The Best Training for
Ultrasound Technicians in 2021
Ultrasound technicians are responsible for diagnosing a patient’s ailments. They use equipment with high-frequency sound waves to record various images of internal organs. These experts are also responsible for performing obstetric sonograms and viewing activity in the spine, heart, brain, and abdominal organs.
If you want to become a medical sonographer, you should research the best ultrasound technician schools and programs as a starting point. The schools teach students how to analyze images from scans to diagnose an ailment. You will also build a solid foundation of health science knowledge and skills to prepare you for the workforce.
Rundown: The Top 10 Ultrasound Technician Schools in 2021
You can use the table below to find the best ultrasound tech schools near you. It covers the locations, programs, and costs, as well as the opportunities for professional certification that each program affords. The information is sourced from the various university and college websites. Unless otherwise noted, costs refer to estimated annual expenses.
| School | State | Programs and Cost | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth University | FL | Associate of Science (AS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Tuition: $540 per credit hour |
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) Certifications |
| Fort Hays State University | KS | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Diagnostic Imaging Resident tuition and fees: $5,449 Non-resident tuition and fees: $15,895 |
ARDMS Certifications |
| Jackson College | MI | Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in General Sonography Resident tuition: $5,231 Out-of-state tuition: $10,461 |
ARDMS Certifications |
| MCPHS University | MA | BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Tuition: $34,700 Accelerated BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Tuition: $50,260 |
ARDMS Certifications |
| Misericordia University | PA | BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Tuition: $34,100 |
ARDMS Certifications, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Sonography Exam |
| Nebraska Methodist College | NE | BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Tuition: $580 per credit hour |
ARDMS Certifications |
| Oregon Institute of Technology | OR | BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Tuition: $9,212 |
ARDMS Certifications |
| State Fair Community College | MO | AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography In-district tuition: $317 per credit In-state tuition: $375 per credit Out-of-state tuition: $437 per credit |
ARDMS Certifications |
| Triton College | IL | AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography In-state tuition: $205 per credit hour Out-of-state tuition: $370 per credit hour |
ARDMS Certifications |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | KY | AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography In-state tuition: $179 per credit hour Out-of-state tuition: $627 per credit hour |
ARDMS Certifications |
How to Pick the Best Ultrasound Technician School for You
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Picking the best ultrasound technician school can be daunting. With so many schools and programs to choose from, it can be difficult to make a knowledgeable decision. Contrary to the widespread notion that universities aren’t preparing students for the workforce, there are plenty of schools capable of providing you with the sonographic skills you need to succeed.
Some important factors to look out for in a good ultrasound school are degree types, accreditation, and student-to-faculty ratio. Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail.
Degree Types
The two types of degrees that ultrasound technicians should consider are associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. The bachelor’s degree provides a well-rounded education along with clinical training so students can thrive as ultrasound technicians.
Either degree option could prepare you for certification exams, and becoming a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) will give you an advantage over others seeking jobs and help you ace your job interview.
Accreditation
Lots of employers only hire graduates from accredited programs. The reason is that such graduates meet national standards of quality. Most ultrasound schools receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
CAAHEP sets the training standards for health professionals. To stay accredited, the schools must remain current in their teaching materials and methodologies.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
A small classroom is better for one-on-one support. With a large class, it would be challenging to ensure that all students are following the training. Find out the average cohort size to determine if a particular program is a good fit for you.
The Best Ultrasound Technician Schools of 2021
Both associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees are included among the best ultrasound tech programs. By having both degree types in the following list, you can choose the option that is best suited to your learning style and needs.
AdventHealth University
Programs
AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Online Options
Yes
This full-time Associate of Science ultrasound program takes two years to complete. It has a six-semester track that mixes weekly clinical experience with sonography classes. The opportunities for hands-on training increase as the program progresses.
Students spend time in sonography labs to get practical experience to supplement their classroom learning. When the six semesters are complete, students can receive their associate degree and take ARDMS certification exams.
Below are some prominent courses in the curriculum.
AS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Anatomy
Physiology
Patient care for the health sciences
Sonography lab
Fort Hays State University
Programs
BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
No
The Bachelor of Science program offers students a chance to learn advanced imaging. The curriculum covers ultrasounds, computed tomography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging. It also includes mammography and bone densitometry.
The entire program requires 55 credits. However, 22 credit hours are dedicated to clinical practice. This could take around 12 months with local clinics.
Below are some of the topics you will study.
BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging Curriculum
Advanced cardiovascular-interventional technology
Mammography for radiologic technologists
Advanced patient care for imaging professionals
Jackson College
Programs
AAS in General Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
No
Jackson College’s general sonography program covers clinical and educational subjects and includes 1,350 clinical hours in approved clinics. Graduates are able to practice gynecological and abdominal sonography in clinics, hospitals, or diagnostic imaging institutions. The program prepares you for ARDMS exams.
Courses in this program include the following.
AAS in General Sonography Curriculum
Psychology
Sonographic instrumentation
Diagnostic imaging
MCPHS University
Programs
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Accelerated BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
No
The program covers OB/GYN, abdominal, pediatric, breast, vascular, and musculoskeletal imaging. Graduates of the program are ready to take on new careers assisting doctors in diagnosing various medical conditions.
If you choose the accelerated option, you will finish in 36 months. It provides immersive, clinic-based training to help you launch your career faster.
Below are some courses in the standard curriculum.
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Anatomy
Physiology
Interpersonal communication for health professionals
Misericordia University
Programs
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
Yes
This program offers hybrid learning. Students can choose to blend their coursework with online studies. At the end of the program, students can also take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) sonography exam. Students learn about sonographic appearances and anatomical structures.
The curriculum also teaches you the scientific principles and advanced tools for optimizing sonographic images. Students attend clinics to get hands-on experience.
The wide-ranging curriculum covers several types of sonography, as you can see below.
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Vascular sonography
High-resolution Sonography
Obstetrical sonography
Nebraska Methodist College
Programs
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
Yes
This program offers lab-based learning with high-tech equipment to improve each student’s confidence and skills. It involves clinical rotations, which allow students to gather real-world experience. It has a flexible schedule to allow students to balance professional and personal commitments.
Some of the courses in the program include the following.
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Anatomy
Physiology
Psychology
Medical terminology
Oregon Institute of Technology
Programs
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
Yes
The program blends general education, ultrasound courses, and basic medical science training. It is fully online and is ideal for people who want to advance in their careers or go for a master’s degree. Students learn the required skills to thrive in the industry. Also, the program prepares them for ARDMS certification exams.
Below are a few courses in the curriculum.
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Sonographic principles and instrumentation
Applications of abdominal sonography
Neonatal and pediatric sonography
State Fair Community College
Programs
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
Yes
This 22-month program has a cardiac track and a general track. Either way, you will participate in an on-campus scanning lab, online didactic classes, and internships in clinical settings. The general track students learn small parts, abdominal, obstetric, and vascular sonography. When they graduate, they are eligible to take ARDMS certification exams.
The courses in the curriculum include the following.
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Patient care
Health care communication
Sonography principles and instrumentation
OB/GYN sonography
Triton College
Programs
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
Yes
The program focuses on clinical instruction and the basic theory of sonography. It gives students an opportunity for multi-competency and cross-training in allied health. These experts can work in medical centers, hospitals, and other healthcare agencies. At graduation, students are eligible to take ARDMS certification examinations.
Some of the courses in the program include the following.
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
General sonography and applications
Ultrasound principles and procedures
Cross-sectional anatomy in diagnostic imaging
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
Programs
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Accreditation
CAAHEP
Online Options
Yes
This program prepares students through rigorous training and practice. The training covers vascular, gynecological, and abdominal sonography. When students complete the program, they are eligible to sit for ARDMS examinations to become certified.
Check out some of the program offerings below.
AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Curriculum
Ultrasound principles
Sonography principles and instrumentation
Psychology
How Much Can You Earn as an Ultrasound Technician?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage of diagnostic medical sonographers is $75,920 per year. BLS also reports that their employment is projected to grow by 12 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is due to the aging population. There will be an increased need to diagnose different medical conditions like heart disease and blood clots.
The profession has a higher earning potential for ultrasound technicians who are more experienced in the field. For the most lucrative career tracks in this field, see the table below.
The Highest-Paying Ultrasound Technician Roles
Why You Should Be an Ultrasound Technician in 2021
You should become an ultrasound technician because of the many sonographic specialties there are to choose from. They include abdominal sonography, cardiac sonography, mammography, ophthalmic sonography, and OB/GYN sonography.
And with so many specialties to consider, there are also a variety of places where you can work. Sonographers may work in hospitals, private physicians’ offices, clinics, labs, and other medical facilities. Wherever you’d like to go in the sonography profession, an ultrasound technician program can take you there.
