Medical sonographers are in high demand and report high salaries. Discover the best diagnostic medical sonography programs to earn your degree.
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Updated on May 24, 2024
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Lorraine Mumby is an editor for BestColleges who focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools to succeed and have meaningful, equitable educational experiences. Lorraine has a bachelor's degre...
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By
Contributing Writer
An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Lorraine Mumby is an editor for BestColleges who focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is passionate about equipping students with the tools to succeed and have meaningful, equitable educational experiences. Lorraine has a bachelor's degre...
Updated on May 24, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
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Diagnostic medical sonographers use high-tech medical equipment to create images of body parts and systems. They specialize in areas such as prenatal ultrasounds, echocardiography, and vascular technology. These in-demand medical professionals earned a median pay of over $80,000 per year in May 2022 data, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Earning your bachelor’s from a diagnostic medical sonography program means more career opportunities and a higher earning potential. Keep reading to learn more about the best diagnostic medical sonography programs to advance your career.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Bachelor's in Medical Sonography Programs
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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#1 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,795
Out-of-State | $4,795
Credits to Graduate: 41
UNMC's online BS in diagnostic medical sonography prepares entry-level sonographers. The program is open to radiography graduates and is the only degree of its kind in the Midwest. You can pursue the BS on campus in Omaha or at satellites in Kearney, Nebraska, or Lebanon, Oregon.
The one-year curriculum offers a generalized track in abdominal and OB/GYN ultrasound and a cardiovascular track. You'll take lectures and complete about 1,000 hours of clinical education.
Each track requires professional activities that enhance enrollees' job-seeking skills, such as resume writing and interviewing. Applicants to the program must have 79 transferable semester credits and a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,340
Out-of-state
$30,510
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,207
Out-of-state
$26,379
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,750
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Bellin College
Green Bay, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $363-$1,059
Out-of-State | $363-$1,059
Credits to Graduate: 120
Bellin's BS in diagnostic medical sonography (BSDMS) produces sonographers with leadership and management skills. The three-year program offers general vascular and cardiovascular concentrations. The general vascular concentration offers a minor in adult echocardiography.
In addition to didactic coursework, all students complete more than 1,200 clinical hours at assigned sites in the Green Bay area. Bellin operates a sonography lab with ultrasound machines and other state-of-the-art equipment.
Graduates can pursue American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certification in OB/GYN, abdomen, vascular technology, and sonography principles and instrumentation. The program's small student-to-faculty ratio promotes individualized learning. Admission requires a high school diploma.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$21,050
Out-of-state
$21,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,200
Out-of-state
$21,200
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
Diagnostic Medical Sonography ProgramHow to Become a Medical Sonographer | BestColleges.com12 Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in California – 2024
405
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Accreditation
Yes
#3 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,975-$4,770
Out-of-State | $9,105-$10,926
Credits to Graduate: 120
The BS in diagnostic medical sonography at UAMS offers a cohort learning experience on campuses in Little Rock and Fayetteville. Recent cohorts had 100% graduation and employment rates. Students enter the 73-credit curriculum with pre-professional coursework.
The BS provides training in abdominal, vascular, cardiac, and gynecological sonography. You'll also have the opportunity to choose a concentration in vascular sonography or adult echocardiography.
Participants examine current healthcare issues and the healthcare system in the United States. After graduating you can sit for the board examination to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Admission requires 47 credits in pre-professional coursework and a minimum GPA of 2.5 on transfer credits.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,708
Out-of-state
$14,448
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,834
Out-of-state
$19,822
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,240
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Seattle University
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,236
Out-of-State | $1,236
Credits to Graduate: 180
SU's BS in diagnostic ultrasound (BS DIUS) blends Jesuit educational principles and state-of-the-art sonography training. The program is open to first-year applicants and students with transfer credits.
Course topics include cardiac sonography, ultrasound physics, ultrasound instrumentation, and leadership in health equity. You can personalize the BS with a general track or specialized vascular or cardiac training.
