Is an Associate Degree in Sonography Right for You?
Sonography is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to see inside the human body. Diagnostic medical sonographers use a device called a transducer to visualize a patient’s anatomy, physiology, and any potential pathology. They also create reports and videos for doctors to review.
If you want a career where you’re directly involved in patient care and have a knack for technology, then sonography may be a good fit for you.
This guide provides an overview of the associate degree in sonography, including education requirements, career paths, specializations, and resources for job searching.
What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do?
Sonographers, also called ultrasound technicians, use specialized imaging equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. Here’s a closer look at their responsibilities:
Key responsibilities
- Operating ultrasound equipment. Sonographers use transducers to create images of the inside of the body and adjust the equipment settings to get the clearest possible picture.
- Patient interaction and care. They explain the procedure to patients, answer any questions, and make sure the patient is comfortable and safe.
- Image analysis and reporting. Sonographers look at the images they’ve created to identify anatomical structures and any abnormalities. Then, they prepare reports and videos for the doctors who will use the images to diagnose and treat patients.
Sonographer or ultrasound technician: What’s the difference?
The terms “sonographer” and “ultrasound technician” are often used as synonyms. However, “sonographer” is generally the preferred term. Some medical facilities use the terms to denote differences in experience or expertise.
Why choose a career in sonography?
If you’re thinking about a career in sonography, here are a few reasons why it’s a good choice:
- Good job outlook: The field is expected to grow about 10% between 2022 and 2032, which is about average.
- Good salary: The median salary for medical sonographers was about $84,470 in May 2023.
- Meaningful work: Sonographers help doctors diagnose and monitor all kinds of medical conditions.
- Variety and opportunity for specialization: As a sonographer, you can choose to specialize in one area of the body or another.
How to get an associate degree in sonography
If you’re interested in becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer, you’ll likely need to earn an associate degree to get started.
Program overview
These programs typically require coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and, of course, sonography techniques. A lot of programs are hybrid, so you’ll take classes online and gain real-world experience in a clinic or hospital setting.
If you’re looking for a program, make sure it’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited school will make you eligible for certification exams.
Admission requirements
Most programs require some science prerequisites, such as anatomy, physics, and human biology. You may also need to have taken some math courses.
You’ll probably need to provide transcripts from your previous schooling, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Some programs require you to take a pre-entrance exam, like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
What to look for in a sonography program
When you’re trying to decide where to pursue your degree in sonography, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind.
Accreditation
It’s important to choose a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality. Also, many certification exams require that you’ve graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program.
Clinical experience
It’s best to choose a program that offers plenty of hands-on clinical experience. Look for programs that offer internships, practicums, or field placements.
Specialization options
Make sure the program you choose offers the area of specialization you’re most interested in. Some common specializations are abdominal sonography, breast sonography, cardiac sonography, OB/GYN sonography, and vascular sonography.
Program costs and financial aid
Tuition and fees can vary widely. According to EducationData.org, tuition at a public two-year college averages $3,564 per year for in-state students. Be sure to research the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, and explore any scholarships or grants that may be available to help you manage the costs of the program.
Sonography Specializations: A Deeper Dive
A great thing about sonography is that you can specialize in a certain area, from scanning hearts to imaging muscles. Here’s a quick look at some of the more common sonography specialties:
Abdominal Sonography
- Focus: Imaging organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys
- Certification: The ARDMS offers certification in abdominal sonography.
Breast Sonography
- Focus: Imaging breast tissue to find any problems
- Certification: The ARDMS offers certification in breast sonography.
Echocardiography (Cardiac Sonography)
- Focus: Imaging the heart to see how it’s structured and how well it’s working
- Certification: CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International) and the ARDMS offer echocardiography certifications.
Obstetric and Gynecologic (OB/GYN) Sonography
- Focus: Imaging the female reproductive system, as well as imaging a developing fetus during pregnancy
- Certification: The ARDMS offers certification in OB/GYN sonography.
Vascular Sonography
- Focus: Imaging blood vessels to see how the blood is flowing and to find any problems
- Certification: The ARDMS offers certification in vascular sonography.
Musculoskeletal Sonography
- Focus: Imaging muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints
- Certification: The ARDMS offers certification in musculoskeletal sonography.
Certification and licensure in sonography
Once you’ve completed your associate’s degree, you may want to think about getting certified or licensed.
Why certification matters
Certification shows that you’ve mastered the skills needed to be a sonographer, and it can open doors to career advancement. Many employers either require certification or give preference to those who have it.
Key certification organizations
There are a few important organizations that offer certification. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers certifications in a wide range of sonography specialties. Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers certifications in echocardiography and vascular technology.
Licensure requirements
In some states, sonographers are required to be licensed. Check with your state to see what the requirements are. Licensure usually involves passing a certification exam and meeting other requirements.
Career Resources and Job Search Strategies
So, you’ve got your associate degree in sonography! Now what? Here’s how to get yourself out there and find a job.
Online Job Boards
There are lots of online places to look for a job. General job sites like Indeed.com and Pronto.com sometimes list sonography positions. But you might also want to check out a more specialized job site like UltrasoundJOBS.
Networking and Professional Organizations
Getting out there and meeting people in the field is a great way to learn about job openings. Consider attending industry conferences and workshops to meet other professionals. You might also want to join a professional association like the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS).
Resume and Interview Tips
When you’re putting together your resume, be sure to emphasize your clinical experience and technical skills. And when you’re preparing for interviews, take some time to research common interview questions and practice your responses. Good luck!
The Bottom Line
Getting an associate degree is the first step toward a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer. After you earn your degree, you’ll want to specialize in a particular type of sonography and then get certified. After that, you can begin your job search.
Sonography can be a deeply rewarding career, with plenty of room for growth and specialization. If you’re interested in helping people while working with cutting-edge technology, sonography might be the perfect fit.
Do some research to find the programs and career paths that best match your interests and goals. Your future is waiting!