r/Ultrasound

Hi everyone! I’m trying to decide whether pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at a tech university is actually worth it, or if I should look into getting a sonography certificate instead.

The university I’m considering originally costs $80k+ per year, which obviously sounds insane. However, after my grants, scholarships, and FAFSA financial aid, my actual cost would be around $10k per year, including the overall college expenses I’m being quoted.

So now I’m wondering: Is the bachelor’s degree worth spending ~$10k/year on, or would I be better off going the certificate route and saving even more money?

My program is basically a 4 year program and during my last year, I have to do clinical. I just want to know if this can help me in any way

For anyone currently working as a sonographer or who has gone through either route:

1. Does having a bachelor’s actually make a significant difference when looking for jobs???
2. Are there salary or career opportunities that I would miss with just a certificate?

Thank you all so much!

20weeks anatomy scan
Is this a regular ultrasound at Building 1 like normal or is it done with the Radiology department?
Mine was scheduled as "Maternal-fetus ultrasound" in Building 1
I've heard it should be done at the hospital radiology department.
Any advice?

i have pretty bad social anxiety and i’m the poster child for introversion. part of why i chose ultrasound was to work autonomously. the only way i get through my job is with years of experience in masking lol. don’t misunderstand, my patients are very happy with me, and i know how to communicate effectively. but lately having patients eye me during the entire examination is putting me on edge, like i can feel my heart rate increasing and the stress induced sweat coming through.

even after i reassure and reassure my patients that “if i’m quiet its because i’m concentrating, or i have to take a set number of images, or i’ll let you know towards the end (we’re allowed to do this at our practice for certain findings) they STILL stare me down. its so off putting.
would you address that in the room to the patient ? being assertive can be challenging for me at times because i know how sensitive most patients are these days.

How long I must wait for my ultrasound appointment on the day itself? will they call immediately?

I'm getting my first one on Tuesday and I'm worried, I've never put anything up there or in that position. I don't wear skirts or dresses so I'm a little worried plus something going up, it's worrying me

Hi! I am currently torn between ultrasound tech or rad/xray tech. Some background info I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s in Public Health and Wellness. I currently work as a medical receptionist at an outpatient PT clinic, and I know I want a career with a lot of patient interaction. That’s one of the reasons I’m leaning more toward ultrasound, specifically OB/GYN ultrasound. I like the idea of working closely with patients and being involved in an important part of their care. However, I also like that rad/xray tech gives you the opportunity to advance into different modalities, such as MRI or CT, which makes me feel like there may be more long-term options. One of my biggest concerns is how competitive both ultrasound and rad tech programs seem to be, especially since I’d really like to start school as soon as possible.

For anyone working in either field, what do you like/dislike about your career, and which would you recommend? Also, how competitive was your program to get into?

My post got removed from another forum so I hope it’s okay … I’m in need of some advice . I’m currently finishing my pre reqs for my DMS program , but my school is really competitive and only accept 15 students at most . I don’t want to have doubts that I I may not get in but for those all that had the same feeling , what was your back up plan without having to take extra classes . I was thinking trying to apply at a different school ( I’m located near southwestern Ohio ) or switching to radiology. I just want a decent job with a comfortable pay without having to go into nursing .

So I have had pretty severe anxiety this whole pregnancy which warranted me to go to a ultrasound boutique to get ultrasounds for peace of mind (the technician worked at a hospital prior which made me feel better) but I got 4 at the boutique and three at the hospital the boutique ones never lasted longer than 20 min and they were at 6wk,10wk,13wk and 16wks I did this because I read it was just sound waves and non harmful to the baby but today I got a remark by someone who told me I was essentially hurting my baby with radiation and heat

Hello everyone! I'm so happy this community exists on here.

I'm looking to improve my clinical diagnostics and preventative health measures by learning sonography. For context, I have a Natural Fertility & Pregnancy Support Clinic on Long Island.

How do programs work? I'm assuming I can't jump right into a program for Endometrial-related Fertility Sonography without generalized sonography experience first, followed by OB/GYN, then Fertility focused and Endo specific.

Any guidance is very much appreciated!

I'm 16 and am getting an ultrasound tomorrow for possible endometriosis. What should I expect? I'm really worried if they will conduct a transvaginal ultrasound, because I haven't even used tampons due to my nervousness. I'm also on my period currently and have never had sex if that's relevant.

Hi all!! I know this program just opened up in 2025, but I’ve heard nothing about how the program is and if anyone is currently taking classes and if it’s a shit show or just like Calgary and Edmontons program. If anyone knows anything or anyone could you please let me know!! Thank you :)))

How are the social interactions on average? is there anyone like me who overthinks a lot, has a good bit of awkward events socially, hates greetings and saying bye. does anyone with high functioning autism have the job? how is it for you?

I am an ultrasound tech. I am having the worst anxiety quitting/demoting to PRN at my job I’m currently at. I was offered an amazing pay increase + full time position I can not turn down. But with that, I have to quit my current position. I cant escape the feeling that they’re going to be so upset due to the “need of me” . We have a small team so unfortunately losing me/most of my time will result in a loss to them… Im known to have a big heart so I’m having such a hard time letting them know…