online sonography or radiology school

anstew83 · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

I am a mom with little kids and I cannot possibly go back to school full time right now. I have a bachelor of arts degree, so I can go straight into most ultrasound programs. I am in Colorado. My question is, are there any schools that offer an online program and then maybe an internship in a hospital? I would do either an ultrasound or radiology program.

I think I am probably out of luck and will have to wait 7 years or so until we are done having kids. But any help would be appreciated. Thanks

hjhogle · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:47 am Post subject:

Online education in imaging is restricted to programs geared toward those who are already certified in the field who want to finish their degrees.

And that's a good thing. Imaging of any type is very much an applications profession. We begin intensive training in the clinical environment at the start of the educational process.. there's no way to "learn" what we do without practicing it, and the only way to practice is to do.

What you can do in preparation is to select an accredited imaging program (attending a program that is not accredited will mean that you will not be eligible to take the national certification exam).

To find a list of accredited programs, check
1) the ARRT website (the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, our national certifying agency) here - http://www.arrt.org/index.html?content=http://www.arrt.org/nd/listOfSchools.ndm/listSchools&iframe=yes

2. take a look at the ARDMS website (the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography) here - http://www.ardms.org/default.asp?ContentID=191&order=2. While they do not list accredited programs directly on their site as the ARRT does, they do send you to the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) website here: http://www.caahep.org/Find_An_Accredited_Program.aspx Look for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

Once you've identified a potential accredited program, find out what the prerequisites for that program are. Are you weak in math? Take online courses to satisfy those requirements. Talk to the Program Directors at the program you're interested in - are there things you can take which will make you a more attractive candidate? Competition for space in imaging programs of all types is rough these days. The more things you can do to make yourself a more qualified candidate, the better your chances of getting in when you are ready to return to school full time.

And, in the intervening years, you may discover that something else suits you as well or better.

Good luck.
hjh

anstew83 · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

Thank you very much for your response. I pretty much knew that you can't possibly learn ultrasound online, but I guess it was worth a shot. I do have a school in mind, so I will call them and see what I can do to be prepared for the program. Thanks again