4 answers
Rebecca
Student
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What school can I go to after I finish my bachelor’s of health science at UCF, post-graduate certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography in Florida ?
I have researched into this but I am looking to do the cheapest and shortest path after I graduate. Are they any in my area? I’m having trouble figuring this out. I want to do an accredited 1 year program.
Do I have to do 2 year program? I will be getting my bachelors In health science soon.
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Rebecca,
Congrats on nearing the finish line with your bachelor's in health science at UCF! 🎓 Now, let's dive into the world of diagnostic medical sonography programs in Florida, focusing on options that are both time-efficient and budget-friendly for you. Hope it helps clear few things.
Year Certificate Programs: Florida Institute of Ultrasound, Pensacola: They offer an accelerated 1-year program covering Abdomen, OB/GYN, Vascular, and Echocardiography. It's a comprehensive course designed to get you into the field swiftly so worth it I guess.
Associate Degree Programs: If you're open to slightly longer commitments, here are some notable options which I think would be great to consider.
Daytona State College, Deltona Campus: Located relatively close to New Smyrna Beach, they offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The application window is January 1-31 for classes starting in the summer. Classes and clinicals run Monday through Friday.
Eastern Florida State College: Their two-year program is well-regarded and offers extensive clinical experience. Estimated expenses total just over $11,000, which is competitive for the region.
for Your Search here is what you can a do.
Accreditation Matters: Ensure any program you're considering is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This accreditation is crucial for certification and employment opportunities.
Clinical Experience: Look for programs that offer robust clinical rotations, as hands-on experience is invaluable in this field.
Financial Aid: Investigate scholarships, grants, or work-study programs that can help offset costs.
Program Length: While a 1-year program is appealing, ensure it provides comprehensive training to prepare you adequately for the workforce.
Also given your location in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona State College's program in Deltona might be the most convenient. However, if you're open to relocation or commuting, the Florida Institute of Ultrasound in Pensacola offers the expedited path you're seeking.
Wishing you smooth sailing as you embark on this next chapter! If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. 🤗😉 All the best and know you got this.
Congrats on nearing the finish line with your bachelor's in health science at UCF! 🎓 Now, let's dive into the world of diagnostic medical sonography programs in Florida, focusing on options that are both time-efficient and budget-friendly for you. Hope it helps clear few things.
Year Certificate Programs: Florida Institute of Ultrasound, Pensacola: They offer an accelerated 1-year program covering Abdomen, OB/GYN, Vascular, and Echocardiography. It's a comprehensive course designed to get you into the field swiftly so worth it I guess.
Associate Degree Programs: If you're open to slightly longer commitments, here are some notable options which I think would be great to consider.
Daytona State College, Deltona Campus: Located relatively close to New Smyrna Beach, they offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. The application window is January 1-31 for classes starting in the summer. Classes and clinicals run Monday through Friday.
Eastern Florida State College: Their two-year program is well-regarded and offers extensive clinical experience. Estimated expenses total just over $11,000, which is competitive for the region.
for Your Search here is what you can a do.
Accreditation Matters: Ensure any program you're considering is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This accreditation is crucial for certification and employment opportunities.
Clinical Experience: Look for programs that offer robust clinical rotations, as hands-on experience is invaluable in this field.
Financial Aid: Investigate scholarships, grants, or work-study programs that can help offset costs.
Program Length: While a 1-year program is appealing, ensure it provides comprehensive training to prepare you adequately for the workforce.
Also given your location in New Smyrna Beach, Daytona State College's program in Deltona might be the most convenient. However, if you're open to relocation or commuting, the Florida Institute of Ultrasound in Pensacola offers the expedited path you're seeking.
Wishing you smooth sailing as you embark on this next chapter! If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. 🤗😉 All the best and know you got this.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Accelerated Options: Some schools might offer accelerated tracks if you’ve already met many of the prerequisites with your health science background. It’s worth contacting programs directly to see if they have any flexibility. For example, schools like St. Petersburg College or Seminole State College in Florida offer accredited sonography programs, and they might be able to tell you if an accelerated option is available.
Cost Considerations: Community colleges or state schools often have more affordable tuition. Exploring programs at institutions like these could help you keep costs down while still earning an accredited certificate.
Double-Checking Accreditation: Make sure any program you consider is accredited (typically by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or a similar body) to ensure you meet licensing or certification requirements later
Cost Considerations: Community colleges or state schools often have more affordable tuition. Exploring programs at institutions like these could help you keep costs down while still earning an accredited certificate.
Double-Checking Accreditation: Make sure any program you consider is accredited (typically by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or a similar body) to ensure you meet licensing or certification requirements later
Thank you for giving me advice.
Rebecca
That’s a great point I will call Daytona state and see if they would offer that to me.
Rebecca
That will be amazing
Bright Komor
Catherine Caudle RCS, RVS
Cardiovascular Sonographer
1
Answer
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
Dr. H's comments are very thorough. And spot on. I'll add that a private school that is, of course, CAAHEP accredited is the best option as course is quicker and you can get out to make a living faster. There are often little to no waiting lists and they often have multiple starts each year. As you will have a B.S., that should make you an attractive candidate for any program. The cost of private schools is higher, but I feel like the pros outweigh the cons.
