Study Sonography: Degrees at a Glance
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).