Degree Name

MSAH (Master of Science in Allied Health)

Program

Allied Health

Date of Award

12-2019

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Randy L. Byington

Committee Members

Ester L. Verhovsek, Deborah L. Dotson

Abstract

This study focused on opinions of diagnostic medical sonography program directors concerning online education within an allied health field that is clinically based. Although the study is centered around sonography, the findings can be applied to many online programs with clinical aspects. There was limited information concerning online education within a clinically based healthcare field, therefore the literature review focused on distance or online education in general. The participating program directors used online/distance learning terms interchangeably. The objective of this study was to identify factors that attributed to or hindered the progress of an online program in diagnostic medical sonography. The question that guided this research was: What are the program directors’ perception of face-to-face versus online program delivery in a clinically based subject?

Individual interviews were conducted with three directors of online sonography programs. The responses showed that these directors saw improved overall outcomes in their online programs. This was ultimately attributed to a supportive staff and ease of access to resources. Resources and communication are easily accessed due to the improved technology seen in today’s online classroom.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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