choices for specialization. Ultrasound imaging produces computerized images from sound waves reflected by internal organs and interior body parts. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency to provide visualization of the body's internal structures. Molecular imaging uses small amounts of radioactive markers to produce details of the structure and function of organs and tissues. 

Different kinds of patients have different needs. You may find you prefer to work with a certain population group such as children, women, or the elderly. Each has its own unique set of challenges and rewards. 

As you consider specializing, here are some things to think about that may help your decision-making process:

• Your level of interest in the intellectual content of the specialty
• The type of patients you'd work with
• Your personality match with the specialty
• Market demand and job opportunities
• Income potential
• Quality of life
• Issues facing the specialty area
• Research opportunities

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers specialty exams in abdominal/small parts, Ob/gyn, vascular, and breast. You can hold more than one credential, which can increase your value, marketability, and income. 

To find a program near you, use the search box or click on a school's name.

Show me all the Ultrasound programs in:

In addition to the campus based programs, there are a handful of online programs available for the common ultrasound/sonography degree types (Associate, Bachelors, Certificate/Diploma) and specialties. Please feel free to use the links on the left-hand side of this page to explore some of the online degree programs available. Thanks for visiting!