Ultrasound Technician

ultrasound technician

Ultrasound Technician Salary, Schools and Jobs

Your complete guide to ultrasound and sonogram technician schools, salary and jobs. Learn how to become an ultrasound tech and sonographer and find schools.

MPN (MedicalProfessionsNow) Quick Facts:

Average Salary$45,000-$88,490
Education RequiredAssociate's Degree
Job OutlookOutstanding (39% growth in next 10 years)
MPN's TakeGrowing industry with competitive salary.
Overview

Sonographers (also vascular technologists) are the medical professionals who use the ultrasonic imaging devices to create:

  • Diagnostic images
  • Videos
  • Scans
  • 3D volumes of diagnostic data and anatomy

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The process of taking ultrasound scans involves placing small devices called transducers against the skin of patients, near the area to be imaged. The transducers work like loudspeakers and microphones and have the capacity to receive and transmit sound. Therefore, when placed on the targeted body areas, transducers send streams of high-frequency sound waves into the targeted body organs.

The sound waves will bounce off the internal organs and the transducer will detect the behavior of the sound waves as they interact with and bounce off internal structures. Since different internal structures of the body will reflect the sound waves differently, a computer analysis of the reflected sound waves will give unique and diagnostically relevant images of the internal structures. The computers will produce the images on television screens or as videotape records.

Checkout this great video about the every life of a technician:

Examining many body parts such as abdomen, breasts, prostate, blood vessels, heart and the female reproductive system, sonographers are helpful in the detection and treatment of vascular diseases that can cause stroke, heart disease and heart attack.

They also guide the performance of fine needle tissue aspiration in order to obtain cells from organs, especially breast tissue for diagnosing breast cancer. Hence, they require specialized education and skills for viewing, analyzing and modifying the ultrasound scans in order to optimize the information that can be obtained from the resulting images. According to the U.S. BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), more than 59-percent of all positions are in hospitals while others work in imaging centers, diagnostic laboratories and physician office labs.

The primary responsibilities of ultrasound techs include:

  • Obtaining accurate records of patient history.
  • Operating ultrasound equipment effectively in order to generate and record the images according to physician requests.
  • Continuous and careful observation of the screen throughout the scans in order to make appropriate adjustments and ensure satisfactory images for use in diagnosis.
  • Preparing and positioning patients for convenient ultrasound exams. They must also explain the procedures to the patients.
  • Processing and coding films, images, videotapes and prints that are obtained from ultrasound scanning procedures, and completing all the necessary documentation to enable easy interpretation of the images by physicians. The technician must also provide written and oral summaries of the findings to the requesting physician or medical authority.
  • Applying independent judgment and analysis of technical information in order to extend the scope and applicability of the procedure to various disorders and diagnostic findings.
  • Collaborating with nurses, physicians and other health care personnel in the diagnostic and treatment processes.

A successful ultrasound tech must be skilled enough to distinguish between normal and abnormal findings before they give direct feedback to physicians and other medical experts. Therefore, to be a diagnostic medical sonographer, you must attend an accredited school that offers a comprehensive program. In fact, the program should empower you to obtain, review and integrate relevant patient history information and clinical data into your ultrasound scanning procedures in order to produce optimum and relevant diagnostic results.

During the training program, you should learn to conduct appropriate procedures and to record relevant pathological, anatomical and physiological data for interpretation and usage by the physician. You must also learn to record all findings regardless of whether you consider them normal or abnormal. Moreover, your training should empower you to exercise good judgment and uphold the best imaging practices.

To be a diagnostic medical sonographer, you need formal training at an accredited institution offering either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in sonography. You may also begin your career with a certificate course from a vocational training center or training in the U.S. armed forces.

The sonography programs usually include courses in patient care, anatomy, physiology, physics, phlebotomy, instrumentation and ethics. While no state puts any formal certification requirements for ultrasound techs, employers prefer professionals who are certified by recognized institutions such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Before you can be registered by ARDMS, you will need to pass an examination on instrumentation and physical principles.Technicians who receive ARDMS certification are called Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMSs). Typically, all sonography programs are a combination of theory and practical courses (in labs) followed by clinical internships.

In the United States, the CAAHEP/JRC-DMS accredited programs are the most widely accepted education programs. The profession is further divided into sub-specialties, including:

  1. Abdomen (AB) sonographers: They evaluate blood vessels, all soft tissues and other organs of the abdominal cavity (such as spleen, liver, pancreas and urinary tract).
  2. Cardiac (AE): evaluate the anatomy and blood flow in the heart, heart valves and heart-related vessels. Examples include Pediatric (PE) Cardiac and Fetal (FE) Cardiac sonography.
  3. Neurosonology (NE): Evaluate the spinal cord and the brain.
  4. Musculoskeletal (MSK): Evaluate soft tissues and joints.
  5. Breast (BR): evaluate abnormalities on the breast, especially during diagnostic mammography and breast screening.
  6. Vascular technology (VT): Evaluate and analyze blood flow through abdominal and peripheral blood vessels.
  7. Obstetrics (OB) and Gynecology: Evaluate the female reproductive system.

There is a difference between ultrasound and radiologic technicians. While radiologic technicians use MRIs, X-rays and CT scans to take images of the internal structures of the patients’ bodies, ultrasound techs use sound waves. Nonetheless, the work of the techs complements that of other imaging professionals. For instance, radiologic technicians will usually take mammograms of breasts in conjunction with sono techs performing ultrasounds.

Salary

Ultrasound tech salary ranges from $44,990 to $91,070 per year, with the median annual earning standing at $65,860. In the industry, the technicians working in colleges, universities, outpatient care centers and professional schools earn higher salaries than their counterparts working in hospitals and diagnostic labs, while those working in metropolitan areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area earn the highest salaries.

