"When thinking about entering an ultrasound program, you need not be concerned so much about certificate vs. degree. What is important is that you go to an ACCREDITED program, whether it is college or hospital based. An accredited program allows you to take your registry (licensing) exams upon graduation. Once you get licensed, you will never be asked about your schooling again. An employer does not care what route you take to get licensed, they just want you to have that license.

Don't waste your time or money on a NON-accredited program. Upon completion and graduation from a NON-accredited program, you must work in the field of sonography for a full year prior to taking your licensing examinations. But, you will have a hard time finding an employer to hire you, unless you are licensed.

http://www.mycaliforniacolleges.com"

"I am interested in becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, but my college counselor doesn't really help. I want to know if I should fist get a degree in something like Radiologic Technology and then a certificate in Sonography, or if I could just go into Sonography because it is what my actual carrier goal is."