Musculoskeletal Sonography
What to Expect in This Course
This 16-week hybrid course is designed for working Sonographers and other healthcare professionals who want structured training in musculoskeletal (MSK) sonography while continuing their current job responsibilities.
The course combines flexible online learning with hands-on skill development, independent scanning practice, and in-person lab instruction.
Each week, students will complete:
- Online lectures and assignments
- Weekly lab exercises
- Independent clinical scanning practice
- Weekly image submissions for instructor feedback
Students receive ongoing critique and guidance throughout the course to help build scanning confidence before the required on-campus lab sessions.
Two in-person weekend labs at CFCC are required for successful completion of the course.
Students must have access to an ultrasound machine throughout the course to complete weekly scanning assignments.
Complete a Course Interest Form to express your interest in registering for the next course.Course Dates
Required On-Campus Lab Sessions
Attendance at both weekend lab sessions is required.
Upper Extremity Lab
March 5 – March 6, 2027
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lower Extremity Lab
April 30 – May 1, 2027
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Address:
Cape Fear Community College
Union Station Building
502 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Students are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
Costs
Textbooks: Approximately $215.00 – $305.00
Optional flashcards available for additional cost.
Course Structure
- Length: 16 weeks
- Delivery: Hybrid (online + independent scanning + in-person labs)
- Estimated time commitment: Approximately 15 hours per week
Typical weekly commitment:
- 5 hours online coursework
- 4 hours lab assignments
- 6 hours clinical scanning practice
Online lectures are released weekly and remain available on demand throughout the course, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
Access to Ultrasound Equipment Requirement
Access may be through:
- Current place of employment
- Clinical site secured by the student (students are responsible for arranging their own clinical site if not scanning at their place of employment)
- Another approved scanning location arranged by the student
Scanning requirements may be completed on actual patients or volunteers, depending on the student’s clinical setting and available resources.
Weekly scanning practice and image submission are required for successful completion of the course.
Who This Course Is Designed For
Eligible applicants may include:
- Registered sonographers – ARDMS, ARRT(S)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Bachelor of Medicine
- Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Oriental Medicine
- Physiotherapist
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Podiatrists
Prior sonography experience is strongly recommended due to the fast-paced nature of the course.
Topics Covered
- Upper extremity scan protocols
- Lower extremity scan protocols
- Lumbar Spine Protocols
- MSK anatomy and normal sonographic appearance
- Pathologic processes
- Pediatric MSK applications
- Rheumatology applications
- Interventional studies
- Image optimization and interpretation
Credentialing Preparation
- ARDMS MSKS examination
- APCA MSK examination
Students are responsible for verifying their own eligibility with the credentialing organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students should plan approximately 15 hours per week during the 16-week course.
Do I have to be online at a specific time?
No. Online coursework is asynchronous and available on demand each week.
Do I need access to an ultrasound machine?
Yes. Students must have access to ultrasound equipment to complete required weekly scanning assignments.
Will I be assigned a clinical site by Cape Fear Community College?
No, students are responsible for finding their own access to an ultrasound system to complete the assigned weekly scans. It is not a requirement that the assigned scans be done on actual patients. They can be completed on volunteers.
Are the weekend, on-campus labs required?
Yes. Attendance at both lab weekends is required to successfully complete the course.
Is lodging included?
No. Students are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
Is this course for beginners?
This is a fast-paced course designed for healthcare professionals with prior sonography knowledge or related clinical experience.
What will I submit during the course?
Students will submit weekly lab assignments and clinical images for instructor review.
Will I receive feedback on my scans?
Yes. Weekly image critique and instructor feedback are part of the course.
Does this course guarantee certification?
No. This course provides education and CME hours but does not guarantee certification. Students must verify eligibility with ARDMS or APCA.
Before You Register
- I meet the credential/licensure requirement
- I can commit about 15 hours per week
- I have access to ultrasound equipment
- I can secure a clinical scanning site if needed
- I can attend both required lab weekends
- I am comfortable using an online learning platform, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint or equivalents.
Lodging
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront – .2 Miles
- Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown – .3 miles
- Courtyard by Marriott – .3 miles
- Hotel Ballast Riverfront Downtown Wilmington – .2 miles
- Airbnb – Wilmington Stays – variable