The top 10 highest paying states include:

  1. California at $86,010 a year
  2. Oregon at $84,780 a year
  3. Alaska at $82,420 a year
  4. Washington at $81,180 a year
  5. Massachusetts at $80,510 a year
  6. Rhode Island at $79,990 a year
  7. Wisconsin at $79,280 a year
  8. Arizona at $78,760 a year
  9. Hawaii at $78,170 a year
  10. Connecticut at $77,950 a year

Ultrasound technician salary depends on the level of education, amount of training, facility of employment (diagnostic imaging facility, physician’s office, or hospital), location, and years of experience. Generally, the salary of an individual with a bachelor’s degree will be higher than the salary of an individual having an associate degree. Similarly, the area of specialization such as Cardiac or vascular specialization will determine the salary earned. When compared to other professions, they are found to earn fairly decent salaries. Here are the annual earning ranges for related fields:

  1. Sonographer technicians $44,990-$91,070
  2. Radiologic technologists $37,060-$77,160
  3. Cardiovascular Techs $27,830-$80,790
  4. Medical Assistants $21,080-$41,570
  5. Surgical technologists $29,710-$60,240
  6. Medical Lab Techs $46,000 – $61,000

Once you join the profession, you can increase your salary by opting for continuous education and further specialization. The higher your level of education, the higher is your salary. For instance, if you opt to specialize in Obstetrics (OB)/Gynecology and earn the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification, you will receive a better pay than when you practice general sonography. Equally, a bachelor’s degree or a master degree in ultrasound will open the doors for employment in high-paying positions, such as education, management and consulting.

Ultrasound Technician Schools and Programs

Even though many states do not offer formal licensing processes, the employers in all states usually prefer professionals with American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This certification requires formal training in an accredited school. To join the career, you can opt to pursue a certificate program in ultrasound imaging at a vocational college or technical training center that provides hands-on training and prepares students for passing the ARDMS certification exams. Alternatively, you can join a 2-year associate degree program or a 4-year bachelor’s degree program, depending on your immediate qualifications. The prerequisites to joining the programs include strong backgrounds in physics, math, biology, chemistry and English, and a GED or high school diploma.

Use the table below to find sonographer schools near you. Use the search box to search by city, zip code etc

