As an ultrasound tech, or sonographer, you can make a relatively high salary even if you only have a two- or four-year degree. In the medical world, where many employees have a master’s degree or doctorate, it can be difficult to find a field where you don’t have to go to college for six to eight years to qualify for positions. This is possible with a degree in ultrasound technology.

Unfortunately, college isn’t cheap, and even a two-year degree can cost thousands of dollars. If you go to school full-time, it can also be difficult to work more than a part-time job, so many students find it hard to keep up with bills. Financial aid in the form of grants can really help you attend school, even if you don’t have much money saved for your education. Grants are given based on financial need, rather than scholarships, which are given to students who excel when it comes to grades or talents (like sports or music). Like scholarships, though, grants don’t have to be repaid, making them a great option for students in any field.

A number of organizations offer grants to students pursuing a degree in ultrasound technology. You can find grants at the following places:

• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation – This is one of the leading organizations for ultrasound technicians, and they provide both grants and scholarships for education.

• Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) – This organization occasionally provides financial aid for students at their annual conference.

• American Society of Echocardiography – They have research awards and other monies available for people focusing on echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart).

These aren’t the only places you can find grants for a degree in ultrasound technology. Although some organizations, like those listed above, provide money specifically for ultrasound techs, many offer grants to anyone interested in health care in any major, including ultrasound. Some even offer educational grants that aren’t based on a certain field of study. All of these are options for funding college.

Additionally, you can look to the government for grants. The Federal Pell Grant is the most popular of the government grants available, but this is far from your only option. Many government departments, such as the United States Department of Health, have grants available for students, especially those pursuing a degree in a health-related field, since people to fill those jobs are in high demand.

Some colleges also offer grants directly to their students. These grants may come from the school’s financial aid department, or they might be offered from the department in which you’re studying. Sometimes, the money for grants isn’t publicized, so talk to your department head to find out if there is financial aid available.

Although grants require more from a student in terms of the application process, if you follow through, this money could completely pay for your tuition, books, and other expenses.

There are numerous biomedical ultrasonic applications, including tumor treatment through high intensity focused ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cataract treatment, and teeth cleaning. But perhaps the most commonly used medical application of ultrasound is in sonography used to produce images of fetuses in women's wombs. Below you'll find a list of some of the best schools offering accredited degrees that will help you enter this exciting field.