Ultrasound technicians use specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the human body. Their work helps diagnose medical issues and detect any health conditions in fetuses.
Learn more about ultrasound technician careers and the top schools for you to explore this exciting career path.
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Best Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs of 2024
Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $150
Out-of-State | $275
Credits to Graduate: 71
Hinds Community College's associate of applied science in diagnostic medical sonography trains students in technical proficiencies through an intensive 41-credit core. Learners begin with introductory coursework in anatomy, ultrasound and sonographic technologies, and clinical best practices. Later semesters delve deeper into these topics, and students also receive specific instruction in abdominal, obstetric, and gynecological sonography.
Though the program mainly uses a face-to-face delivery, certain courses are available online. Between 2018 and 2022, 100% of program alumni secured employment as sonographers within three months of graduation.
#2 Best Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs of 2024
Lamar Institute of Technology
Beaumont, TX - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $80
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 65
Lamar Institute of Technology's associate of applied science in diagnostic medical sonography combines intensive classroom learning with field-based clinical experiences. Students build skills with M-Mode, 2D and 3D Echo technologies, and spectral and color flow Doppler systems.
LIT exclusively offers the program in a full-time, in-person format. This facilitates intensive and immersive clinical experiences, which cover 24 hours per week on a three-day, eight-hour basis.
Learners can also complete a specialized AAS degree in cardiac sonography. LIT accepts 12 students into each track per academic year.
#3 Best Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs of 2024
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $107
Out-of-State | $383
Credits to Graduate: 80
Santa Fe College's associate of science in diagnostic medical sonography uses a rigorous five-semester learning model.. The program begins with a 23-credit prerequisite sequence covering foundational basics. Learners then proceed into an immersive 57-credit core covering anatomy; clinical best practices; and obstetric, gynecological, abdominal, and vascular techniques.
From 2018-2022, 100% of graduates passed their credentialing exams. During that same period, in-field employment rates have ranged from 85.7%-100%.
#4 Best Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs of 2024
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Cost per Credit:
In-District | $351-$401
Missouri Resident | $416-$466
Credits to Graduate: 80.5-82.5
With generalist and cardiac tracks, State Fair Community College's diagnostic medical sonography program combines online, lab-based, and field-based learning. Students complete all academic coursework online while lab components occur at SFCC's campus in Sedalia, Missouri. The program culminates with supervised clinical experiences, where learners apply your didactic coursework.
During 2021-2023, graduates of the general track posted average employment rates of 100%. Alumni of the cardiac track secured in-field employment at a 94% average rate.
Did You Know...
Ultrasound technicians are often the first people to hear a fetus’ heartbeat.
Why Get an Ultrasound Technician Degree?
Ultrasound technicians are in demand as the U.S. population gets older. Between 2022 and 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of diagnostic medical sonographer jobs to increase by 14% and the number of medical sonographer and cardiovascular technologist and technician jobs to grow 4%.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Technician Degree Cost?
The cost of a degree depends on what degree you get and what type of institution you attend. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), attending a two-year school costs an average of around $3,890 per year. You can also attend a four-year ultrasound tech school. The average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year, public institution is about $17,710 per year, according to the NCES.
How Much Do Ultrasound Technicians Make?
Salary varies depending on many factors, including professionals' specialty, employer, and geographic location. Top-earning ultrasound techs make over $107,000 annually. Professionals who work at outpatient care centers typically earn more than those at hospitals or physicians' offices.
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.
What Courses Are Taught in an Ultrasound Technician Program?
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 basic foundations 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, which is 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.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
You need a degree or certificate from an accredited program to become an ultrasound technician. Many employers prefer candidates with professional certification. These certifications typically require a degree from an accredited program. You must also pass two exams: one in sonography principles and instrumentation (SPI) and one in your specialty.
You can pursue certification in several specialties. You can obtain more than one certification to boost their knowledge and job prospects.
Ultrasound Technician Licensure
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 exam.
ARDMS offers professional certifications in many areas, including pediatrics. You must pass an exam and fulfill prerequisites. ARDMS offers exams throughout the year at various locations. Applications typically cost a few hundred dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound Technician Programs
What's the difference between sonography and ultrasound tech?
Sonography and ultrasound tech are more or less the same thing. However, in the medical field, generally, a sonographer has additional training and certification in diagnostics, as well as in creating the images.
What degree is best for ultrasound technician?
You can become an ultrasound technician with an associate degree from an ultrasound technician school, though some schools offer a four-year bachelor's degree. If you want to teach sonography or lead a sonography department, a bachelor’s degree may give you an advantage.
What state pays ultrasound techs the most?
Ultrasound tech salaries are highest in the state of California, according to the BLS. The average annual salary in California for a diagnostic sonographer is $114,480. Among the top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas, all but one are in California.
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All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.