CollegeTuiton (Approx)Student populationCollege WebsiteCollege Address
Adventist University of Health Sciences$16,437 2293www.adu.edu671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, Florida 32803
Allen College$24,065 581www.allencollege.edu1990 Heath St, Waterloo, Iowa 50703-1999
Alvin Community College$7,766 5118www.alvincollege.edu3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, Texas 77511-4898
Amarillo College$6,141 10873www.actx.edu2011 S. Washington, Amarillo, Texas 79109
American Health Institute$4,303 68americanhealth.edu10138 US Highway 19, Port Richey, Florida 34654-3743
American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education$15,899 274www.aimseducation.edu4500 New Brunswick Ave, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
American Institute of Medical SonographyNAaimseducationmanagement.com5450 W Sahara Ave, #320, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146-0383
American Institute of Medical Technology$4,809 65www.aimt.edu4500 S. Garnett Rd. Suite 110, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146
American Institute-Toms River$37,995397
www.americaninstitute.edu/2363 Lakewood Rd, Toms River, New Jersey 08755
American Medical Sciences Center$18,076 77www.amscedu.com225 West Broadway, Suite 115, Glendale, California 91204-5108
Angelina College$7,137 5490www.angelina.edu3500 South First, Lufkin, Texas 75902-1768
Argosy University-Twin Cities$18,249 1626www.argosy.edu/twincities/1515 Central Parkway, Eagan, Minnesota 55121
Arkansas State University-Main Campus$8,984 13552www2.astate.edu2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College$11,258 8092www.abtech.edu340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, North Carolina 28801-4897
Athens Technical College$6,188 4563www.athenstech.edu/800 U.S. Hwy 29 North, Athens, Georgia 30601
ATI College-Norwalk$18,548 120www.ati.edu12440 Firestone Blvd Ste 2001, Norwalk, California 90650
Austin Community College District$8,624 41627www.austincc.edu5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, Texas 78752
Bacone College$14,245 965www.bacone.edu2299 Old Bacone Rd, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74403-1597
Baker College of Auburn Hills$13,090 3105www.baker.edu1500 University Dr, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2642
Baker College of Owosso$11,815 2828www.baker.edu1020 S Washington St, Owosso, Michigan 48867
Baptist Health System School of Health ProfessionsNA444www.bshp.edu8400 Datapoint Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78229
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences$8,885 1101www.bchs.edu1003 Monroe Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38104
Barry University$21,004 9030www.barry.edu11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, Florida 33161-6695
Baton Rouge Community College$8,400 8043www.mybrcc.edu201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Bay de Noc Community College$8,483 2305www.baycollege.edu/2001 N Lincoln Road, Escanaba, Michigan 49829-2511
Bellevue College$7,503 13820bellevuecollege.edu/3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, Washington 98007-6484
Benedictine University$20,078 6318www.ben.edu5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532-0900
Bergen Community College$6,384 15882www.bergen.edu400 Paramus Rd, Paramus, New Jersey 07652-1595
Blackhawk Technical College$9,193 2637www.blackhawk.edu6004 County Road G, Janesville, Wisconsin 53547-5009
Brookdale Community College$6,179 14360www.brookdalecc.edu765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, New Jersey 07738-1597
Broward College$8,174 43883www.broward.edu111 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Bryan College of Health Sciences$22,962 711www.bryanhealth.com/CollegeofHealthSciences5035 Everett, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506-1299
Bunker Hill Community College$7,251 14023www.bhcc.mass.edu250 New Rutherford Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02129-2925
Burlington County College$6,943 9570www.bcc.edu601 Pemberton-Browns Mills Road, Pemberton, New Jersey 08068-1599
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute$17,637 3933www.cccti.edu2855 Hickory Blvd., Hudson, North Carolina 28638
California College of Vocational Careers$22,741 69www.ccvc.edu1901 Chester Ave #201, Bakersfield, California 93301
Cambridge Institute of Health & Technology$9,518 204www.cambridgehealth.edu/5150 Linton Blvd, Delray Beach, Florida 33484
Cape Cod Community College$8,968 4051www.capecod.edu2240 Iyannough Rd, West Barnstable, Massachusetts 02668-1599
Cape Fear Community College$9,615 9246www.cfcc.edu411 North Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401-3910
Capital Community College$8,399 4168www.ccc.commnet.edu950 Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103
Cardiac and Vascular Institute of UltrasoundNA38www.ultrasound.edu2936 North McVay Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36606
Cardiotech Ultrasound School$13,764 61www.cardiotech.org/12135 Bissonnet Ste E, Houston, Texas 77099
Carl Sandburg College$4,014 2328www.sandburg.edu2400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard, Galesburg, Illinois 61401
Carrington College-Mesa$21,968 691www.carrington.edu1001 Southern Ave., Ste. 130, Mesa, Arizona 85210
Casa Loma College-Van Nuys$25,530 606www.casalomacollege.edu6725 Kester Ave, Van Nuys, California 91405
Central Arizona College$4,987 6445www.centralaz.edu8470 N Overfield Rd, Coolidge, Arizona 85128-9030
Central California School$20,807 412ccsce.org3195 McMillan Ste F, San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Central Florida Institute$9,951 285www.cfi.edu30522 US Hwy 19 N Ste 300, Palm Harbor, Florida 34684-0000
Central New Mexico Community College$5,297 28891www.cnm.edu525 Buena Vista SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
Central Ohio Technical College$10,126 3648www.cotc.edu1179 University Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055-1767
Chattahoochee Technical College$2,574 10470www.chattahoocheetech.edu980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE, Marietta, Georgia 30060
Chattanooga State Community College$7,902 9910www.chattanoogastate.edu4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406-1097
Chippewa Valley Technical College$8,555 5617www.cvtc.edu620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701-6162
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College$6,592 11167www.cincinnatistate.edu3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223-2690
Coast Career Institute$11,758 92www.coastcareer.com/1250 E. Cooley Drive, Colton, California 92324-3956
Coast Career Institute$11,105 169www.coastcareer.edu1354 S Hill St, Los Angeles, California 90015-3040
College of DuPage$7,052 28627www.cod.edu425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599
College of Health Care Professions-Northwest$20,200 810www.chcp.edu240 Northwest Mall, Houston, Texas 77092
College of Southern Nevada$7,428 34177www.csn.edu6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89146-1164
Columbia Basin College$8,038 6480www.columbiabasin.edu2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, Washington 99301
Columbus Technical College$8,499 3739www.columbustech.edu/928 Manchester Expy, Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572
Community College of Allegheny County$5,936 18229www.ccac.edu800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15233-1895
Community College of Rhode Island$5,986 17699www.ccri.edu400 East Ave, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1807
Concordia University-Wisconsin$22,448 7943www.cuw.edu12800 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon, Wisconsin 53097-2402
Cosumnes River College$9,366 13949www.crc.losrios.edu/8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, California 95823-5799
Cuyahoga Community College District$5,627 27910www.tri-c.edu700 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2878
Cypress College$6,095 15881www.cypresscollege.edu9200 Valley View, Cypress, California 90630-5897
Dade Medical College-Hollywood$22,457 303www.dademedical.edu6837 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33024
Dade Medical College-Homestead$19,964 309www.dademedical.edu/index.html381 N Krome Ave, Homestead, Florida 33030
Dade Medical College-Jacksonville$27,418 191www.dademedical.edu9550 Regency Square Boulevard, Suite 1200, Jacksonville, Florida 32225-8116
Dade Medical College-Miami$18,125 1083www.dademedical.edu/index.html3721-1 NW 7th street, Miami, Florida 33126
Dade Medical College-Miami Lakes$24,378 607dademedicalcollege.com5875 NW 163 Street, Suite 101, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Dade Medical College-West Palm Beach$26,279 259www.dademedical.edu2601 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415-7510
