Sonography School Accreditation

Sonography school accreditation is perhaps the most important factor to consider when looking into various educational programs to enter this career in the medical field. Of course, there are many factors that you should consider when choosing which school you are going to attend. Your first concern should be whether the school is going to give you what you need to reach your career goals—a degree and a pathway to certification. Accreditation is an important part of that goal.

Accreditation Is Key

So just how do you tell whether a sonography school is accredited? It’s easy. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers has set up a minimal set of clinical and curricular standards that schools must meet in order to be accredited. There are some other accrediting agencies, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, that are qualified to accredit diagnostic sonography programs. Their standards are also recognized by the United States Department of Education, so you’ll know that you’ll be eligible for federal financial aid if you attend one of these accredited schools.

The most important aspect of accreditation is the pathway to national certification. Only graduates of accredited schools are qualified to take the national examinations to become licensed medical sonographers. Without this certification, employers will not trust that the graduate is prepared for the rigors of the job.

Other Factors to Consider in Choosing a Sonography School

There are many other factors to consider once you have a list of accredited schools that are located in your area, in the areas where you are willing and able to move to and/or online. Of course, the tuition and fees should be within your budget after factoring in any financial aid you receive. You should be able to get your degree as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of your education. You also shouldn’t have to make too many personal sacrifices, such as quitting your job or leaving your family obligations behind (although every student has to make some personal sacrifices in order to get the education they desire).

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential schools, consider factors such as where the graduates of this school are working now and where the faculty got their previous experience before they begin teaching there. Researching sonography school accreditation and the quality of education that is provided there will make a big difference to your future career.