A bachelors in sonography is often seen as a popular choice for students wanting to become diagnostic medical sonographers, and it’s not difficult to understand why.
Ultrasonography is one of the few disciplines in healthcare which continues to benefit from phenomenal growth, even when many other areas are experiencing cutbacks. One of the key reasons for this is because sonography is a really versatile tool. Not only is it invaluable in the diagnosis of illnesses and health problems, but ultrasound technology is increasingly being used in the treatment of some medical conditions.
To help students to become the sonographers of tomorrow, bachelors in sonography degree programs are readily available from many universities and colleges throughout the United States. If you are a dedicated and caring individual who enjoys working with people, you may well find that taking a bachelors in sonography qualification will be the perfect education route to a rewarding, challenging and well paid career.
But there are several different ways to become qualified as an ultrasound technician, and some of these paths can take far less than the four years needed for a bachelor’s degree. So what are the actual benefits of taking a bachelors in sonography compared to other types of ultrasound courses?
What Exactly Is Sonography?
Sonography (or ultrasound) is a medical diagnostic procedure where ultra-high frequency sound-waves are used to create an image of body structures in real time.
Some of the more common uses are to monitor blood flow, examine internal organs, look at soft tissues and monitor the development of babies. Once these images have been captured, they are provided to physicians and doctors to aid with diagnosis.
Sonography is the preferred choice for analysis because it relies on harmless sound waves, and is completely safe and non-invasive (unlike x-rays)
Which Ultrasound Technicians Programs Are Available?
To be accepted for a basic entry-level sonographer position, you’ll need to earn some form of recognized qualification. If you are already employed in healthcare or have some medical skills, taking a diagnostic medical sonography diploma or certificate course is enough to get you started. Both these course are relatively short, usually with a term of between 9 and 18 months.
If you lack prior experience or want a more substantial level of training, associates or bachelors in sonography programs may be more suitable. Offering progressively more advanced training, associates degrees take two years and bachelors degrees four years to complete.
All four programs will give you a recognized sonography qualification. The major differences between them are:
- Course Length. Certificate and diploma courses are the shortest, whilst a bachelors in sonography is the longest.
- Depth of Knowledge. Associates and bachelors degree programs go into far more detail, and usually include additional specializations within the course.
- Amount of Practical Experience. Due to the longer term, a bachelors in sonography course incorporates far more practical time developing your skills.
What Are The Benefits Of A Bachelors In Sonography?
Holding a bachelors in sonography will give you six major advantages over sonographers who have lesser qualifications:
- Greater Expertise. Because you’ll be able to devote more time to your studies, you’ll be more proficient.
- Better Job Selection. Some of the more sought after jobs are only open to those with bachelor’s degrees.
- Management Potential. A bachelors in sonography is usually needed if you intend progressing into management.
- Higher Status. Bachelor’s degree holders are considered as the most qualified class of sonographers.
- Specialization Opportunities. As part of the bachelors in sonography course structure, you’ll receive specialized training in areas like Doppler sonography, color-flow, OBGYN, cardiosonography and abdominal sonography.
- Better Pay. By having a more advanced qualification, you’ll often earn an increased sonographer salary.
Is A Bachelors In Sonography Degree Right For You?
If you feel able to invest the time, a bachelors in sonography is the best all-round ultrasound technician and diagnostic medical sonographer qualification. You’ll have significantly more career opportunities open to you, plus an enhanced income for the duration of your career.
Taking all these factors into account, it’s not hard to see why many students decide to take bachelors in sonography programs.