Danville Area Community College$7,778 4035www.dacc.edu2000 E Main St, Danville, Illinois 61832-5118
Darton State College$6,614 6195www.darton.edu2400 Gillionville Rd, Albany, Georgia 31707-3098
Del Mar College$5,020 10502www.delmar.edu101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78404-3897
Delaware Technical Community College-Owens$4,227 4429https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/georgetownRoute 18, Seashore Highway PO Box 610, Georgetown, Delaware 19947
Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington$4,498 7030https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/wilmington333 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Delgado Community College$6,846 18698WWW.DCC.EDU615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
Delta College$3,603 10272www.delta.edu1961 Delta Road, University Center, Michigan 48710
Eastern International College-Belleville$17,642 216www.eicollege.edu251 Washington Ave, Belleville, New Jersey 07109
Eastern International College-Jersey City$17,759 222www.eicollege.edu684 Newark Ave, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
ECPI University$18,454 10845www.ecpi.edu5555 Greenwich Rd Ste 300, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
EDIC College$4,050 752www.ediccollege.eduCalle Genova Num 5 Urb Caguas Norte, Caguas, Puerto Rico 00725-0000
El Centro College$6,516 10771www.elcentrocollege.edu/801 Main Street, Dallas, Texas 75202-3604
El Paso Community College$3,762 30468www.epcc.edu9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, Texas 79925
Ferris State University$13,357 14707www.ferris.edu/1201 S State St, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307-2251
Florida Institute of Ultrasound IncNA68www.fiuonline.net8800 University Pky Ste A4, Pensacola, Florida 32514
Florida National University-Main Campus$19,822 2448www.fnu.edu4425 West. Jose Regueiro (20th) Avenue, Hialeah, Florida 33012
Foothill College$6,696 14814www.foothill.edu12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, California 94022
Forsyth Technical Community College$5,756 9528www.forsythtech.edu/2100 Silas Creek Pky, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27103-5197
Fort Hays State University$11,207 13441www.fhsu.edu600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601-4099
American Institute-Clifton
$37,995760http://www.americaninstitute.edu/346 LEXINGTON AVE, CLIFTON, New Jersey 07011
American Institute-West Hartford$37,995369americaninstitute.edu99 South Street, West Hartford, Connecticut 06110-1922
Gateway Community College$6,597 8186www.gwcc.commnet.edu/20 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
GateWay Community College$7,932 6440www.gatewaycc.edu108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville$6,381 5281www.wallacestate.edu801 Main St NW, Hanceville, Alabama 35077-2000
George Washington University$32,018 25264www.gwu.edu2121 I Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052
Georgia Northwestern Technical College$4,942 6051www.gntc.eduOne Maurice Culberson Drive, Rome, Georgia 30161
Georgia Regents University$2,323 8468www.gru.edu1120 Fifteenth St, Augusta, Georgia 30912
Gloucester County College$7,171 6720www.gccnj.edu1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, New Jersey 08080
Grady Health System Professional SchoolsNA60www.gradyhealthsystem.org80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive, SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3050
Grand Valley State University$15,664 24477www.gvsu.edu1 Campus Dr, Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403
Great Basin College$8,911 3181www.gbcnv.edu1500 College Parkway, Elko, Nevada 89801
Great Lakes Institute of Technology$11,387 453www.glit.edu5100 Peach Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16509-2482
Greenville Technical College$9,270 13448www.gvltec.edu738 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, South Carolina 29607-2418
Gulf Coast State College$5,070 6271www.gulfcoast.edu/default.htm5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, Florida 32401
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts$20,804 843www.gurnick.edu2121 S El Camino Real Bldg C 200, San Mateo, California 94403
Gwinnett Technical College$6,152 7180www.GwinnettTech.edu5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043-5702
H Councill Trenholm State Technical College$6,128 1351www.trenholmstate.edu1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36108-3199
Harper College$7,104 14830www.harpercollege.edu1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, Illinois 60067-7398
Harrisburg Area Community College-Harrisburg$10,211 20780www.hacc.edu1 HACC Dr., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-2999
Hazard Community and Technical College$6,271 3790www.hazard.kctcs.eduOne Community College Drive, Hazard, Kentucky 41701-2402
Healthcare Training Institute$20,468 68www.htinj.edu1969 Morris Ave, Union, New Jersey 07083
Hill College$8,375 4495www.hillcollege.edu112 Lamar Dr, Hillsboro, Texas 76645
Hillsborough Community College$5,337 26590www.hccfl.edu39 Columbia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33606-3584
Hillyard Technical CenterNA154www.hillyardtech.com3434 Faraon St, Saint Joseph, Missouri 64506-5102
Hinds Community College$3,639 11893www.hindscc.edu505 East Main Street, Raymond, Mississippi 39154
Hohokus School-RETS Nutley$19,616 579www.hohokusrets.com103 Park Ave, Nutley, New Jersey 07110
Horry-Georgetown Technical College$7,739 7660www.hgtc.edu2050 Highway 501 East, Conway, South Carolina 29526
Houston Community College$8,865 57978www.hccs.edu3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Howard Community College$7,780 9969www.howardcc.edu10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Maryland 21044-3197
Hudson Valley Community College$8,546 12841www.hvcc.edu80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, New York 12180
Hunter Business School$13,718 964hunterbusinessschool.edu3601 Hempstead Tpk, Levittown, New York 11756-1375
Institute of Allied Medical Professions-New YorkNA110www.iamp.edu225 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10122
Itawamba Community College$6,694 5693www.iccms.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=55602 W Hill Street, Fulton, Mississippi 38843-1099
Jackson College$6,221 5665www.jccmi.edu2111 Emmons Rd, Jackson, Michigan 49201-8399
Jefferson Community and Technical College$6,894 13498www.jefferson.kctcs.edu109 E Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2005
John A Logan College$4,313 7150www.jalc.edu700 Logan College Road, Carterville, Illinois 62918-2500
Johnston Community College$7,503 4235www.johnstoncc.edu245 College Road, Smithfield, North Carolina 27577-2350
Jones County Junior College$5,586 4443www.jcjc.edu900 South Court Street, Ellisville, Mississippi 39437
Kaplan College-North Hollywood$21,741 792www.kaplancollege.com/north-hollywood-ca/6180 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Suite 101, North Hollywood, California 91606-3231
Kaskaskia College$5,741 5258www.kaskaskia.edu27210 College Rd, Centralia, Illinois 62801
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale$21,420 17129www.keiseruniversity.edu1500 NW 49th St., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Kennebec Valley Community College$9,290 2263www.kvcc.me.edu92 Western Ave, Fairfield, Maine 04937-1367
Kettering College$16,477 880www.kc.edu3737 Southern Blvd, Kettering, Ohio 45429-1299
Kirtland Community College$6,912 1805www.kirtland.edu10775 N Saint Helen Road, Roscommon, Michigan 48653
Labette Community College$4,720 1959www.labette.edu200 S 14th, Parsons, Kansas 67357-4201
Lackawanna College$14,249 1454www.lackawanna.edu501 Vine St, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509-3206
Lake Michigan College$6,655 4230www.lakemichigancollege.edu2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022-1899
Lake Superior College$13,193 5394www.lsc.edu2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, Minnesota 55811-3399
Lamar Institute of Technology$9,312 2995www.lit.edu855 E Lavaca, Beaumont, Texas 77705
Lansing Community College$6,298 17562www.lcc.edu419 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, Michigan 48901-7210
Laramie County Community College$7,464 4780www.lccc.wy.edu1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007-3299
Lebanon College$21,308 87www.lebanoncollege.edu15 Hanover Street, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766
Lewis University$19,015 6525www.lewisu.eduOne University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446-2200
Lewis-Clark State College$12,195 4304www.lcsc.edu500 8th Ave, Lewiston, Idaho 83501-2698
Lincoln University$15,577 492www.lincolnuca.edu401 15th Street, Oakland, California 94612-2801