An internship component gives you hands-on clinical experience at a partnering location in Seattle or elsewhere in the United States. SU charges the same per-credit tuition rate for out-of-state students. You'll also benefit from steep tuition discounts for summer terms. Applicants must submit all school transcripts.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$48,510
Out-of-state
$48,510
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,770
Out-of-state
$13,770
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
7,121
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Accreditation
Yes
#5 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $52,670
Out-of-State | $52,670
Credits to Graduate: 121
Producing sonographers with clinical training in multiple sonography subspecialties is a hallmark of QU BS in diagnostic medical sonography. The program is housed on campus in Hamden, Connecticut, and has a 100% licensure/certification pass rate.
Students receive an introduction to medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and methods of patient care. In addition to sonography courses, you'll complete at least 1,400 hours of clinical hours covering five separate rotations at affiliated locations across Connecticut.
The rotations include breast, vascular, and abdominal and musculoskeletal imaging. The program accepts transfer students depending on available slots. Admission requires a high school diploma and college prep coursework for first-year applicants.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$48,680
Out-of-state
$48,680
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,530
Out-of-state
$19,530
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
8,788
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Accreditation
Yes
#6 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,160
Out-of-State | $2,160
Credits to Graduate: 125
RIT's BS in diagnostic medical sonography emphasizes rigorous clinical training and preparedness to sit for national board examinations. The program enrolls both first-year students and transfers with credits or an associate degree.
You'll receive training for sonography careers and have a pathway to medical school and other graduate healthcare programs. The 125-credit curriculum covers topics such as patient care, sonography physics and instrumentation, obstetrical sonography, and gynecological sonography.
A one-year clinical internship gives you experience at RIT's state-of-the-art ultrasound lab and partnering clinics and hospitals. Admission requires college preparatory coursework for first-year applicants; transfer applicants must have a minimum "C" grade.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$50,225
Out-of-state
$50,225
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$52,092
Out-of-state
$52,092
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
16,615
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Accreditation
Yes
#7 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $614-$644
Out-of-State | $874-$903
Credits to Graduate: 150
At Grand Valley State University, students can complete the BS in diagnostic medical sonography in just 21 months. The lectures, lab work, and clinical courses prepare you to sit for national board registration before you even graduate.
Prospective students must have at least two years of general education and prerequisite coursework to enroll. Enrollees start and move through the program as part of a small cohort. The curriculum includes coursework on patient care, medical ethics and law, research, and sonographic specialties.
A rotation of clinical placements ensures you'll have practical experience in a variety of settings. The program begins in the fall and requires all school transcripts for admission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,952
Out-of-state
$19,856
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,346
Out-of-state
$14,346
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
21,648
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Widener University
Chester, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $900
Out-of-State | $900
Credits to Graduate: 121-123
The BS in diagnostic medical sonography at Widener involves a unique partnership between the school and Crozer-Keystone Health System in Pennsylvania. The degree prepares enrollees to sit for national board certification.
Students can complete the degree's prerequisite general education requirements online at Widener or transfer the credits. The major provides training in areas such as small parts, pediatric, and vascular sonography.
Participants complete 1,600 clinical hours at Crozer and its partnering sites. Competitive tuition may help add to the program's appeal. Admission requires 61 credits of prerequisite courses and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$48,724
Out-of-state
$48,724
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$25,100
Out-of-state
$25,100
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
5,416
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Accreditation
Yes
#9 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Lincoln, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $638
Out-of-State | $638
Credits to Graduate: 120-125
BCHS's BS in health professions is a customizable curriculum with cardiovascular and diagnostic medical sonography specialties. Students can complete the degree on campus in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 3.5-4 years.
Each program requires 44-50 credits in general education coursework and courses in either specialty. You'll complete a vascular sonography minor in the diagnostic medical sonography program. The cardiovascular program includes specialties in adult cardiac and vascular sonography.
Depending on their specialty, participants get hands-on training during 1,111-1,549 clinical hours. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and a minimum high school GPA of 2.75.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,716
Out-of-state
$16,716
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,328
Out-of-state
$23,328
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
744
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Year:
In-State | $23,117
Out-of-State | $23,117
Credits to Graduate: 96
NSU's BS in medical sonography prepares enrollees to sit for the registry examination before they graduate in 27 months. The program's small class sizes offer a more personalized learning experience. Students can take some courses online and complete didactic sonography courses on campus in Fort Lauderdale.
