The Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) is the regulatory organization that accredits all training courses in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), including online programs.
The CAAHEP currently recognizes three schools that offer DMS training in an online distance learning format: Washburn University, Jackson Community College and Mountain State University.
Washburn University offers a 24-month certificate with an emphasis in general and vascular sonography, a 14-month certificate in cardiac sonography and a 14-month certificate in vascular sonography. Jackson Community College offers an associate in applied science with a major in general sonography, vascular sonography or cardiac sonography. Mountain State University offers a certificate, associate degree and bachelor's degree in DMS.
All didactic coursework is delivered through a web-based platform where students can access course materials, video lectures, assignments, quizzes and examinations at any time from any place.
Coursework typically includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ethics, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, pathology, sonographic procedures and diagnostic interpretation. Clinical training in an on-campus laboratory or at a hospital or medical center in the student's resident area is also required.