LIU Brooklyn$24,082 8483www.liu.edu1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, New York 11201-5372
Loma Linda UniversityNA4693www.llu.edu/index.html11139 Anderson Street, Loma Linda, California 92350
Lone Star College System$6,096 64072www.lonestar.edu5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4399
Lorain County Community College$3,137 12274www.lorainccc.edu1005 North Abbe Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035-1691
Louisiana State University-Eunice$7,340 2673www.lsue.edu2048 Johnson Hwy, Eunice, Louisiana 70535
Lurleen B Wallace Community College$8,715 1570www.lbwcc.edu1000 Dannelly Blvd., Andalusia, Alabama 36420-1418
Massasoit Community College$8,937 8272www.massasoit.mass.eduOne Massasoit Boulevard, Brockton, Massachusetts 02302-3996
Mayo School of Health SciencesNA335www.mayo.edu/mshs/200 First St SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
Medical Career InstituteNA77www.medicalcareerinstitute.net901 West Park Ave, Ocean, New Jersey 07712
Mercy College of Health Sciences$17,897 831www.mchs.edu928 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1239
Meridian College$14,952 163www.meridian.edu7020 Professional Pkwy E, Sarasota, Florida 34240
Miami Dade College$14,535 66298www.mdc.edu/main/300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33132-2204
Middlesex Community College$4,023 9702www.middlesex.mass.eduSprings Rd, Bedford, Massachusetts 01730-9124
Midland College$5,579 5233www.midland.edu3600 N Garfield, Midland, Texas 79705
Midwestern Career College$15,986 45www.mccollege.edu20 North Wacker Drive Ste 3800, Chicago, Illinois 60606
Misericordia University$24,545 3026www.misericordia.edu301 Lake St, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612-1098
Modern Technology School$16,759 83www.mtschool.edu16560 Harbor Blvd., Units K-Q, Fountain Valley, California 92708-9821
Montgomery College$7,485 26155www.montgomerycollege.edu51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland 20850
Moore Norman Technology Center$4,720 1165mntechnology.com/4701 12th Avenue NW, Norman, Oklahoma 73069-8399
Mt San Jacinto Community College District$7,334 14170www.msjc.edu1499 N. State St., San Jacinto, California 92583-2399
Muhlenberg Harold B and Dorothy A Snyder Schools-School of Imaging$27,828 100www.jfkmuhlenbergschools.orgPark Ave & Randolph Rd, Plainfield, New Jersey 07061
National Polytechnic College$7,848 234www.npcollege.edu6630 Telegraph Road, Commerce, California 90040
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health$17,327 943www.methodistcollege.edu720 North 87th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68114-2852
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana$6,484 8837dabcc.nmsu.edu/3400 S Espina, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-0105
New York Medical Career Training Center$13,523 363nymedtraining.com/36-09 Main St 5th Fl, Flushing, New York 11354
New York Methodist Hospital Center for Allied Health Education$36,546 155www.nymahe.org1401 Kings Hwy, Brooklyn, New York 11229
Newman University$16,943 3736www.newmanu.edu3100 McCormick Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67213-2097
NHTI-Concord's Community College$15,815 4288www.nhti.edu31 College Drive, Concord, New Hampshire 03301-7412
North Central Missouri College$6,950 1774www.ncmissouri.edu1301 Main St, Trenton, Missouri 64683
Northampton County Area Community College$5,395 10666www.northampton.edu3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18020-7599
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College$8,892 10441www.nwtc.edu2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54307-9042
Northern Virginia Community College$9,173 51803www.nvcc.edu4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, Virginia 22003-3796
Nova Southeastern University$27,615 25670www.nova.edu3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796
O C Collins Career Center$6,226 407www.collins-cc.edu11627 State Rte 243, Chesapeake, Ohio 45619-0000
Oakland Community College$5,086 26405www.oaklandcc.edu2480 Opdyke Rd, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304-2266
Ogeechee Technical College$4,802 2216www.ogeecheetech.eduOne Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
Oklahoma City Community College$6,599 13491www.occc.edu7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159-9987
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City$6,318 6996www.osuokc.edu900 N Portland, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107-6195
Orange Coast College$10,487 21886www.orangecoastcollege.edu/2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, California 92626
Oregon Institute of Technology$13,000 4407www.oit.edu3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601-8801
Our Lady of Holy Cross College$11,003 1112www.olhcc.edu4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131-7399
Owens Community College$6,434 14691https://www.owens.edu30335 Oregon Rd, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
Owensboro Community and Technical College$6,691 4286www.owensboro.kctcs.edu4800 New Hartford Rd, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Palm Beach State College$2,647 29763www.palmbeachstate.edu/4200 Congress Ave, Lake Worth, Florida 33461-4796
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences$23,048 1429https://www.pacollege.edu/410 N Lime Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
Pensacola State College$8,134 11235www.pensacolastate.edu1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, Florida 32504-8998
Piedmont Virginia Community College$7,140 5630www.pvcc.edu501 College Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-7589
Pima Medical Institute-Houston$16,620 898pmi.edu10201 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024
Pima Medical Institute-South Denver$19,827 211pmi.edu13750 E. Mississippi Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80012-0000
Pitt Community College$4,626 8902www.pittcc.edu1986 Pitt Tech Road, Winterville, North Carolina 28590
Platt College-Los Angeles$30,298 608www.plattcollege.edu1000 South Fremont Avenue, A10, Alhambra, California 91803
Platt College-Ontario$29,230 467www.plattcollege.edu3700 Inland Empire Boulevard, Ontario, California 91764
Platt College-Riverside$29,779 334www.plattcollege.edu6465 Sycamore Canyon Blvd Ste 100, Riverside, California 92507
Polk State College$9,304 11085www.polk.edu999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven, Florida 33881-4299
Professional Training Centers$22,894 801www.ptcc.edu/13926 SW 47th Street, Miami, Florida 33175
Pueblo Community College$9,083 6718www.pueblocc.edu900 West Orman Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81004-1499
Red Rocks Community College$9,437 8599www.rrcc.edu13300 W Sixth Ave, Lakewood, Colorado 80228-1255
Rochester Institute of Technology$27,639 16583www.rit.edu/1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, New York 14623-5603
Rolla Technical Institute$12,482 167rolla.k12.mo.us500 Forum Drive, Rolla, Missouri 65401
Saint Catharine College$18,589 767www.sccky.edu2735 Bardstown Road, Saint Catharine, Kentucky 40061
Saint Louis Community College$7,507 24005www.stlcc.edu300 South Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri 63102-2810
San Jacinto Community College$7,051 28385www.sjcd.edu8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, Texas 77501-2007
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield$18,139 642www.sjvc.edu/201 New Stine Rd., Bakersfield, California 93309
Sanford-Brown College-Atlanta$17,637 360www.sanfordbrown.edu/Atlanta1140 Hammond Dr Ste A-1150, Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Sanford-Brown College-ColumbusNA31www.sanfordbrown.edu/Columbus2800 Corporate Exchange Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43231-7661
Sanford-Brown College-Dallas$17,205 588www.sanfordbrown.edu/Dallas1250 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 150, Dallas, Texas 75247-6103
Sanford-Brown College-DearbornNA107www.sanfordbrown.edu/Dearborn5900 Mercury Dr, Dearborn, Michigan 48126-2758
Sanford-Brown College-FarmingtonNA62www.sanfordbrown.edu270 Farmington Ave, Suite 245, Farmington, Connecticut 06032
Sanford-Brown College-FentonNA216www.sanford-browncollege.com1345 Smizer Mill Road, Fenton, Missouri 63026-3400
Sanford-Brown College-HillsideNA41www.sanfordbrown.edu/Hillside4600 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside, Illinois 60162
Sanford-Brown College-Houston$17,291 756www.sanfordbrown.edu/houston9999 Richmond Ave., Houston, Texas 77042
Sanford-Brown College-Middleburg Heights$18,834 495www.sbcleveland.com17535 Rosbough Dr Ste 100, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130
