Financial Aid And Scholarships For Ultrasound Technicians

Ultrasound Technician and Medical Sonography Scholarships — Earning a sonography scholarship can lead to new and exciting career opportunities.
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Updated June 27, 2023

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Find Ways To Pay For Sonography School And Calculate Your Total Expenses

The images captured by ultrasound technicians, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, can be essential to proper medical diagnosis and treatment. As with other medical fields, ultrasound technicians must complete rigorous training to ensure scans are effective and safe. Ultrasound technician degree programs at four-year accredited universities, two-year community colleges, online schools and every option in between can be expensive. Costs can continue to add up when one accounts for certification and licensing costs. Fortunately, there are many types of financial aid and scholarships that can offset or prevent student debt altogether. Read on to discover all the ways you can save while pursuing your sonographer degree.

Scholarships for Ultrasound Technicians and Sonographers

Professionals often recover their ultrasound technician training investment fairly quickly once in the field, but the cost associated with certificates, two- or four-year degrees can still be daunting. It is important for aspiring medical sonographers to take advantage of financial opportunities and apply for as many scholarships as possible before and during their studies. Check out some of the scholarships available to sonography students below.

Ultrasound Technician and Medical Sonography Scholarships


These national and regional scholarships were designed to support ultrasound technician and diagnostic medical sonography students exclusively. Please note that only students attending accredited sonography programs are typically

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Educational Foundation

Amount: $2,500

This annual award is given to one or more sonography students who are SDMS members and enrolled in a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The deadline is December 31 for spring and summer sessions, and June 30 for fall and winter sessions.

SDMS Foundation Sonographer Advanced Degree Scholarship Program

Amount: $2,500

This scholarship is awarded to sonographers with at least two years of work experience that choose to earn sonography degrees. The deadline is June 30. The scholarship may be used for course tuition, books, and other educational fees.

Anne Jones Scholarship of the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)

Amount: $2,500

This award is given to one full-time student actively enrolled in an accredited sonography program. Applicants must submit two professional letters of recommendation, a 500-word essay and information about their financial need, among other qualifications. The deadline is February 17.

The Alan D. Waggoner Sonographer Student Scholarship Award

Amount: $1,000

This scholarship awards one full-time student $1,000, plus complimentary registration and travel support for ASE's Annual Scientific Sessions. Applicants must attend accredited ultrasound schools. The deadline is October 23.

Royce Osborn Minority Student Scholarship

Amount: 4,000

This annual program awards five $4,000 scholarships to entry-level minority sonography students. The application opens on November 1.

Raymond Davis Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

This scholarship supports students enrolled in two- or four-year accredited sonographic imaging degree programs. Applications are due December 15.

John C. Volderauer Scholarship

Amount: Varies

This scholarship is available to sonography students residing in Kalamazoo County, Mich. Students must complete an application, demonstrate financial need, and provide transcripts and a letter of recommendation by September 15.

Sonosite Hand-Carried Ultrasound (HCU) Award

Amount: $1,500

This award is reserved for sonography students who can provide research to demonstrate the positive economic, clinical or ergonomic benefits of using HCU. Deadline varies.

Philips Healthcare Imaging Award

Amount: $1,000

These awards are presented to graduate sonography students to support new research in ultrasonic imaging. Eligible applicants must be certified and members of a professional sonography organization.

IFSER Graduate Research Award

Amount: $1,000

This scholarship is designed for students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in sonography. Applicants must be both certified and members of a professional sonography organization. The deadline is June 30.

Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

This program offers six $2,500 scholarships to entry-level students enrolled in accredited sonography schools. Awardees who meet specified requirements may renew their scholarships annually. Application opens on November 1.

General Scholarships in Allied Healthcare


These scholarships are open to all students in the allied healthcare field, including ultrasound technicians. Competition for these awards may be more challenging, as students in all allied healthcare programs (such as nurses, MRI technologists and medical assistants) are also eligible to apply. Again, only candidates attending accredited degree programs are generally eligible for these awards.

Sharps Scholarship Program

Amount: $750-$1,500

This scholarship is for U.S. or Canadian citizens studying health-related fields at accredited universities. Applicants must submit an essay by June 26.

Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program

Amount: $8,000

This program supports students enrolled in health-related programs of study. Winners may receive up to $8,000 for one year of school in exchange for a twelve-month service obligation practicing full-time, direct patient care at qualified facilities in California.

Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Amount: $10,000 total in 40 awards

This annual award is divided among forty students pursuing accredited health-related degrees. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement and the desire to care for others. The deadline is June 30.

Rudi J. Bertrand Veterans Student Scholarship

Amount: Varies

This unique program assists military veterans enrolled in full-time JRCERT-accredited medical programs. Applicants must be AAMD members. Deadline is May 1.

Varian Student Scholarship

Amount: Varies

This scholarship is reserved for students beginning their first year in accredited medical-related degree programs. One can use funds for tuition, room and board, and supplies. Application must be received by May 1.

