Online sonography programs are the go-to choice for those of you who want to pursue higher education without having to compromise your present career and personal life in general. However, it is always a nagging dilemma when you have to choose among the hundreds of ultrasound tech schools that offer sonography programs online. The good news is that you won’t have to go through all that trouble as we have carefully picked out the best online sonography programs for you. The top selections are Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU), Grand Canyon University, and Keiser University. All three are reputed for their excellent programs with accreditations from major licensing bodies to boot. As you read on, you can get to know more about these institutions’ distance education programs in medical sonography and then be able to decide on which you deem most suited for you.
Adventist University of Health Sciences
Overview:
Formerly known as Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, the Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) is a known leader in healthcare education. It takes pride in its topnotch faculty with an impressive track record and ample experience in both academic and clinical setting. Moreover, Adventist University’s strategic location along downtown Orlando offers students the opportunity to practice and immerse in various clinical areas, foremost of which is Florida Hospital’s first-rate services.
Program Details:
Adventist University’s online Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree program is suited for those of you who prefer and/or need utmost flexibility in finishing the entire coursework. The curriculum is comprised of 61 credit hours or 21 classes all in all.
Adventist University accepts BS in DMS applicants with CAAHEP- accredited diploma, certificate, or an associate degree. Basically, the university’s online ultrasound course offering is a completion degree for ultrasound technicians certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT); American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS); and/or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Other prerequisites include a GPA not lower than 2.50, with no grade below “C” (2.00).
Accreditation:
The Adventist University has obtained accreditations from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Grand Canyon University
Overview:
Since its establishment in 1949, the Grand Canyon University has long been known for its excellent performance in educational services, It may be an old player in the academic field but the institution did not hesitate to break away from the traditional campus-based degree programs. Not only did they fully embrace the concept of distance education of the modern times but became renowned nationwide for providing superior quality online education programs.
Program Details:
Grand Canyon University’s online Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences degree program is a great option for sonographers who want to further their education and enhance their skills without compromising their present job and/or quality time with their loved ones.
There are two categories of applicants: degree-holders and non-degree-holders. Those belonging in the former must bear an associate degree and be a registered in an allied health field from an accredited institution while the latter must have completed a certified program or a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) -accredited program. Candidates in either category must be registered in Sonography, Radiography, Radiologic Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine by the ARDMS, ARRT, or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
Accreditation:
Since 1968, Grand Canyon University has continually been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Other accreditations earned by the university include the Arizona State Board of Education and Arizona Department of Education.
Jackson Community College
Overview:
First established as Jackson Junior College back in 1928, JCC has long been in the business of providing superb education. The past decades saw the institution’s rapid growth, boasting of approximately 9,000 enrollees per year and impressive campus expansions. In 2011, JCC proudly introduced the all-new Health Laboratory Center which will serve primarily as a domain for nursing and allied health programs.
Program Details:
JCC’s Allied Health Department offers three online ultrasound programs: the General Sonography Program, Vascular Sonography Program, and the Cardiac Sonography Program.The General Sonography Program consists of four semesters while the rest consists of three. All programs involve both didactic and practical course work with required minimum supervised clinical hours that vary from 1,040 to 1,350. Since these programs lead to an Associate Degree in Applied Science, those who succesfully complete the course are qualified to take the certification exam administered by the ARDMS and become a registered sonographer.
Accreditation:
All three online programs are accredited by CAAHEP.