Sanford-Brown College-Phoenix$17,025 291www.sanfordbrown.edu/Phoenix9630 North 25th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Sanford-Brown College-San Antonio$17,828 274www.sbsanantonio.com4511 Horizon Hill Boulevard, Suite 300, San Antonio, Texas 78229
Sanford-Brown College-West AllisNA9www.sbcmilwaukee.com/Milwaukee6737 W Washington St., Ste 2355, West Allis, Wisconsin 53214
Sanford-Brown Institute-CranstonNA125www.sanfordbrown.edu/Cranston85 Garfield Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
Sanford-Brown Institute-Ft Lauderdale$17,487 477www.sbftlaud.com1201 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Sanford-Brown Institute-Garden City$14,271 915www.sanfordbrown.edu/Garden-City711 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530
Sanford-Brown Institute-Iselin$22,577 735WWW.SB-NJ.COM675 U.S Route 1, 2nd Floor, Iselin, New Jersey 08830
Sanford-Brown Institute-Jacksonville$18,256 360www.sbjacksonville.com10255 Fortune Parkway, Suite 501, Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Sanford-Brown Institute-New York$17,421 1479www.sanfordbrown.edu/newyork120 E 16th St., 4th Floor, New York, New York 10003
Sanford-Brown Institute-Orlando$16,602 107www.sanfordbrown.edu/Orlando5959 Lake Ellenor Dr, Orlando, Florida 32809
Sanford-Brown Institute-Pittsburgh$14,411 438www.sanfordbrown.edu/Pittsburgh421 Seventh Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-1907
Sanford-Brown Institute-Tampa$14,329 317www.SBI-tampa.com5701 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, Florida 33610-5428
Sanford-Brown Institute-TrevoseNA161www.sanfordbrown.edu/Trevose3600 Horizon Blvd., Suite GL1, Trevose, Pennsylvania 19053
Sanford-Brown Institute-White Plains$16,459 371www.sbwhiteplains.com333 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, New York 10604-2910
Santa Barbara City College$10,780 19331www.sbcc.edu721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93109-2394
Santa Fe College$7,966 15113www.sfcollege.edu3000 Northwest 83rd Street, Gainesville, Florida 32606-6210
Seattle University$34,340 7422www.seattleu.edu900 Broadway, Seattle, Washington 98122-4340
Siena Heights University$18,096 2684www.sienaheights.edu1247 E. Siena Heights Dr, Adrian, Michigan 49221
South Hills School of Business & Technology$18,093 665www.southhills.edu480 Waupelani Dr, State College, Pennsylvania 16801-4516
South Piedmont Community College$7,832 2776www.spcc.edu680 Highway 74 West, Polkton, North Carolina 28135
South Suburban College$4,091 5212www.ssc.edu/15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473-1200
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College$6,385 4758www.bowlinggreen.kctcs.edu1845 Loop Dr, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-3601
Southeast Technical Institute$10,993 2467www.southeasttech.edu2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107-1301
Southside Regional Medical Center Professional SchoolsNA63www.srmconline.com737 South Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23803-5133
Southwest Florida College$15,915 1263www.swfc.edu1685 Medical Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33907-1108
Southwest University at El Paso$15,393 1296southwestuniversity.edu1414 Geronimo, El Paso, Texas 79925
Southwestern Community College$7,943 2242www.southwesterncc.edu447 College Dr, Sylva, North Carolina 28779
Spokane Community College$5,017 6731www.scc.spokane.edu1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington 99217-5399
Springfield Technical Community College$9,113 6792www.stcc.edu1 Armory Sq, Springfield, Massachusetts 01105-1296
St Catherine University$23,994 5017www.stkate.edu2004 Randolph Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105
St Cloud Technical and Community College$8,463 4946www.sctcc.edu1540 Northway Drive, Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56303-1240
St James Mercy Hospital School of Radiologic Science$9,033 35www.stjamesmercy.org411 Canisteo Street, Hornell, New York 14843-2197
St Luke's College$21,626 184www.stlukescollege.edu2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, Iowa 51104-0263
St Philip's College$4,750 10238www.alamo.edu/spc/1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78203-2098
State Fair Community College$5,585 5185www.sfccmo.edu3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301-2199
Tacoma Community College$5,453 7146www.tacomacc.edu6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, Washington 98466-6100
Tallahassee Community College$4,899 13509https://www.tcc.fl.edu444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, Florida 32304-2895
Temple College$7,369 5506www.templejc.edu2600 S 1st St, Temple, Texas 76504-7435
The College of Health Care Professions-Austin$21,751 223www.chcp.edu6330 East Highway 290, Suite 180
Austin, TX 78723
The College of Health Care Professions-San Antonio$18,683 272chcp.edu4738 N. W. Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78229
The University of Texas at Brownsville$7,438 12285WWW.UTB.EDUOne West University Boulevard, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Thomas Jefferson UniversityNA3635www.jefferson.edu1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Tidewater Community College$5,875 28999www.tcc.edu121 College Place, Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Triton College$4,557 11225www.triton.edu2000 5th Ave, River Grove, Illinois 60171-1995
Trocaire College$13,943 1492www.trocaire.edu/360 Choate Ave, Buffalo, New York 14220-2094
Tulsa Community College$6,600 18640www.tulsacc.edu6111 E Skelly Dr, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-6198
Tyler Junior College$6,757 11308WWW.TJC.EDU1400 East Fifth Street, Tyler, Texas 75701
Ultrasound Medical Institute$22,866 8www.sonogramcenter.com503 Royal Palm Beach Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411
Union County College$4,071 11969www.ucc.edu1033 Springfield Ave, Cranford, New Jersey 07016-1599
Universidad Central Del Caribe$17,639 467uccaribe.edu/Ramon Ruiz Arnau University Hospital Laurel Ave, Bayamon, Puerto Rico 00960-6032
Universidad Del Este$8,983 13420www.suagm.eduCarr. # 190 Esq. Calle 220 Bo. Sabana Abajo, Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985-0985
University of Alaska Anchorage$7,276 17363www.uaa.alaska.edu3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508
University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesNA2867www.uams.edu4301 W Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-7199
University of Iowa$15,966 29748www.uiowa.edu101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316
University of Kansas$16,923 26968www.ku.eduStrong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Room 230, Lawrence, Kansas 66045
University of Missouri-Columbia$16,884 34616missouri.edu/105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211
University of Nebraska Medical CenterNA3681www.unmc.edu987815 Nebraska Medical Ctr, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-7815
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences CenterNA3515ouhsc.edu1100 N Lindsay, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104-5499
University of Rio Grande$26,364 2314www.rio.edu218 N College Ave, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674
Upstate Medical UniversityNA1617www.upstate.edu750 E Adams St, Syracuse, New York 13210
Valencia College$6,063 42180valenciacollege.edu190 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801
Virginia College-Austin$18,208 642vc.edu6301 E Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78723
Virginia College-Birmingham$11,302 3877www.vc.edu488 Palisades Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35209
Volunteer State Community College$6,629 8153www.volstate.edu1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066-3188
Washburn University$10,815 6973www.washburn.edu1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66621-0001
Weatherford College$6,043 5694www.wc.edu225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, Texas 76086-5699
Weber State University$10,209 25155www.weber.edu3848 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, Utah 84408-1137
West Coast Ultrasound Institute$40,227 796WCUI.edu291 S La Cienega Blvd Ste 500, Beverly Hills, California 90211
West Kentucky Community and Technical College$5,947 7104www.westkentucky.kctcs.edu4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42002-7380
West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition$2,994 49www.wvuhradtech.comMedical Ctr Dr, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-8062
Western Suffolk BOCES$25,524 366www.wilsontech.org/152 Laurel Hill Rd, Northport, New York 11768
WestMed College$27,663 356www.westmedcollege.edu3031 Tisch Way, 1st Floor, Ste 3PW, San Jose, California 95128-2541
Westmoreland County Community College$2,530 6104wccc.edu145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, Pennsylvania 15697-1895

