Community colleges offer class sizes with a low student to teacher ratio. Campuses are typically small in size and several satellite campuses may be located in a general area. Tuition at community colleges often costs less than universities.
Alvin Community College, located in Alvin, Texas offers an associate degree program in diagnostic cardiovascular sonography. The 70 credit hour program will prepare students for a career in either echocardiography or vascular technology. As of 2010, the approximate cost of the program is $6,500. This fee includes tuition, textbooks, insurance, scrubs, parking and fees. Scholarships and financial aid is available to qualifying students.
Austin Community College in Austin, Texas offers diagnostic sonography at its Eastview Campus and Round Rock Campus. Associate degree programs are offered in diagnostic medical sonography and diagnostic cardiac sonography. The courses consist of 72 credit hours of study, including classroom instruction, labratory study and clinical experience. Admission into the program is based on attending required information sessions, sonography lab volunteer sessions, formal patient care education, direct patient care experience, completion of prerequisite courses in math and biology and completion of co-requisite courses.
Argosy University is comprised of five colleges with 19 campus locations throughout the United States. An associate of applied science degree with a concentration in diagnostic medical sonography is offered at its Twin Cities campus in Eagan, Minnesota. 70 credit hours of study, including 21 credit hours of general studies, and six months of clinical training are required for completion of the program within 24 to 39 months. Coursework specific to the program will include anatomy, medical terminology, ultrasound concepts and principals, vascular, abdominal and OB/GYN procedures. Full-time attendance is required.
Keiser University offers an associate's degree in medical diagnostic sonography. The university requires 91 credit hours of study. Classes include diagnostic medical sonography, anatomy, physics, OB/GYN and vascular studies. Clinical rotations are required for degree completion. Keiser's main campus is located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Numerous additional campuses are located throughout Florida.
Jackson Community College offers online classes for completion of an associate's degree in sonography. General sonography, vascular sonography or cardiac sonography concentrations are available. The program requires 12 to 15 months of study after prerequisite courses are completed. Prerequisite courses include biology, anatomy and math. Some classes will require attendance at a campus to fulfill lab requirements. These are full-time academic classes due to the amount of clinical time required. Clinical sites are available in Indiana, Michigan, Virginia, Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico and Florida.
Online courses can also be taken at Mountain State University for an associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography. The program is offered to students nationwide. Prior to acceptance into the program, students must complete prerequisite classes in anatomy, algebra, computer science, English, medical terminology, physics and psychology with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students will need to visit the Berkley, West Virginia campus before beginning clinical training. Clinical training will be arranged by Mountain State coordinators for completion at a facility in your area. The diagnostic medical program accepts new students in the spring and fall.
Upon completion of your associate's degree, you may be qualified to apply for credentials from The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or ARDMS. ARDMS offers the following certifications: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer and Registered Vascular Technologist.