Key healthcare topics include healthcare and aging, health policy, and healthcare ethics. You'll choose from three concentrations: abdominal sonography, vascular sonography, or obstetrics and gynecology sonography.
Participants learn to use the state-of-the-art machinery used in hospitals and laboratories. A 12-month externship places students at key clinical sites in central Florida and across the country. Admission requires 30 credits of prerequisite courses and a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$33,510
Out-of-state
$33,510
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,153
Out-of-state
$21,153
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
20,939
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Accreditation
Yes
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
You can become a diagnostic medical sonographer in as little as one year. If you have prior healthcare training, one-year certificate programs can add sonographer skills to your resume. Sonographers without prior experience can pursue a two-year associate degree. However, earning your bachelor’s in diagnostic medical sonography can mean more career options and a higher earning potential.
During a diagnostic medical sonographer program, you’ll take courses on human anatomy and physiology. Programs also cover medical terminology and sonography theory, with an emphasis on career-ready skills. You’ll complete clinical training to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting.
What Can You Do with a Medical Sonography Degree?
A degree in medical sonography can prepare you for a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer, ultrasound technician, or a position in another sonography specialization. During a bachelor’s degree program, you’ll expand your expertise and gain specialized knowledge and skills. For example, you can specialize in vascular technology or cardiac sonography.
By attending an accredited medical sonography program, you’ll qualify for professional certifications and state licensures, as well. While not every state requires a license for sonographers, an accredited degree program offers the best career preparation. Employers may prefer to hire graduates from an accredited program, and students can typically only transfer credits and access federal financial aid if their program is accredited.
After completing your degree program, you can showcase your skills with a professional certification. Several organizations offer certifications for medical sonographers, including the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
The Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree in Sonography
The cost of a bachelor’s in sonography varies depending on the program. For instance, at Seattle University, you’ll pay $53,235 per year in tuition for the bachelor’s in diagnostic ultrasound program. The diagnostic medical sonography program at the University of Arkansas, on the other hand, costs less than $10,000 per year in tuition for in-state learners.
If you have a certificate in sonography or an associate degree, you’ll save time and money when earning your bachelor’s degree.
You can also save money by choosing an affordable online program and researching financial aid opportunities. If you attend an accredited college, you’ll qualify for more scholarships and grants.
How Much Money Can You Make with a Bachelor’s in Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
Earning your bachelor’s in diagnostic medical sonography can pay off. Diagnostic medical sonographers reported a median pay of $81,350 in May 2022, according to BLS data. The highest-paid sonographers earned a median of more than $107,000 per year.
Medical sonographers working in outpatient care centers earned the highest salaries, with a median of nearly $108,000. Sonographers working in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories reported median salaries ranging from $79,000-$82,000.
Demand for sonographers remains high, with 10% projected job growth from 2022-2032. That’s much faster than the average job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs
Is a bachelor's in diagnostic medical sonography worth it?
Yes, a bachelor's in diagnostic medical sonography can pay off. You'll gain in-demand clinical skills while expanding your job opportunities. While you can become a sonographer with an associate degree, a bachelor's degree gives you greater specialization options.
How long do diagnostic medical sonographers go to school?
Diagnostic medical sonographers typically spend 1-4 years in school. If you already have a healthcare degree, you can complete a one-year certificate program. Other tracks include a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree.
Does a sonographer make more than a radiologist?
No, sonographers do not earn more than radiologists, who are medical doctors. However, sonography offers a comparable earning potential to many radiology careers. For example, diagnostic medical sonographers made a median salary of $81,350 in May 2022, according to BLS data, while radiation therapists earned $89,530 (BLS, May 2022).
What is the difference between a diagnostic medical sonographer and a sonographer?
A diagnostic medical sonographer is also known as a sonographer or ultrasound tech. These allied health professionals use sound waves to create images of body parts and systems. Sonographers can specialize in many areas, including cardiology, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology.
What is the highest degree in diagnostic medical sonography?
A bachelor's degree is the highest degree for diagnostic medical sonographers. However, you can consider graduate programs in healthcare management or medical school to advance your career. You can also pursue a graduate degree to become a medical sonography educator.