The ultrasound technician schools that you choose should provide courses that are in line with the minimum theory, practical and clinical rotation hours and content recognized by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Therefore, you should avoid training in an institution where you will have limited opportunities to apply the knowledge obtained from classroom instruction into patient-care settings. Generally, the right programs take at least one year to complete and must contain courses in anatomy, physiology, physics, medical science, ultrasound instrumentation and ultrasound procedures.

Students should be allowed to work very closely to complete courses, lab assignments and local practicum. Currently, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health/Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited over 150 programs in many hospitals, colleges and universities across the USA. Joining an accredited program allows you to automatically qualify for accreditation exams and to be employed as soon as you are certified. To check if a program is accredited, visit caahep.org.

Moreover, before you apply to an ultrasound technician school, make sure to check the specific program eligibility criteria and confirm if you are qualified. The program of choice should provide specialization options for the specialty you are interested in and must offer adequate hands-on training. Associate degree programs should enhance the students’ general ultrasound skills while allowing them to specialize in one or two specialty areas.

The associate degree courses are usually similar to the certificate courses except they are more extensive in the coverage of physics, ultrasound instrumentation and physics, sectional anatomy, and ultrasound scanning. Bachelor’s degree programs should provide greater opportunities for specialization by allowing students to master advanced ultrasound techniques and to learn complex procedures such as those of neurosonography.

