Top 10 AMA-Accredited Online Ultrasound Courses for U.S. Providers in 2025

If you’re looking to sharpen your ultrasound skills while earning CME, it’s important to choose programs that are not just informative but officially recognized. That’s where AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ comes in. These credits are widely accepted for maintaining licensure, certifications, and credentials across a range of medical roles. 

In this guide, we’ve selected the top AMA-accredited online ultrasound courses available in 2025, focusing on flexibility, specialty coverage, and clinical relevance. Whether you’re a generalist adding point-of-care skills or a specialist refreshing your technique, these courses are built to support your growth, on your schedule.

Summary: Best AMA-Accredited Online Ultrasound Courses & Selection Criteria

AMA-accreditation, specifically in the form of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, is the gold standard in continuing medical education (CME) in the United States. These credits are regulated by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) in partnership with the American Medical Association (AMA), and they certify that a course meets strict criteria for clinical relevance, educational quality, and scientific accuracy. Category 1 credits are typically required for physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), radiologists, and sonographers to maintain their state medical licenses, hospital privileges, or board certifications.

These credits are also recognized by certifying bodies like ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) and CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International)—meaning that AMA Category 1 CME can often be applied toward recertification or credential maintenance for sonographers, vascular technologists, and cardiac ultrasound professionals. In most cases, once you complete an online ultrasound course, you can download a CME certificate verifying your AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, which you can then submit directly to credentialing boards or CME tracking systems.

For this guide, we selected ultrasound courses that:

• Courses are fully or primarily online.
• Clearly state their AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. 
• Developed or endorsed by reputable medical institutions, specialty societies, or accredited educators.
• Cover clinically relevant specialties, including POCUS, OB/GYN, MSK, emergency medicine, and vascular imaging.
• Delivered in a self-paced, learner-friendly format.
• Include interactive components like case-based learning, image interpretation, quizzes, and assessments.

A brief Comparison table featuring 10 AMA-accredited online ultrasound courses and programs:

Provider	Key Features	CME Credits	Format	Best For
Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (GCUS)	400+ modules, broad specialty coverage, optional CME add-on, live workshop option	6–18+ per course	Online (optional hybrid)	Clinicians seeking structured learning with a live skills option
SonoSim	Laptop simulator + mock probe, realistic scanning experience, 80+ topics	~6 per module	Online + simulation	Learners wanting hands-on training at home
123sonography	Echo/POCUS focus, MasterClasses & FocusClasses, high CME volume	3–90+ per course	Fully online	Echo-focused learners, cardiac/POCUS prep
Medmastery	100+ short, self-paced ultrasound lessons, beginner-friendly design	3–8 per course	Fully online	Busy clinicians needing flexible upskilling
IAME	150+ short courses, automated CME tracking to ARDMS/CCI	1–3 per course	Fully online	Cost-conscious clinicians wanting targeted CME
Core Ultrasound	9 POCUS courses, 3200+ image Q-Bank, specialty tracks incl. critical care	Up to 100 total	Fully online	POCUS, emergency/critical care clinicians
Aeyr POCUS Courses	Tech-forward POCUS platform, CMA-accredited, 6+ courses, free starter	1–23 per course	Fully online	Learners wanting focused, affordable POCUS CME
AIUM	Webinars, hybrid/on-demand courses, society-backed, ARDMS credits too	1–8+ per activity	Online, hybrid	Professionals needing academic rigor and a network
ACS (Ultrasound for Surgeons)	Surgery-specific, foundational + advanced ultrasound, Verification Level II	4–8 per course	Online or hybrid	General & subspecialty surgeons needing applied training
ABC Vascular	Vascular-specific, EACCME/AMA credits, low-cost, visual probe guides	6–20 per course	Fully online	Vascular professionals seeking practical skills affordably

Top 10 Ultrasound Courses & Programs with AMA Accreditation

There are hundreds of online ultrasound programs out there, but very few meet the rigorous educational standards of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ accreditation. This section brings together the most trusted online platforms offering high-quality ultrasound training that’s recognized by major licensing boards and certifying bodies.