I will also say that sonography is a challenging field. The courses are often specific to ultrasound and are different from anything else you may study. There is also the scan factor and it is uniquely challenging and entirely physical. I believe that it is noteworthy that sonographers need at least a year after graduation in a full-time lab job to truly get comfortable with the scanning aspect of the job.
I have been doing cardiovascular ultrasound for 20 years and have taught at private colleges for several years as well. I think, everyday, that it is the coolest job in town!
Dr. H's comments are very thorough. And spot on. I'll add that a private school that is, of course, CAAHEP accredited is the best option as course is quicker and you can get out to make a living faster. There are often little to no waiting lists and they often have multiple starts each year. As you will have a B.S., that should make you an attractive candidate for any program. The cost of private schools is higher, but I feel like the pros outweigh the cons.
I will also say that sonography is a challenging field. The courses are often specific to ultrasound and are different from anything else you may study. There is also the scan factor and it is uniquely challenging and entirely physical. I believe that it is noteworthy that sonographers need at least a year after graduation in a full-time lab job to truly get comfortable with the scanning aspect of the job.
I have been doing cardiovascular ultrasound for 20 years and have taught at private colleges for several years as well. I think, everyday, that it is the coolest job in town!
Wow thank very much. I have no trouble with physically demanding jobs at all because those are the jobs I enjoy. I have had a cleaning business of my own for 5 years now. I do constructions cleans all by my self at 24 years old. I’m hoping to jump in as fast as I can. I make good money with my cleaning job so I couldn’t drop to a lower paying job, unless you really think I should.
Rebecca
I thought about applying to advent health university in Orlando. I am a bit confused about the debt part but I’m sure I will figure it all out
Rebecca
I used to teach at Cambridge in Altamonte Springs. A unique program. They have all modalities of ultrasound in one program. It is excellent. At that point you can choose your path... cardiac or general/ob. The program is CAAHEP and very thorough. I'm not a fan of Advent... they are a little.... strict for me.
Catherine Caudle RCS, RVS
Wow thank you, I appreciate the information and I will look into that program!
Rebecca
Jennifer Philogene
Physician Assistant
10
Answers
West Palm Beach, Florida
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hey Rebecca, you’re asking all the right questions, and I know the research can feel like a maze. So let me break it down for you:
1. You don’t have to do a 2-year program.
Since you’re already getting your bachelor’s in Health Science, you may be eligible for post-baccalaureate certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography that are shorter than traditional 2-year associate’s programs.
2. Yes—Florida does have options.
Here are a few to look into that offer shorter, accredited pathways:
• AdventHealth University (Orlando) – Offers a 12-month post-baccalaureate certificate in sonography. Accredited and reputable.
• Nova Southeastern University – Check with their health sciences department for diagnostic medical sonography options.
• Keiser University – Some campuses may offer accelerated programs, but double-check accreditation and cost.
• Palm Beach State College – While it’s often a 2-year program, they may offer advanced placement or fast-track options if you have a bachelor’s. Worth asking.
3. What to check before committing:
• Make sure the program is accredited by CAAHEP (super important for certification and employment).
• Confirm it’s a certificate program for degree holders, not an associate’s track.
• Ask if your bachelor’s fulfills prerequisites (some schools may still want specific science classes or clinical exposure).
⸻
Bottom line:
Yes, you can find a 1-year accredited program in Florida, but you’ll have to ask directly about advanced placement or post-bacc options. AdventHealth is your strongest bet if you want fast, accredited, and respected.
Let me know if you want help drafting a quick email to admissions—it’s worth confirming directly before you waste time digging through outdated websites.
1. You don’t have to do a 2-year program.
Since you’re already getting your bachelor’s in Health Science, you may be eligible for post-baccalaureate certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography that are shorter than traditional 2-year associate’s programs.
2. Yes—Florida does have options.
Here are a few to look into that offer shorter, accredited pathways:
• AdventHealth University (Orlando) – Offers a 12-month post-baccalaureate certificate in sonography. Accredited and reputable.
• Nova Southeastern University – Check with their health sciences department for diagnostic medical sonography options.
• Keiser University – Some campuses may offer accelerated programs, but double-check accreditation and cost.
• Palm Beach State College – While it’s often a 2-year program, they may offer advanced placement or fast-track options if you have a bachelor’s. Worth asking.
3. What to check before committing:
• Make sure the program is accredited by CAAHEP (super important for certification and employment).
• Confirm it’s a certificate program for degree holders, not an associate’s track.
• Ask if your bachelor’s fulfills prerequisites (some schools may still want specific science classes or clinical exposure).
⸻
Bottom line:
Yes, you can find a 1-year accredited program in Florida, but you’ll have to ask directly about advanced placement or post-bacc options. AdventHealth is your strongest bet if you want fast, accredited, and respected.
Let me know if you want help drafting a quick email to admissions—it’s worth confirming directly before you waste time digging through outdated websites.