Apart from exposing students to physics, anatomy, physiology, ultrasound physics, ultrasound instrumentation and scanning procedures, the bachelor’s degree programs should offer courses in healthcare systems, management, ethics, communications and contemporary healthcare issues in order to empower the students to take up higher positions of responsibilities in the medical field.

Some of the most popular colleges offering programs include:

  1. Central California School, San Luis Obispo, California
  2. West Coast Ultrasound Institute, Beverly Hills, California
  3. Sanford-Brown Institute and College
  4. Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  5. Oregon Tech, Klamath Falls, Oregon
  6. Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  7. Dade Medical College, Miami, Florida

Generally, to choose the best school, you should check:

  • If the tuition fees and location of the school can suit your circumstances.
  • If the program is accredited by CAAHEP.
  • If the program meets the clinical and educational prerequisites for certification by ARDMS, ARRT or CCI.
  • If the option you are looking for (certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree) is provided.
  • If the program is offered on campus or online. Typically, the online programs are a hybrid in which classroom work is completed online but the practical and clinical placements are done in person.
  • If the program offers ultrasound specialties such as cardiac, abdominal, vascular and Obstetrics and gynecology.
  • If the program offers hands-on learning experiences which can allow you to be competitive in the market.
  • If the program instructors are qualified and experienced; and whether the school has ultrasound labs, training simulators and equipment.

So, just how much does it cost? Most ultrasound technician schools for bachelor’s degree programs in the USA charge between $75 and $500 for every credit hour. Therefore, a training program that consists of 125 coursework hours will cost from $9,375 to $62,500.

This figure does not include costs for food, books, travel and lodging, and so when everything is factored in, the programs may take up to $75,000 to complete. For certificate and associate degree programs, students pay around $18,000 per year. Nonetheless, you can pay the fees through student grants and loans, while many healthcare employers also help students to pay their fees.

Educational and Career Requirements

The requirements for joining the career vary according to whether you join a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree program. Nonetheless, students must have at least a GED or high school diploma and have strong backgrounds in math, physics, biology, computer science and chemistry. The students must also demonstrate good communication skills, reading comprehension, active listening and learning, critical thinking and instructional skills, and social perceptiveness.

The curricula of most accredited certificate and associate degree programs have courses in applied biological sciences, physical sciences, clinical medicine, patient care, instrumentation, image evaluation and ultrasound scanning and related diagnostic procedures. Bachelor’s degree programs are extensive in coverage, having courses in:

  • medical technology
  • anatomy
  • physiology
  • instrumentation
  • other diagnostic tools (mammography and radiography)
  • physics
  • medical ethics
  • clinical medicine
  • image evaluations
  • healthcare system management

There are no compulsory certification exams or licenses, but ultrasound techs that are certified and licensed by accredited bodies have better employment opportunities. The major credentialing organizations are the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Credentialing International and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

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The certification bodies test the competence of the students and approve of their ability to perform ultrasound imaging procedures. Apart from the increased employment opportunities and higher pay, certification offers exams that boost the proficiency of technicians. Furthermore, certifying bodies require techs to complete specific amount of continuing education to remain knowledgeable on evolving technologies and procedures. Apart from educational expectations, technicians should have acute attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, high-degree of dexterity and technical understanding, and good interpersonal skills.

Career Outlook and Ultrasound Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 44 percent growth in ultrasound tech jobs in the next ten years. Between 2014 and 2018, the number of jobs will increase by 18 percent.

The increase in employment opportunities is attributed to an aging population that is plagued by conditions requiring ultrasound scanning techniques to diagnose, and advancing technologies that allow for performing of sonographic procedures outside the hospitals. Today, however, hospitals remain the single largest employer even as job opportunities increase in physician offices, public health facilities and diagnostic center laboratories.

Career growth opportunities are also available in administration, research, education and commercial companies where trained techs can work as technical advisors, managers, education specialists and sales representatives.

ultrasound technician

To get ultrasound jobs, the trained techs should tap into the convenience and power of their networks. As a technician looking for jobs, you should keep in touch with classmates, instructors, internship supervisors and other influential people you have met during the course of your studies in order to receive information as soon as ultrasound jobs are available in their hospitals and institutions.

You should also make it your practice to attend events organized by professional organizations, physicians, and other relevant organizations. When you are at those events, talk to the individuals present, get their contacts and find out from them if there are employment opportunities in their institutions. You should also make sure to use LinkedIn to the fullest in order to search for jobs. Never forget to check newspapers and career magazines for adverts of available opportunities.

Today, online job boards have become crucial meeting points for job seekers, employers and recruiting agencies. Make sure to visit job boards regularly to find if there are new opportunities. The topmost job boards that you should visit include:

MPN Wrap Up: This is a great career choice for you if:
  • You want to help people while making a great salary
  • You like science and are technically savvy
  • You want to specialize and work with a specific patient type
  • You like to work with your hands and problem solving

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