From sonographer to operational lead: How Liz advanced her career with a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences 

Thinking about your next promotion in ultrasound?  

Many imaging professionals reach a point where they want more, more responsibility, more impact, and more opportunities. Liz’s story shows how earning a bachelor’s degree can provide advancement opportunities for ultrasound technicians looking for long-term career growth. 

A new chapter begins with education 

After nearly ten years as a vascular sonographer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Liz wanted more than technical expertise; she wanted to become a leader her peers could rely on. That’s when she discovered the AS to BS in Radiologic Sciences online program, designed for imaging professionals like Liz, ready for ultrasound leadership roles. 

“I’ve always wanted to be someone my coworkers could rely on, not just for technical help, but for anything. I knew this program would open up opportunities I could grow into.” 

From practicum to promotion 

One of the most valuable parts of the program was the practicum experience. Liz tackled a real challenge in her department: improving scan assist protocols to reduce missed images during unfamiliar exams. 

“It helped us become more efficient and accurate. That project didn’t just help my department. It helped me earn a clinical ladder promotion.” 

That promotion positioned Liz for her current role as operational lead for the general ultrasound department, where she combines technical expertise with leadership. 

Liz’s leadership style is rooted in her years of hands-on experience. She understands the challenges technologists face and uses that insight to advocate for her team. 

“Your coworkers know you’ve been in the trenches. You understand how decisions from leadership affect the front line, and that helps you advocate for them.” 

She acts as a bridge between departments, guiding change with empathy and clarity. 

Building analytical and problem-solving skills 

Liz credits the online radiologic sciences program with sharpening her ability to think critically and solve problems, a skill set that has become essential in her leadership role. 

“This program really strengthened my analytical thinking. It taught me how to identify problems and quickly move toward solutions. Using root cause analysis, I learned to step back, understand what’s driving the issue, and then develop an effective plan. That approach helps me troubleshoot more efficiently and make data-informed decisions every day.” 

She explains that this mindset applies to both technical and interpersonal challenges: 

“In this operational lead role, there’s a lot of problem solving, whether it’s technical or emotional. You can really think of everything in that analytical sense: find the problem, identify the cause, and then move towards the solution.” 

Flexibility that makes education possible 

Balancing full-time work and parenting while pursuing a degree wasn’t easy, but the program’s online format made it achievable. 

“I would not have been able to do this without the flexibility. That’s what makes this realistic for people who are working and really want to get their bachelor’s.” 

Support from faculty and classmates added to the experience, creating a sense of community among working professionals, something she was not expecting from an online program.  

“It truly felt like a culture built around helping every student succeed.” 

Invest in yourself and your future 

For Liz, going back to school was about believing in her potential and preparing for career advancement as an ultrasound technician. 

“It’s absolutely worth the effort you have to put in. It’s a very minute amount of time in your life, and that time will pass whether or not you go back to school. So why not use it to open up endless opportunities?” 

Whether you want to lead, grow, or simply open new doors, the AS to BS in Radiologic Sciences program is designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.