Whether you’re looking to enhance procedural confidence or fulfill CME requirements, these are some of the best online ultrasound training options available to you in 2025.

1. Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (GCUS) Online Courses

Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute is one of the most established ultrasound training providers in the U.S., having trained over 200,000 healthcare professionals since 1985. With a legacy of over 500,000 CME credits awarded and a reputation for a>98% registry exam success rate, GCUS has earned its place as a top-tier educator in the ultrasound space.

GCUS offers a robust mix of online and blended learning programs:

• Over 400 self-paced online modules covering nearly every ultrasound specialty, including abdominal, vascular, emergency/critical care, MSK, cardiac, OB/GYN, pediatric, and POCUS.
• Courses come with 12-month access to video lectures, quizzes, and downloadable notes.
• All activities are ACCME-accredited, providing AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, and also meet ARDMS/CCI CME requirements.
• Optional CME credit purchase (+$125 per course), allowing cost flexibility.
• Pricing varies widely depending on content. For example:
  • Abdominal and Primary Care Ultrasound: $965 (with 18 AMA CME), $840 (without CME)
  • Thyroid Ultrasound Intro: $475 (6 CME), $400 (without CME)
  • Abdominal Registry Review: $520 (14.5 CME), $395 (without CME)
• GCUS also offers blended programs with live, small-group hands-on scanning workshops, but prices rise above $3,000 for those.

This platform is ideal if you’re a clinician seeking structured, clinically oriented instruction with the option for additional live practice down the line.

2. SonoSim (Inc.)

SonoSim takes a unique approach to ultrasound training by offering simulation-based education. Its signature tool, the SonoSimulator®, transforms your laptop into a virtual ultrasound system, allowing you to practice scanning real patient cases and develop procedural confidence in a risk-free setting. SonoSim’s ecosystem consists of:

• Hands-on simulation with real-time feedback using a mock probe and laptop-based software.
• Modules cover over 80 topics, including general POCUS, MSK, cardiac, lung, OB, and procedural guidance.
• Every course is CME-accredited (typically up to 6 AMA CME credits per module).
• Costs include:
  • Student Plan: $599/year (access to all content, no CME)
  • Individual Modules: $399 each (with CME included)
  • SonoSimulator® Probe: $249 (hardware needed for simulation)
• Designed for individuals or institutional training, with discounts available for bulk licensing.
• Features include cognitive task training for guided procedures, performance tracking, and compatibility with standardized patients.

If you’re looking for hands-on scanning experience without the logistics of a live workshop, SonoSim is one of the most immersive and innovative tools available.

3. 123sonography

123sonography focuses heavily on echocardiography and general ultrasound education. Since 2010, it has trained over 400,000 learners worldwide and remains a go-to resource for clinicians preparing for board exams or seeking deep mastery in cardiac imaging. The platform offers:

• AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ across all major courses, accepted by ARDMS and CCI.
• Courses are structured as either short “FocusClasses” or in-depth “MasterClasses”:
  • Echo MasterClass: ~47.7 hours, up to 90 CME credits.
  • POCUS Heart Focus: ~2.9 hours, 6 CME credits.
  • MSK BachelorClass: ~19.75 CME credits.
  • Emergency Ultrasound MasterClass, OB/GYN, neonatology, and more.
• Fully online, video-based lectures, quizzes, image reviews, and case discussions.
• Pricing is flexible based on length and access:
  • Echo MasterClass: $1,570 (6 months), $2,198 (1 year), $3,768 (2 years)
  • POCUS FocusClass: $950–$2,280 depending on duration
  • Monthly plans are also available (e.g., $282/month)
• Scholarships are available for select learners (up to $6,300 value).
• You receive a PDF diploma upon completion; however, it’s clarified that this doesn’t authorize independent practice unless you meet clinical regulatory criteria in your region.

123sonography is perfect if you’re aiming for structured echocardiography or POCUS learning and want to pace yourself through expert-led video content.

