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McKenna
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
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What are some good classes to take that will help me in sonography school?
I know the schooling is pretty short and I've looked at prerequisites at colleges for high school classes to take, but what ones should I focus on that will help me the most?
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
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Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey again McKenna!
Well, Love that you’re planning ahead for sonography school! That’s going to put you in a great position when you start your program. Sonography is a fantastic field—you’ll get to work with patients, use cool medical technology, and play a key role in diagnosing conditions.
Since sonography is all about medical imaging, human anatomy, and working with technology, you’ll want to focus on science, math, and health-related courses. Here’s what will help you the most:
1. Science Classes (Most Important!)
Biology – Sonography involves a deep understanding of the human body. Take advanced biology if you can.
Anatomy & Physiology – This is a must! You'll study body systems, organs, and medical terms—huge in sonography.
Physics – Sonography is based on sound waves and how they interact with the body, so physics will help you understand how ultrasound machines work.
2. Math (You’ll Use It More Than You Think!)
Algebra – You’ll need to calculate measurements, angles, and frequencies when using an ultrasound machine.
Statistics (if available) – Some sonography programs require knowledge of statistics, especially for interpreting medical data.
3. Health & Medical-Related Classes
Medical Terminology – If your school offers this, TAKE IT. Learning medical terms early will make sonography school way easier.
Health Sciences – Anything covering patient care, ethics, or medical professions is great preparation.
First Aid/CPR – Many programs require CPR certification, so getting it in high school is a smart move.
4. Computer/Technology Courses
Intro to Computers or IT – Sonographers work with digital imaging systems and patient databases. Basic computer skills are a must.
A few extras for you McKenna, remember.
Volunteer or Job Shadow at a Hospital/Clinic – If you can, shadow a sonographer or volunteer in a medical setting. It’ll give you a real feel for the job.
Take College Prep or Dual Enrollment Courses – Some colleges offer early medical courses that might count toward your program.
Work on Communication Skills – You’ll interact with patients daily, so any class or activity that improves communication (like public speaking or psychology) is helpful.
Now,The Path to Sonography
1. Finish High School with Strong Science & Math Classes
2. Take College Prerequisites – Many sonography programs require anatomy, medical terminology, and basic math courses.
3. Apply to an Accredited Sonography Program – These are usually associate’s degrees (2 years) or certificate programs (1-2 years) if you already have a medical background.
4. Pass Certification Exams – To work as a sonographer, you’ll need to pass exams like the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography).
McKenna, the best way to set yourself up for success is to take science-heavy courses, get comfortable with medical terminology, and start gaining experience in healthcare. Sonography is an amazing career with great job security, good pay, and the chance to help people every day.
You’ve got this, future ultrasound pro, all the best just make sure it's what you want, dedication is needed in such fields.🤗
Well, Love that you’re planning ahead for sonography school! That’s going to put you in a great position when you start your program. Sonography is a fantastic field—you’ll get to work with patients, use cool medical technology, and play a key role in diagnosing conditions.
Since sonography is all about medical imaging, human anatomy, and working with technology, you’ll want to focus on science, math, and health-related courses. Here’s what will help you the most:
1. Science Classes (Most Important!)
Biology – Sonography involves a deep understanding of the human body. Take advanced biology if you can.
Anatomy & Physiology – This is a must! You'll study body systems, organs, and medical terms—huge in sonography.
Physics – Sonography is based on sound waves and how they interact with the body, so physics will help you understand how ultrasound machines work.
2. Math (You’ll Use It More Than You Think!)
Algebra – You’ll need to calculate measurements, angles, and frequencies when using an ultrasound machine.
Statistics (if available) – Some sonography programs require knowledge of statistics, especially for interpreting medical data.
3. Health & Medical-Related Classes
Medical Terminology – If your school offers this, TAKE IT. Learning medical terms early will make sonography school way easier.
Health Sciences – Anything covering patient care, ethics, or medical professions is great preparation.
First Aid/CPR – Many programs require CPR certification, so getting it in high school is a smart move.
4. Computer/Technology Courses
Intro to Computers or IT – Sonographers work with digital imaging systems and patient databases. Basic computer skills are a must.
A few extras for you McKenna, remember.
Volunteer or Job Shadow at a Hospital/Clinic – If you can, shadow a sonographer or volunteer in a medical setting. It’ll give you a real feel for the job.
Take College Prep or Dual Enrollment Courses – Some colleges offer early medical courses that might count toward your program.
Work on Communication Skills – You’ll interact with patients daily, so any class or activity that improves communication (like public speaking or psychology) is helpful.
Now,The Path to Sonography
1. Finish High School with Strong Science & Math Classes
2. Take College Prerequisites – Many sonography programs require anatomy, medical terminology, and basic math courses.
3. Apply to an Accredited Sonography Program – These are usually associate’s degrees (2 years) or certificate programs (1-2 years) if you already have a medical background.
4. Pass Certification Exams – To work as a sonographer, you’ll need to pass exams like the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography).
McKenna, the best way to set yourself up for success is to take science-heavy courses, get comfortable with medical terminology, and start gaining experience in healthcare. Sonography is an amazing career with great job security, good pay, and the chance to help people every day.
You’ve got this, future ultrasound pro, all the best just make sure it's what you want, dedication is needed in such fields.🤗
Evangeline Watkins
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
25
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Evangeline’s Answer
While the schooling for ultrasound techs is pretty short, it will be a very rigorous program because of how much content they need to fit inside such a short amount of time. During college, you will learn ultrasound physics, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and pathology of the abdomen, vessels, and OB. You also need technical skills --- scanning skills and knowledge of how to operate the machine, what settings to adjust to get clear images, and where on the body to scan. The technical skills you can't really practice right now, but you can get ahead in your science and math courses. Make sure to develop a good study routine and habits because any sonography program will be highly intensive. Also, note that you may be required to take additional physics and anatomy classes once you actually enter college, as these will be more in-depth. It's never too early to introduce yourself to the basics though, so good on you for starting early! I wish you the best of luck, and if you have any other ultrasound-related questions feel free to reach out, as that's currently what I'm doing my internship in.