Sonography Degrees: Associate's, Bachelor's & Certification Info

About this article
An associate's or bachelor's degree in sonography can lead to a career as a medical sonographer. Get the truth about requirements, courses and online options, and find out what you can do with your training.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's

Study Sonography: Degrees at a Glance

View available schools

Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to image internal organs and other structures of the human body. Degree programs in this field are offered at community colleges, universities and other educational facilities. Most degree programs are offered under the title of diagnostic medical sonography, though programs also are offered as general and vascular sonography or just sonography.

Job opportunities in this field were expected to increase faster than average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that positions for diagnostic medical sonographers would increase 44% between 2010 and 2020.

Associate's Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? People who want to help assess and diagnose medical conditions People interested in furthering their career
Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) - Vascular technologists ($52,000)**
- Diagnostic medical sonographers ($66,000)*
Same as associate's
Time to Completion 1-2 years 2-4 years
Common Graduation Requirements - Coursework
- Clinicals
Same as associate's degree
Prerequisites - High school diploma or GED - Certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
- Previous sonography coursework
- Prerequisite courses
Online Availability Rare Yes

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **BLS (May 2011 figures, includes cardiovascular technologists and technicians).

1
/3
  • At a Glance
  • Associate's
  • Bachelor's