4. Medmastery

Medmastery is an award-winning platform known for turning complex clinical topics into bite-sized, intuitive lessons. With a wide selection of ultrasound-focused modules, it’s particularly valuable for clinicians seeking to close skill gaps and earn CME credit without overwhelming time commitments. Key highlights include:

• 118+ courses—focused on POCUS, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, and vascular imaging.
• Notable courses include:
  • POCUS Essentials / Masterclass
  • Echo Masterclass: Prosthetic Valves, The Right Heart, Strain Imaging
  • Ultrasound Masterclass: Carotid Arteries, Veins of the Legs
• Self-paced, short lessons (~5 minutes each) that are ideal for clinicians with unpredictable schedules.
• Most courses can be completed in 3–5 hours.
• All courses are ACCME-accredited, offering AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (450+ total across the catalog).
• Certificates can be submitted to ARDMS/CCI for credentialing.
• Subscription-based model:
  • Pro Plan: $47/month or $564/year (includes CME)
  • Basic Plan: $35/month or $420/year (no CME)
• A free trial lets you preview the first chapters of all courses.

Medmastery is especially suited for clinicians and educators who value efficient learning formats and want to brush up on specific ultrasound skills without investing in massive time blocks.

5. Institute for Advanced Medical Education (IAME)

IAME has carved out a strong reputation as a CME powerhouse for physicians and sonographers, offering more than 150 ultrasound-focused courses across 10 specialties. Known for its accessible pricing, modular structure, and streamlined credit reporting, IAME is ideal for learners who prefer short, targeted learning sessions and a wide range of specialty topics.

Here’s what you can expect from IAME:

• All-online, chapter-based format: Each course is broken into 1–4 chapters, covering specific topics like fetal cardiac morphology, early first-trimester assessment, infective endocarditis, and pancreatic cystic lesions.
• Short, modular courses: Most offerings are 1–3 AMA CME credits, with typical completion times ranging from 1 to 3 hours. For example, the Ultrasound-guided Breast Biopsy course offers 3 credits.
• Broad acceptance and automated credit tracking: Accredited by ACCME to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, and accepted by ARDMS, CCI, and most U.S. state medical boards. Credits are automatically transferred to ARDMS and CCI for your convenience.
• Audit protection included: IAME maintains your CME documentation and offers direct upload to CME banks, a real asset for license renewals or audits.
• Flexible pricing: Most courses cost $29.99–$49.99 individually. You can also choose subscription plans like:
  • Standard Unlimited: $109.99/year (access to 150+ ultrasound CME courses)
  • Unlimited CME Plus: $179.99 (2025–2026 access)
  • Lifetime Access: $1,000 flat fee for permanent CME access
• No hands-on training, but a deep, expanding library of clinically relevant topics for imaging specialists, OB/GYNs, cardiologists, and general practitioners.

IAME is a solid, cost-effective choice if you’re after quick, high-quality, AMA-accredited ultrasound CME without long commitments.

6. Core Ultrasound

Run by POCUS experts Dr. Ben Smith and Jailyn Avila, Core Ultrasound delivers high-yield, evidence-based ultrasound training designed for busy clinicians. The platform blends free FOAMed resources with more structured, AMA-accredited CME courses for both entry-level and advanced learners.

Core Ultrasound offers:

• Foundational curriculum: Fundamentals and Fundamentals Primary Care each include 18 hours of didactic content, covering POCUS of the heart, lungs, abdomen, aorta, renal, pelvic, vascular, and ocular systems.
• Advanced and specialty learning:
  • SonoAnatomy: a four-year integrated program for students (1000+ assessment questions)
  • Critical Care Ultrasound: covers diastology, RV dysfunction, and TEE
  • Sound & Surf 24: deep dives into advanced skills like nerve blocks and vascular access
• Question bank integration: Core Q-Bank includes 3200 image-based questions with video walkthroughs to refine interpretation skills.
• Fully online & self-paced: Watch at your own speed; no hands-on component.
• Accredited by ACEP for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, making it a solid choice for emergency medicine and critical care clinicians.
• Flexible pricing:
  • Fundamentals/Critical Care: $99/year (no CME) or $199/year (with CME)
  • All-Access Pass: $499/year (no CME) or $599/year (with CME) for all nine courses
• Group discounts available for 10+ licenses

If you’re in emergency, primary care, or critical care, Core Ultrasound is a practical, affordable choice with high educational return, and their Q-Bank adds great exam prep value.

