How long does it take to become a Sonographer?

Comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs vary in length from one to four years depending on the degree or certificate awarded. Prerequisites also vary among programs from high school diploma or GED to specific qualifications in a related allied health profession.

The SDMS recommends that prospective students select a reputable program that follows minimum curriculum and clinical education standards recognized by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS.) The SDMS does not recommend training programs that provide limited opportunity for students to apply classroom instruction and technical skills in patient care settings (clinical rotations). When seeking a reputable program, candidates might wish to consult the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) which accredits diagnostic medical sonography programs in the United States. A list of accredited programs is available on CAAHEP’s web site, www.caahep.org.

Here in Australia, you first need a medical imaging undergraduate degree (Diagnostic Radiography or Nuclear Medicine), which takes three years plus a one year internship. Sonography is then another two years post-graduate study, but you need a training position at a centre to do most of the course.

@FireMadeFlesh – you an also do sonography post grad here in Australia with a nursing degree. It is just harder to get a training position.

@Harold Thanks, I had forgotten that.

@Smith84 Do you mean defiantly or definitely?

ultrasound sonography is a medical programme and therefore suppose to be offered in a six year duration but it dependens on the university and the country you are in. In Ghana you have to do a four year degree programme in one of the traditional university (knust) after which you May do a two year- masters programme in another university (UGH legon) to be a doctor of sonography but not a mere sonographer.