Top Colleges for Ultrasound Tech Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

As the population ages, the demand for diagnostic imaging is projected to increase, making a career as an ultrasound technician increasingly appealing. Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, use specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the human body. These images are essential for diagnosing medical issues and detecting health conditions, including those in fetuses. If you are considering this exciting career path, this article will guide you through the best colleges and programs to explore.

What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?

A sonographer uses imaging equipment and sound waves to form images of parts of the body, also known as ultrasounds. Your training will help you acquire and analyze these sonographic images. This is a non-invasive way to visualize internal organs and is often one of the first imaging tests performed when disease is detected. It's necessary to have a deep understanding of anatomy and disease processes, pay attention to detail, and be precise in using imaging protocols.

Why Get a Degree in Ultrasound Technology?

Becoming an ultrasound technician is relatively easy compared to other professions. With a one-year certificate, you can kickstart a career as an ultrasound technician. However, advancing your career by getting a degree is even better. Diagnostic medical sonographers with a degree have better employment opportunities, and employers will pay more to graduates with professional certifications.

The job outlook for ultrasound technicians is promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 10% employment growth for medical sonographers from 2022-2032.

Ultrasound Technician Salary Expectations

According to Salary.com, ultrasound tech graduates with an associate degree earn an average annual wage of $84,486. Those with a Bachelor’s degree earn a median annual wage of $85,105. These wage means can go up or down minimally or significantly if you consider the level of education alongside other factors like years of experience, the employing industry, and geographical location. The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, which includes ultrasound technicians, is $82,570. Professionals who work at outpatient care centers typically earn more than those at hospitals or physicians’ offices.

How to Become an Ultrasound Technician

To become an ultrasound technician, you require a minimum qualification of a certificate in sonography. Getting a certificate takes a year of coursework and clinical practicum. However, you may find an accelerated 8-month ultrasound tech program online. If you want better employment opportunities and salary range, consider going for an associate or bachelor’s degree. The associate degree is the most chosen option and takes only two years to complete. The Bachelor’s degree takes four years, but its benefits are worth the while. Degree holders have even greater chances of employment, a higher salary, and the opportunity to take managerial roles in ultrasonography departments in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. As with the certificate in sonography, there are also opportunities to pursue ultrasound technician classes online for both associate and bachelor degrees.

What to Look for in an Ultrasound Technician Program

When choosing an ultrasound technician program, consider the following factors:

Accreditation: Opt for a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific standards of quality and prepares you for certification exams.
Program Format: Decide whether you prefer an on-campus, online, or hybrid program. Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments.
Clinical Experience: Ensure the program provides ample hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings. This experience is crucial for developing the skills and confidence needed to perform ultrasounds effectively.
Certification Eligibility: Verify that the program qualifies you to sit for certification exams offered by organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Specialization Options: Some programs offer specializations in areas such as general sonography, vascular sonography, or cardiac sonography. Choose a program that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Common Courses in Ultrasound Technician Programs

Ultrasound technician programs cover applied sciences, biology, and anatomy. Classes vary depending on your specialization. Common courses in ultrasound technician programs include:

Introduction to Sonography: You’ll learn the basics of sonography, ultrasounds, and scanning. Learners explore terminology and anatomical relationships. The course prepares you to learn more in-depth information about sonograms and ultrasounds.
ECG for Cardiac Sonographers: Electrocardiogram (ECG) courses teach you how to interpret an ECG, a test that monitors the heart. An ECG can indicate various heart conditions. You’ll learn how to spot various patterns and features of the ECG and compare them against the baseline. The course trains you to read ECG charts in clinical settings.
Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation: This course teaches you about the basic physics of human tissue. You’ll study how scanning technology works. Ultrasound technicians must understand sound-tissue interaction. The course explains how pulse-echo principles apply to diagnostic sonography.

Top Ultrasound Technician Programs

Here are some of the top colleges and programs for aspiring ultrasound technicians:

Online Programs

State Fair Community College (SFCC): Offers an Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with general and cardiac tracks. The program is CAAHEP-certified and combines online coursework with hands-on training.
- Main Location: 3201 W. 16th Street Sedalia, Missouri 65301-2188
- Type of School: Public community college
- Application Fee: None
- Avg in-state undergrad tuition: \$5,112
- Avg out-of-state undergrad tuition: \$6,648
- Degree Credit Requirement: 65-67 credits
- Program Enrolment Options: 65
- Credit transfer services: Yes. On a course-by-course basis.
Washburn University: Provides a post-graduate certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for those with an associate degree or higher in healthcare. Students can choose from general, vascular, or cardiac sonography specializations. The program is CAAHEP-accredited.
- Main Location: 1700 SW College Ave Topeka, Kansas 66621
- Type of School: Public
- Application Fee: None (Does not apply to graduate programs)
- Avg in-state undergrad tuition: \$14,194
- Avg out-of-state undergrad tuition: \$34,380 (Before aid)
- Degree Credit Requirement: 120 minimum
- Program Enrolment Options: 200
- Credit transfer services: Yes. The number is different for each department.
Fort Hays State University: Offers an online B.S. in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (MDI) with a specialization in diagnostic medical sonography. The program covers patient care, equipment operation, and clinical practice.
- Main Location: 600 Park St. Hays, Kansas 67601
- Type of School: Public
- Application Fee: \$30
- Avg in-state undergrad tuition: \$5,634
- Avg out-of-state undergrad tuition: \$16,811
- Degree Credit Requirement: 120 minimum credit hours
- Program Enrolment Options: 200+
- Credit transfer services: Yes. Granted upon evaluation.
AdventHealth University: Provides a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences with a Sonography track. The program targets trained imaging technologists with an associate degree from CAAHEP and JRCERT-accredited programs.
- Main Location: 671 Winyah Drive Orlando, FL 32803
- Type of School: Private
- Application Fee: \$20
- Avg in-state undergrad tuition: \$16,320 (2 semesters), \$24,480 (3 semesters)
- Avg out-of-state undergrad tuition: \$16,320 (2 semesters), \$24,480 (3 semesters)
- Degree Credit Requirement: 78 credits
- Program Enrolment Options: Numerous
- Credit transfer services: Yes. After the official evaluation of previous coursework.
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health: Offers blended or hybrid online Bachelor’s degrees in Cardiovascular Sonography and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The programs are CAAHEP-accredited.
- Main Location: 720 N. 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114
- Type of School: Private (non-profit)
- Application Fee: None
- Avg in-state undergrad tuition: 16,883 (may vary with the number of credits per semester)
- Avg out-of-state undergrad tuition: 16,883
- Degree Credit Requirement: 123-128 credits
- Program Enrolment Options: Numerous
- Credit transfer services: Yes. For associate degree holders with ARDMS certification.
Oregon Institute of Technology: Has an online completion BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography for registered sonographers who want to advance their career by completing a Bachelor’s degree.
- Main Location: 3201 Campus Drive Klamath Falls, OR 97601
- Type of School: Public
- Application Fee: \$50
- Avg in-state undergrad tuition: \$12,687
- Avg out-of-state undergrad tuition: \$35,592
- Degree Credit Requirement: 125 credits (80 from past sonography experience and 45 coursework and externship at Oregon).
- Program Enrolment Options: Around 50
- Credit transfer services: Yes. As part of the completion nature of the program.
Jackson College: Jackson College’s hybrid program allows students to earn an associate degree in general sonography, preparing them to either work in abdomen/superficial structures or obstetrics/gynecology. Students complete all coursework online and work 32 hours per week in a local clinical setting, accruing 1,350 hours of supervised experience before entering the workforce. In recent years, Jackson College grads have passed their national exams at an 85% rate.

Additional Noteworthy Programs

Seattle University: Offers a 4-year bachelor's degree and a 2-year certificate program. The urban location allows students to gain experience at a broad range of medical centers. Students specialize in cardiac, general, or vascular sonography.
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): Prioritizes experiential learning through hands-on work and clinical work at affiliated hospitals. All students complete a one-year clinical internship.
Rutgers School of Health Professions: Offers a B.S. in Medical Imaging Science (Cardiac or Diagnostic Medical Sonography) and a Certificate in Medical Imaging Science. It is New Jersey’s only university-based accredited bachelor’s degree program in cardiac sonography.
Ohio State University: Offers three majors: radiography, radiation therapy, and sonography. Students complete 1,600 hours of clinical experience.
University of Iowa: Students apply for either the general and vascular or cardiac and vascular sonography tracks and gain access to clinical experience.
University of Missouri (Mizzou): Students complete rotations at multiple medical rotations and learn to perform abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and cardiac ultrasounds before choosing their specialization.
University of Oklahoma’s College of Allied Health: Offers research opportunities for undergraduates.
Loma Linda University: Offers a 24- or 27-month bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography (general vascular & cardiac) or a 1-year certificate in cardiac sonography.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Offers degrees in either sonography or sonography-echocardiography with a strong emphasis on clinical experience.
Nova Southeastern University: Offers a 27-month bachelor’s degree in medical sonography with general medical sonography or cardiovascular sonography programs available.
Cincinnati State: Students specialize in cardiovascular or general sonography and complete rotations at partner clinics in Cincinnati.

Licensure and Certification

Not all states require ultrasound technician licensure. Only technicians who work in New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon need licensure. Typically, earning a license requires an application and an exam. Most employers prefer to hire sonographers with a degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Many employers also prefer candidates certified in sonography and CPR. Organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) offer certification exams. Students can also pursue certification through Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. ARDMS offers professional certifications in many areas, including pediatrics. You must pass an exam and fulfill the prerequisites. ARDMS offers exams throughout the year at various locations. Applications typically cost a few hundred dollars.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid is available if you qualify. Accepted students will receive a letter acknowledging their acceptance into the program with additional information about an orientation session before the start of classes. Students who are not accepted may want to apply again for the next program admission cycle. Numerous scholarships are available to ultrasound technician students.

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