7. Aeyr POCUS Courses

Aeyr is a newer entrant into the ultrasound education space but has quickly gained attention with its focused, tech-forward approach to Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training. Their curriculum is fully online and designed for maximum flexibility, with a strong emphasis on clinical application.

Key features of Aeyr’s offerings:

• Core CME courses include:
  • Ultrasound Basics (Free, 3 CME)
  • POCUS Essentials (23 CME)
  • MSK Essentials (20 CME)
  • OB/GYN Essentials (9 CME)
  • Ultrasound-Guided Needling (1 CME)
  • Cardiac & Lung POCUS (4 CME)
• Competency-based instruction: Focus on practical scanning skills, anatomy recognition, and real-world scenarios.
• Virtual Instructor Training module available for teaching-track professionals.
• Accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, recognized nationally.
• Affordable pricing:
  • Free Basics Course
  • Other courses range from $75–$700, depending on scope and depth
  • Virtual Instructor Training: $250
• Enterprise packages are available for hospitals and clinical groups.
• Technology-first platform: You access materials through a modern LMS that tracks progress, supports video-based learning, and includes real-patient case studies.

Aeyr is best for learners seeking concise, affordable, focused POCUS education with clear learning objectives and CME credit. Great for both individuals and training departments.

8. AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine)

The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) is a cornerstone organization in the ultrasound community. Founded in 1952, AIUM offers a wide spectrum of clinical, technical, and research-based education, ideal for sonographers, radiologists, OB/GYNs, and specialists who require highly credible, AMA-accredited CME.

AIUM’s offerings include:

• Flexible learning formats:
  • Webinars: 1-hour sessions with Q&A (e.g., Doppler in OB, Precision Immunotherapy)
  • On-Demand Courses: Available anytime (e.g., Female Pelvis Evaluation, 4.5 CME)
  • On-Location Learning: Custom on-site training for healthcare facilities
  • Hybrid Courses: Combine online modules with live scanning workshops
• Wide range of specialties:
  • Obstetric, Gynecologic, MSK, Breast, Abdomen, Cardiac, and more
  • Includes “Case Challenges” and journal-based learning for diagnostic refinement
• ACCME-accredited, offering AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ on all activities. Some also qualify for ARRT/ARDMS Category A credits.
• Accessible pricing:
  • Webinars: Free for members, $19 for non-members
  • Courses: $199 for members, $299 for non-members
  • Many journal-based CME articles and case studies are free with membership
• Membership benefits:
  • Discounted course access (up to 33%)
  • Yearly rates: $30 (students), $165 (non-physicians), $375 (physicians)
  • Access to over 150 online resources and community networking

If you’re a practicing sonographer or imaging physician who wants academic-grade education with specialty depth and a professional support network, AIUM is an excellent long-term partner.

9. Ultrasound Essentials for Surgeons (American College of Surgeons – ACS)

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) delivers ultrasound training specifically tailored for surgical professionals through its Ultrasound Essentials for Surgeons (USES) and Ultrasound Essentials for Residents (USER) programs. These courses are built around surgical applications of ultrasound, making them especially relevant for practicing surgeons and surgical trainees who need practical, image-based diagnostic tools.

Key highlights of the ACS offerings:

• USES Course (Ultrasound Essentials for Surgeons):
  • Fully online and on-demand, the USES course is ideal for surgeons wanting to build a baseline in ultrasound imaging applicable to breast, vascular, thyroid/parathyroid, and abdominal surgery.
  • Offers up to 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™.
  • Priced at $275 for Fellows and Affiliate MD/DOs, $350 for non-members, $130 for resident members, and just $65 for student members.
  • Ideal for independent learners who want to build ultrasound proficiency at their own pace.
• Additional specialized ACS ultrasound training includes:
  • Thyroid, Parathyroid & Neck Ultrasound (TPNUS) – 7.75 AMA CME Credits™, Verification Level II
  • Focused ECHO in ICU/Anesthesia – 8.0 AMA CME Credits™, Verification Level II
  • Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) – procedural course (no CME
  • Each course costs $975, plus a $195 participant fee for MDs/DOs or $160 for residents/others.

