Ultrasound Technician Courses

Understanding the coursework required for a diagnostic medical sonography program is key to preparing for this career. Accredited ultrasound technician programs provide the specialized education and hands-on training necessary to develop the skills needed in medical imaging.

A well-structured sonography program course list includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. Students learn about ultrasound physics, cross-sectional anatomy, and Doppler imaging, alongside essential patient care techniques. These classes in sonography school prepare students to operate ultrasound equipment, analyze diagnostic images, and communicate findings effectively within a healthcare team.

Because admission to sonography programs is competitive, it’s helpful to understand the coursework required before beginning your studies. Sonographers must have a strong foundation in biology, physics, medical technology, and patient care to excel in the field.

As part of a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree program, students complete rigorous coursework covering key areas of diagnostic imaging. These courses prepare graduates to work effectively in clinical settings and meet the certification requirements needed for employment.

Ultrasound Technician Course Requirements

To become a diagnostic medical sonographer, students must complete both prerequisite coursework and specialized sonography training. Most programs separate these into general education requirements and professional-level DMS courses. While requirements vary by program, most CAAHEP-accredited programs require at least a 2.5 GPA and documented observation hours before admission. Expect to take coursework in anatomy, math, and physics prior to entering the core sonography program.

Prerequisite Ultrasound Courses

• Anatomy and Physiology – Foundation for understanding human structures and organ systems. Often completed in two sequential semesters.
• College Algebra – Strengthens the math skills needed for physics and imaging calculations.
• General Physics – Introduces wave properties, motion, and energy, providing background for sonographic physics.
• English Composition or Public Speaking – Required for effective written and verbal communication in clinical settings.
• Biological Sciences – May include Microbiology, Pathophysiology, or advanced Biology related to human health.
• Psychology or Sociology – Covers patient interaction, behavior, and healthcare ethics.
• Medical Terminology – Teaches students how to decode and understand complex medical language based on Greek and Latin roots.

In addition to classroom learning, most selective admission programs require students to complete job-shadowing in a medical imaging department. A common threshold is 30 hours of documented observation in a diagnostic medical sonography setting, often submitted with a signed verification form.

Once accepted into the DMS program, students move into technical coursework including ultrasound physics, lab scanning techniques, patient care, and multiple clinical rotations. All programs must prepare students in three learning domains: cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (hands-on skills), and affective (professional behavior).

Associate of Science Degree in Sonography Courses

Here are some of the common courses you can expect to take as part of a two-year associate degree program:

• Principles of General Sonography
• Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation
• Abdominal Scanning and Pathology
• Sonography Patient Care
• OB/GYN Scanning and Pathology
• Vascular Scanning
• Superficial and Small Parts Scanning
• Registry Review
• Clinical Internships and Labs

Bachelor’s of Science in Sonography

In addition to the basic sonography courses referenced above, Completion of the advanced courses necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree will most likely include some of the following:

• Healthcare Ethics
• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Conflict Resolution in Healthcare
• Health Policy
• Ultrasound Physics
• Healthcare and Aging
• Academic and Professional Writing

Specializations & Concentration Tracks within Ultrasound

Some ultrasound degree programs allow students to specialize or concentrate in a particular area of ultrasound through extended coursework and focused clinical rotations. Some examples of common specializations are:

• General Ultrasound: This specialty includes abdominal sonography (i.e. the liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder and pancreas), obstetric sonography (ultrasounds of a developing embryo/fetus inside the mother’s uterus) and gynecologic sonography (ultrasounds of the female reproductive system).
• Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound: Sonography of the heart and vascular system.

There are also a variety of non-clinical career paths available to working sonographers.

Continuing Education Requirements

Ultrasound techniques and equipment continue to become more advanced, just as the demand for sonographers continues to increase. As a result, sonographers need to and should continue their ultrasound training even after they’ve secured employment.

Not only can professional development help an ultrasound technician become more specialized and advance their career; to maintain certification (such as through the ARDMS or CCI), continuing medical education (CME) courses must be completed. It is important that the certifying agency approves of the institution offering the courses for it to count, but luckily numerous institutions and organizations offer advanced ultrasound courses are recognized.

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), the Society for Vascular Ultrasound, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and Sonography Canada are just some examples of approved CME providers.

