Are you planning to enter a sonography program in your state, but are confused about what to look for in a sonography education program? Are you ready to enroll, but are unsure if the sonography program you choose is a good fit for you?
This article is about what to look for in a sonography education program that can help you establish your career as a sonographer.
Finding the Right Sonography Education Program
When you are looking for a sonography school, it is important to look for a school and program that best suits your academic needs. Now, we will discuss some of the key factors you should consider when you look for a sonography program.
Begin with making a list of all the schools that offer sonography programs in your preferred location. Filter the schools that offer a program that best suits your preferences. Make your list of schools based on the following details:
- Whether it is an online program or an on-campus program.
- The duration of the program.
- The fees for the program.
- The reputation of the school.
Once the list is ready, here are some other details you should consider before enrolling in the program.
- Accreditation
- Training in Specialities
- Tuition Fees
- Location
- Training Facilities
- Career Assistance
ACCREDITATION
The first thing you should consider when looking for the right sonography program is accreditation and approvals. A school that is accredited has met certain standards in order to train and educate its students. Look for a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Accreditations are essential standards set for sonography schools that ensure you get the most effective education from accredited schools.
TRAINING IN SPECIALITIES
The second most important factor to consider when looking for the right sonography program is the courses offered by the school for sonographers. Also, check if the school offers online or on-campus courses for the program in which you want to enroll.
It is important to note what training will be offered along with the sonography program. Every sonography program does not offer specialty training. If the school doesn’t offer it with the program, check if the school offers it separately.
TUITION FEES
The next important factor to consider when you are looking for a sonography program is the tuition fee for the program, as well as the financial aid offered by the school. The tuition fees differ for every school and that is based on many factors. The following are a few factors:
- Public schools and private schools charge different tuition fees.
- Students from out-of-state or in-state must pay different tuition fees.
Most schools offer financial assistance to students who are eligible. Those schools also offer scholarships for students to help them with their finances. Scholarship policies differ from school to school, so it is better to enquire the school about the scholarship and financial aid before enrolling in the program.
LOCATION
The next important factor to consider while choosing a school is where the school is located. Choose a school that is close to your area if you do not want to travel long distances. It is necessary to consider the size of the school.
You can also check with the school whether they offer online sonography courses that can better fit your schedule. Some schools offer both online and in-person courses, whereas other schools offer only in-person courses. Sometimes clinical training may require traveling a long distance from your area.
TRAINING FACILITIES
The fifth important factor to consider when selecting a school is if the school offers training facilities for students. The most important factor is hands-on experience, which is required as a sonographer in the healthcare industry.
Also, make sure that the school is affiliated with a hospital or healthcare center. Being affiliated with healthcare centers helps students practice their sonography skills and gain more hands-on training. Each state has different training requirements to certify a student as a sonographer.
CAREER ASSISTANCE
The last factor that you should consider when looking for a sonography education program is if the school offers career assistance and a career path to the students. Most schools offer career assistance to students, but some may not. Career assistance helps you find job opportunities in your area. The career path is also an important factor to be aware of as a sonographer. Sonographers are also called Ultrasound technicians.
The title may vary for them, but the roles and responsibilities of a sonographer remain the same. Sonographers work in the following places:
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
- Outpatient care centers
- Offices of physicians
Wrapping Up
The most crucial part of starting your career as a sonographer is choosing the right Sonography program. Researching these aspects when looking for a sonography education program can help to narrow your list. Choosing the right sonography education program in a reputable school can help you build your career as a skilled and qualified sonographer in your state.
If you are passionate about becoming a sonographer in your state, make sure to use our free SPI practice test to help you efficiently prepare for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A SONOGRAPHER?
To become a sonographer, it generally takes 1 to 3 years. The duration depends on the type of course or program you choose. A 2-year degree program is the most common option chosen by students. There are also bachelor’s degrees and one-year certification courses available.
2. HOW DO YOU BECOME A SONOGRAPHER?
There are a few requirements to become a sonographer. They are the following:
- You must have a high school diploma.
- Enroll in the sonography program.
- You must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam.
- Become a certified sonographer.
- Specialize as a sonographer.
3. CAN I GET MY SONOGRAPHY CERTIFICATION ONLINE?
Because of the hands-on training requirements for the clinical section of the sonography program, it is challenging to find online certification courses in this field. But, most of the accredited online sonography courses offer a similar syllabus to what is offered in offline education. Most of the courses provide the following:
- Video tutorials.
- Study guides.
- Reading and theory.
- Assessments.
4. IS SONOGRAPHY A GOOD CAREER CHOICE?
Sonography is one of the highest-paying jobs achieved with a two-year degree. Currently, Sonographers rank in the 1st position in the best healthcare support jobs. Also according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of sonographers growth of 10 percent is projected from 2021 to 2031.