Laura Ford Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

This scholarship provides financial assistance to Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists members interested in the field of radiography, including prospective sonographers. Applicants must attend approved programs and continue their educations immediately. The application deadline is December 1.

Walmart Foundation

Amount: Varies

Walmart Foundation employees and their children who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for scholarships in a number of fields, including ultrasound technology and sonography. Eligible candidates must complete FAFSA applications.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

This fund supports undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral minority students. It is available to any student enrolled in any accredited degree program, including sonography degrees. The deadline is March 30.

Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Amount: $20,000

This program is specifically for financially disadvantaged students committed to careers in health-related research. The winner will receive up to $20,000 per academic year for up to four years.

AMVETS Organization

Amount: $1000-$4000

This organization awards scholarships to active or veteran military servicemembers, their children or their grandchildren. The application cycle is from January 18-April 30.

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS)

Amount: Varies

The scholarship is open to any health science student from a disadvantaged background. Participating schools must be accredited and select recipients. Deadline varies.

Gunilla Bentel Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

This scholarship is open to any AAMD member enrolled in a JRCERT-accredited medical degree program. Recipients must commit to continuing their studies. Applications are due May 1.

Joan F. Giambalvo Fund for the Advancement of Women

Amount: Varies

This scholarship is specifically for women interested in medical careers. The application deadline is July 31.

Waechter Medical-Legal Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

This scholarship is available to any student studying a health-related field. Students must submit a 150-word essay to qualify for this award by September 1.

Other Ways to Pay: Additional Financial Aid for Ultrasound Technicians

Although scholarships can be a great source of free money, there are many other financial aid options to consider based on one's level of financial need, background, employment and other more. Check out the aid programs below to review just some of them.

School Payment Plans

  • Student Loans
    One can receive student loans from the federal government or a private institution. These must be paid back either immediately, or upon the completion of your degree, depending on the loan. Some are eligible for government subsidization. The Federal Perkins Loan, Direct Stafford Loan and PLUS loan are a few examples of federal loans.
  • Financial Aid Office Assistance
    Many schools offer their students special payment programs. Visit your school's financial aid office to learn what types of payment plans are available.

Grants

  • Federal Pell Grants
    Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for Federal Pell Grants. For the 2016-17 award year, students can get up to $5,815, depending on the cost of attendance, whether they attend full- or part-time, and whether they intend to complete a full academic year.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
    FSEOGs are “campus-based” aid administered by the financial aid office at each participating school. Students must fill out a FAFSA application. Those who qualify may receive between $100 and $4,000 a year.
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
    Students may be eligible for this option if a parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan. To qualify for this grant, students must not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution.

Tuition Reimbursement Programs

  • Speak to Your Employer
    Hospitals or clinics who employ sonographers may provide financial assistance to students looking to major in this field. They may choose to either pay part or all of the tuition price up front, or offer reimbursements after passing grades are verified. Speak to an employer about your options.

Additional Options

  • Military Service Plans
    Civilian education benefits are a long-held military tradition – one that helps veterans transition to a successful career. Active and veteran service members can review their options online through the Military OneStop resource tool. Prospective students considering the military should visit a local military branch recruitment center to learn more about active-duty or veteran education benefits.

Extra Expenses for Sonography Students

Although tuition is the greatest cost associated with sonography degree programs, other fees and materials can add an extra 20 percent or more to that total. It is important for prospective students to be aware of these extra costs and prepare for them, either by saving up to pay out-of-pocket, or gaining additional scholarships and other forms of financial aid to cover the them. Here is a list of some potential costs to consider.

  • Textbooks
    Textbooks are expensive; medical and healthcare textbooks even more so. However, many scholarships and grants provide for books as well.
  • Housing
    Student housing and living costs can become a very expensive necessity. While many scholarships and grants don't specifically cover these, any extra financial aid money can. Specific university scholarships may also offer lodging assistance.
  • Certification Fees
    A certificate in sonography typically costs anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000, and can be completed in one to two years. Depending on the organization that is offering the certification program, financial assistance may be available.
  • ARDMS Registration Test
    The registration test for sonographers costs $200 and is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. There is also an annual renewal fee of $60. This is an out-of-pocket cost that lets applicants who pass the test practice as Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS).
  • Licensing Requirement
    Sonographers in Oregon, New Mexico, West Virginia and New Jersey must be licensed to practice. This can be an out-of-pocket cost of about $120.

Additional Resources for Sonography Students

This is a medical association for students, physicians, sonographers, scientists, and other health professionals that seek to advance the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound in medicine. This group administers examinations and awards credentials in areas of ultrasound. The ARRT certifies and registers technologists through education, ethics, and examination requirements to ensure high-quality patient care. The CAAHEP is the largest accrediting organization in the health sciences field and accredits over 2,000 educational programs. This nonprofit organization works to maintain and promote quality standards for educational programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This is a network of over 28,000 sonographers, students, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers who work to advance and promote the science of diagnostic medical sonography.

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