Here are some great questions to ask a rep when researching a school or program:

Q: What are the requirements for being admitted into the sonography program?

Being eligible for an ultrasound program will vary by school and degree level. Some might only require a High School diploma; others the completion of a few college courses in areas such as Biology, Physics, Math or Medical Terminology; while some may prefer students who have already completed a two-year allied health or health science program.

Q: Does your school offer several options, like a degree and a certificate program?

Knowing all your options can help you determine which program is best for you based on past educational experiences and future career goals.  Certificates are available to students who already have at least an associate’s of science degree in another discipline.

Q: Is your sonography program accredited? AND Will I qualify to sit for a national sonography certification exam once I graduate?

For example, when you complete an ultrasound program accredited through the CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs) it qualifies you to sit for the national registry certification exam offered by the ARDMS without having to do any extra clinical work after graduation. Plus, many ultrasound employers prefer potential sonographers to have completed an accredited program.

Q: What type of sonography facilities are used as part of the program?

You will need to have quality hands-on experience using up-to-date ultrasound equipment to complement what you learn in the classroom. This will help prepare you for clinical internships and your career.

Q: How many clinical rotations are there and where will they be held?

Ideally you would like to complete more than one clinical internship at a real-world facility. Getting an idea of where your on-the-job experience might take place is also a good idea. Is it a hospital or reputable medical centre/healthcare facility? Is it convenient for you to get there?

Q: Does your school have articulation agreements with other colleges/universities?

Basically you’re asking if they have formal agreements with other schools where you could transfer credits towards a higher degree (such as transferring credits from an Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography towards a Bachelor’s).

Q: What types of resources/services do you offer students?

You can ask about such things as the availability of academic support/tutoring centers for sonography courses, financial assistance and scholarships, one-on-one academic advising and extracurricular clubs.

Q: What makes your school’s ultrasound or sonography program different than others?

Encourage the rep to describe all of the program’s best features. Are the instructors and faculty experienced? Has the program won any awards? Are there areas that have been improved? Are there opportunities for me to concentrate in ultrasound specialties?

Q: What is your career/job placement track record?

It is important that prospective schools are able to provide you with accurate data on their graduates’ success rate on securing employment. Equally ideal is that the school offers career counseling and employment services, like job search and resume writing assistance, recruiting events, employer networking opportunities, interview and other skill-based workshops and the like, for students and alumni.

Q: Can some classes be taken online?

If you are just starting your sonography degree or educational program, a portion of your ultrasound training has to take place in person for hands-on experiences in the lab and clinical internships. But there are some hybrid ultrasound programs, particularly at the Bachelors and Masters levels, that offer theoretical courses online and practical ultrasound classes in person.

If you are completing a higher level degree and have already completed clinical hours as part of an Associate degree program, for example, in some cases all ultrasound courses can be completed online. Also institutions that offer advanced ultrasound classes offer several of them online.

Q: I struggle with Physics and Science Courses. Am I still a good candidate for ultrasound programs?

Possibly. If you struggled with sciences in high school, it does not disqualify you from being a successful ultrasound technician. While physics and science classes can be challenging, and are an important part of an ultrasound program, they are not the only emphasis of the ultrasound curriculum. The physics, biology and medical courses you will be taking will directly pertain to the field of sonography. As you complete experiential labs, it will help you understand what you have been reading in a scientific text book. Plus, there is an emphasis on study groups within an ultrasound program, so you and your classmates can help one another understand certain areas you may find difficult. As you complete your clinical internships, perhaps the most educational component of your program, you will understand the science behind ultrasound more profoundly.

Q: How important is it to choose an accredited ultrasound program?

It is extremely important. An ultrasound program accredited through the CAAHEP means its faculty, facilities and curriculum meet quality standards. Completing such a program is highly preferred by many future employers and is the easiest way to qualify for professional certification after graduation. Learn more on how to choose an ultrasound training program.

Q: What does “clinical” mean as in “clinical training,” “clinical hours” etc.?

A clinical internship, practicum or rotation is a vital component of every quality ultrasound technician training program. Students gain clinical hours through gaining hands-on experience working side-by-side with experienced sonographers and other healthcare or medical professionals. Depending on the ultrasound school, students complete one to several placements at a hospital, medical center or other relevant facilities. Many ultrasound schools also have on-site labs so students gain hands-on experience before setting out on their clinical rotations.