There is also a USER Course (Ultrasound Essentials for Residents), but no AMA CME credits are awarded for this course.

These ACS programs are most valuable for surgical providers seeking specialty-focused ultrasound education that blends foundational knowledge with real-world operative imaging use. If you’re a general or subspecialty surgeon, these offerings are some of the few crafted with your day-to-day procedural needs in mind.

10. ABC Vascular

ABC Vascular is an online training platform exclusively focused on vascular ultrasound and point-of-care vascular diagnostics. It caters to vascular technologists, sonographers, physicians, and advanced practitioners who perform or interpret studies involving carotid, peripheral arterial, venous, and aortic imaging.

Here’s what makes ABC Vascular stand out:

• Accredited for European CME (EACCME), all courses can be converted to AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ in the U.S., making them globally recognized and highly relevant for American learners.
• Courses are fully online, with a combination of:
  • Video tutorials that show a detailed scanning technique
  • Downloadable guides and protocols
  • Case-based video walkthroughs and probe handling demonstrations
  • Interactive quizzes for reinforcement
• Extensive course catalog includes:
  • Carotid Ultrasound & Vertebral Arteries – 20 hours, 20 CME credits
  • Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Assessment – 6 hours, 6 CME credits
  • Lower Limb Venous System – 12 hours, 12 CME credits
  • Also: Subclavian Steal, Femoral-Popliteal DVT, AAA Screening, and more.
• Ultra-affordable pricing:
  • Carotid Ultrasound Course: £34 (~$44) for 20 CME credits
  • Plaque Assessment Course: £9.9 (~$13) for 6 CME credits
• Offers a free trial with access to sample chapters from two topics.
• Highly rated by learners (4.83/5 on Trustpilot), praised for clarity, accuracy, and ease of use.

Although it lacks live hands-on training, ABC Vascular excels in providing high-value, step-by-step procedural guidance, including visual demonstrations of hand positioning, probe technique, and real-time interpretation of vascular pathologies. This makes it particularly beneficial for those seeking affordable, practical vascular ultrasound education that’s CME-certified and internationally recognized.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ultrasound course depends on where you are in your clinical journey and what you aim to achieve. If you’re just starting out, platforms like IAME, Aeyr, or Core Ultrasound offer affordable, accessible options with strong fundamentals. 

For more advanced or specialized needs—like vascular, surgical, or critical care ultrasound—programs like ABC Vascular, ACS, or AIUM may be a better fit. And if you prefer immersive, simulation-based learning, SonoSim and 123sonography deliver robust content with practice-oriented formats.

If you’re also looking for a reliable scanner to pair with your course, don’t miss our roundup of the Top 10 Budget-Friendly Handheld Ultrasound Scanners.

By TodoPocus™

As an international handheld ultrasound brand, TodoPocus™ collaborates with leading educators, clinicians, and credentialing experts to help you stay ahead—whether you’re improving your point-of-care skills or preparing for certification.

Want to know which device leads the pack this year? Don’t miss our expert guide: What Are the Best Brands of Handheld Ultrasound in 2025? The Ultimate Comparison

Keep visiting TodoPocus.com for more expert-backed reviews, training guides, and comparisons. Have questions? Talk to our team for personalized advice or send us your suggestions—we’d love to hear what you’re learning next.

FAQS

References

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11. TodoPocus. (2025, June 18). Best handheld ultrasound brands in 2025. https://todopocus.com/best-handheld-ultrasound-brands-in-2025/
12. TodoPocus. (2025, July 28). Top 10 budget-friendly handheld ultrasound scanners you can rely on for 2025. https://todopocus.com/top-10-budget-friendly-handheld-ultrasound-scanners-you-can-rely-on-for-2025/
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