Advancement of Higher Education in Sonography: Is Distance Education the Answer?

Abstract

Quality diagnostic medical sonography remains dependent on the sonographer, who is an important member of the health care team. Recognized as a primary diagnostic tool, sonography is not recognized as a true medical profession by the US government. The single most important barrier, acceptance of the baccalaureate degree as the entry-level education for practicing sonographers, poses significant challenges as sonographers, educators, and students strive to be successful and promote the field as a profession. Many obstacles impede the movement toward a baccalaureate requirement, including institutional accreditation standards, broad prerequisites for credentialing, and the lack of educational institutions at the baccalaureate level. Distance education may be a solution that will increase the number of available programs and positions in existing programs and allow nontraditional students an avenue for degree completion.