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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer's Make as Much as $83,950
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Ultrasonography is a diagnostic medical sonography procedure that uses high frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. This type of procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound scan.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body such as the abdomen, female reproductive system, breasts, heart, prostate, and blood vessels. Sonography is being used more and more in the detection and treatment of heart attack, heart disease, and vascular diseases that can lead to stroke. It is also used to guide fine needle, tissue biopsy to assist in taking a sample of cells from an organ for lab testing (for example, a test for cancer in breast tissue). Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

If you are considering a career in diagnostic medical sonography, or if you have already made that decision, you are faced with the important choice of selecting an educational program that meets your needs. You will be investing considerable time and money in pursuing your goal so it's important to take the time to find out all you can about the program.

Tuition and fees for ultrasound programs vary greatly, depending on the length of the program, type of degree or certificate pursued, and the type of school (such as public university, trade school, community college, or hospital training program). For example, a one-year diagnostic medical sonography certificate program at a state university could cost between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you're a resident of the state. A 16-20 month training program at a private school may run up to $32,000 or more.

But don't let the high costs keep you from pursuing your dream of becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. Many schools offer financial aid or will assist you in obtaining federal loans. And think of the rewards after graduation: A job in a medical field that continues to see great demand for qualified workers and should continue to grow as researchers find more uses for ultrasound. In fact, there's a current nationwide shortage of professional sonographers, so hospitals often offer hiring incentives and competitive wages to attract and retain qualified ultrasonographers.

The average starting salary for a trained sonographer ranges between $32,000 and $49,000, depending on location and particular responsibilities of the job. Experienced sonographers can earn more than $72,000 annually. A great salary, solid benefits, job stability, and the rewards of a challenging and important job make the time and money you put into sonography training a sound investment.

The schools listed to the right offer a variety of courses and programs. Choose a location and find the right diagnostic medical sonography school for you.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Ultrasound Technician Program

ultrasound technician

  • Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2-year and 4-year programs, resulting in either an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are the most prevalent.
  • Advancement - Sonographers can seek advancement by obtaining competency in more than one specialty. For example, obstetric sonographers might seek training in abdominal sonography to broaden their opportunities and increase their marketability
  • Practical experience - How much importance is placed on supervised clinical experience?
  • School and class size - What is the average class size for most courses? What kinds of financial aid are offered (scholarships, loans, work study, grants, etc.)?
  • Graduate success - Of those who graduate from the program, how many become ARDMS certified?

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View the featured schools in your state. Click a state below:

Online / Alabama / Arizona / California / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Illinois / Kentucky / Maryland / Massachusetts / Missouri / New Jersey / New York / Ohio / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Texas / Virginia / Wisconsin
 Online Schools
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
University of Phoenix Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Health Administration
 Alabama Schools
Virginia College ( Burmingham, Huntsville, Moble ) - Sonographer, Ultrasound Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Associate, Health Services Management, Healthcare Reimbursement - Associate, Medical Assistant - diploma, Medical Billing and Coding - diploma, Medical Office Management - Associate, Orthopaedic Technology - Associate, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technology - Associate
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Arizona Schools
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
Bryman School (Phoenix, Tempe ) - Practical Technologist in Radiology
 California Schools
Everest College (Alhambra - El Monte, Anaheim, City of Industry - Whittier, Gardena, Hayward, Los Angeles - Wilshire, Ontario, Reseda, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose North, Torrance, Los Angeles West) - Ultrasound Diagnositc Technician
West Coast College (Santa Clara ) - EKG Technician/Phlebotomy
West Coast College (Victorville) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
Kaplan Institute (Anaheim, Bakersfield, Carson, San Diego - East County, Fresno, Irwindale, Los Angeles, Modesto, Vista - North County, North Hollywood, Palm Springs, Pomona, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Fernando Valley, Stockton) - X-Ray Tech, Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound, Radiologic Technology
National Career Education (Citrus Heights ) - EKG Tech/Phlebotomist
Western Career College (Citrus Heights) - Ultrasound Technology
New Bridge College (Long Beach, Santa Ana) - Ultrasound (Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
 Colorado Schools
Anthem College (Aurora) - Ultrasound Technician (Ltd. Scope)
 Florida Schools
ATI College of Health (Miami) - Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician
Keiser University (Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Kendall, Lakeland, Melbourne, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiologic Technology, Radiology, Ultrasound Technologist
University of Phoenix Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Health Administration
Central Florida Institute (Orlando, Tampa Bay) - Medical Assistant/Basic X-ray, Noninvasive Cardio Technician, Advanced Cardiovascular Technologist - ECHO
Everest Institute (Hialeah) Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
Sanford-Brown College (Jacksonville) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Sanford-Brown College (Tampa) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
 Georgia Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Atlanta) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Illinois Schools
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Kentucky Schools
Daymar Institute (Bowling Green) - Ultrasound Technician, Sonographer, Cardiographic Technician
Spencerian College (Lexington) - Ultrasound Technician, Sonographer, Limited Medical Radiography
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
 Maryland Schools
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
Sanford-Brown College (Landover) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
 Massachusetts School
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Sanford-Brown College (Springfield) - Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding
 Missouri Schools
Colorado Technical University (North Kansas City) - Ultrasound Technician, Sonographer, Radiologic Technology
Heritage College (Kansas City) - Ultrasound Technician, Sonographer, X-Ray Medical Technician
Sanford-Brown College (Fenton, St. Charles, Hazelwood) - Ultrasound Technician, Sonographer, Radiography
 New Jersey Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Iselin)- Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
 New York Schools
Sanford-Brown College (New York) - Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sanford-Brown College (Garden City) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Sanford-Brown College (New York City) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
 Ohio Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Oklahoma City) - Associate of Occupational Studies- X-Ray Medical Technician
 Oregon Schools
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
University of Phoenix Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Health Administration
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
 Pennsylvania Schools
Sanford-Brown College (Philadelphia) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding
 Texas Schools
Academy of Healthcare Professions (Houston) - Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
Sanford-Brown College (Dallas) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding
Virginia College (Austin) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
Sanford-Brown College (Houston) - Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Surgical Technology
 Virginia Schools
Heritage Institute (Falls Church, Manassas) - Ultrasound Technician
Wisconsin Schools
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant, Management/Healthcare Management, Nursing
Strayer University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Assistant
American Intercontinental University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management
South University Ultrasound Technician, Songrapher, Medical Imaging, Healthcare Management


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JOBS FOR ULTRASOUND TECHS

spacerEmployment of ultrasound technicians are expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018 - faster than the average for all occupations. As the population continues to age, there will be an increasing demand for qualified utlrasound technicans.

- Bureau of Labor Statistics



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