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What Does an Ultrasound Technician Do?

Ultrasound technicians, also known as medical sonographers, use sound waves and machines to produce image of internal tissue and use said images to diagnose healthy and unhealthy areas. Individuals working in the field typically work in hospitals, providing non-invasive imaging that provides physicians and other healthcare professionals the ability to identify internal growths, tissue damage, and other ailments within the human body. Ultrasound technology has improved significantly over the last decade, allowing for the technique to become more prominent and of higher value, and in turn creating a high demand for technicians.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$64,280

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

42.33%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

112,700

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Ultrasound Technician Schools

St Luke’s College (Woodbury, IA) is a private institution that prepares students in pursuing medical careers. The college focuses on providing bachelor’s degrees on nursing and allied health programs. The college offers high quality, health system-based education. St. Luke’s offers Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology and specialty certification internship programs in Advanced Radiology. Individuals who are interested in the internship program can choose a track: Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Sonography, and Mammography.

Acceptance Rate

29.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Healthcare Training Institute (Union, NJ) is one of the leading higher learning institutes that offers vocational programs in the state. HTI is one of NJ’s top ranked ultrasound tech schools. The institute provides hands-on training for better proficiency of the students. The school aims to incorporate modern technology and comprehensive training for students. Graduates of HTI programs are expected to be competent and professional healthcare providers. HTI offers both long-term and short-term programs for students depending on their career goals.

Acceptance Rate

37.5

Tuition

$15,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) is located near the White House. The proximity provides several opportunities for projects alongside government leaders, science and law professionals, and individuals from other disciplines. GW is also popular in providing a variety of medical and allied health programs. The Department of Radiology manages a world-class residency program and several specialized fellowships to train a new breed of clinicians and researchers. GWU offers both on-campus and off-campus modes of learning allowing flexibility for students. GW University has hundreds of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ) is a public research university recognized for its scientific innovations. The university provides all levels of academic advancements. Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Rutgers can lead to a bachelor’s degree or a certificate. The program focuses on general sonography providing clinical and didactic instructions. The sonography certificate can be earned within 15-months of full time education. Students will be trained using the most advanced ultrasound equipment. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Hillyard Technical Center (Saint Joseph, MO) is a private vocational institution that helps high school students to enhance their skills for their future careers. The innovative educational programs offered are designed to meet industry requirements. Hillyard is a small school with only an estimated 200 students per year. A few of the vocational courses offered are related to health and medicine, engineering, and science. The Ultrasound Tech program is a 20-month program that trains students to be skilled professionals. Students must pass pre-entrance assessment tests, criminal record checks, as well as physical examinations for some programs.  

Acceptance Rate

53.85

Tuition

$12,630 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

4:1

Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) is a private university that grants undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across nine schools. It extends its academic offerings to three campuses. The university’s medical programs are highly recognized by several publications. It has a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program provides courses on sonographic procedures and technology, and develops students' interpersonal skills allowing them to work professionally across a range of clinical settings. The program also trains the students to pursue a career in a variety of subspecialties through clinical training. 

Acceptance Rate

70.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA) is a private university that offers a wide range of academic programs. Philadelphia University and Jefferson have been combined in 2017. Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences manages several undergraduate programs that train students to be skilled medical professionals. It offers several Sonography programs. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program trains students for an entry-level position across the medical and health industry. Graduates of these programs are eligible to take the associated certification examinations. 

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Lewis University (Romeoville, IL) is a private higher education institution offering a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. Both graduate and undergraduate programs are offered. Ultrasound Technology is a four-year program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students will attend the university during the first three years and will move to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital for professional courses. Students interested in the discipline have other options. B.S. in Biology graduates can admit themselves for a certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or take a double major in Biology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 

Acceptance Rate

63.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Bellin College (Green Bay, WI) is a private college known for its nursing and medical-related programs. The college offers a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program that awards certificates to successful students. Students who take the three-year bachelor’s program will undergo clinical, academic, and laboratory training. Students’ leadership and management skills are also trained in this program. After three consecutive years under the program students are eligible for ARDMS certification examinations several concentrations: Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), Abdomen, Vascular, and Sonography Principles and Instrumentation. 

Acceptance Rate

100

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Seattle University (Seattle, WA) is a private university providing a wide range of academic programs for students to  choose from. It is an independent university organized into eight schools that houses both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound provides a solid academic foundation and clinical experience for students who aim for a career in the field. Undergraduates can personalize their program by choosing a concentration track: General, Vascular, and Cardiac. Students will gain relevant practical experience through internship programs. 

Acceptance Rate

78.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Monroe College (Bronx, NY) is a private for-profit college that fosters liberal arts as its core curriculum. The college awards certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees and graduate degrees. The School of Allied Health Professions offers a variety of clinical and non-clinical programs. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an associate degree. The program trains students clinically and academically. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. 

Acceptance Rate

47.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Concordia University (Mequon, WI) is a private university affiliated with the  Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The university offers a long list of undergraduate majors and minors. It also has several graduate programs including doctoral/professional programs. The Bachelor’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers two learning tracks: General/Vascular and Cardiac/Vascular. Students will gain a strong liberal arts education in a Christian setting. Graduates of this program can specialize in different areas of sonography: obstetric and gynecologic, abdominal sonography, breast sonography, and vascular technology. The university also offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program. This program is designed for professionals who aim to advance their knowledge and skills. 

Acceptance Rate

64.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

RIT or Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) is a private research university that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral and professional degrees. RIT also manages global campuses located in China, Croatia and United Arab Emirates. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a four-year program that provides a rigorous, hands-on approach in learning. This undergraduate program is a great option as a pre-med and for students who want to pursue graduate studies. Undergraduates are required to take a one-year clinical internship to enhance their clinical skills. 

Acceptance Rate

70.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science (Boston, MA) is a private university focused on medical and health-related science programs. The university is recognized for its traditional and accelerated programs focused on professional education in pharmacy and the health sciences. The Ultrasound Tech degree offers a variety of tracks all leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program offers two learning concentrations: General and Echocardiography. Aside from rigorous courses, students will also gain hand-on experiences for skills enhancement. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). 

Acceptance Rate

85.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) is a public research university that offers more than 200 areas of study. The university has highly recognized programs in health care, law, and the fine arts. Iowa was also the first American university to offer co-educational medical programs. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a three-year program that offers two learning tracks: DMS in general and vascular sonography, and DMS in cardiac and vascular sonography. Students will also have to attend clinical assignments across UI Hospitals and Clinics allowing them to work on a variety of different types of modern sonographic equipment and gain clinical experience. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the national certification exams in diagnostic medical sonography. 

Acceptance Rate

82.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) is a public research university that offers a range of academic programs. It is also popular for the University of Missouri Research Reactor Center and its contribution to nuclear medicine. The university also houses the only allied health school in the University of Missouri system. Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences is offered at the university. The program has an emphasis on Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound. Clinical Laboratory Science, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography, Respiratory Therapy   are offered as additional program emphasis. Graduates are eligible to sit down and take the certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Acceptance Rate

80.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Concorde Career Institute-Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL) is a small college offering a wide variety of health and medical professional programs. The institute grants associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees. It also offers diploma courses. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an associate degree program that focuses on developing students’ technical skills essential to be a competent professional in the allied health discipline. Students can earn a degree in at least 21 months. Patient care health programs in Concorde are designed to keep up with one of the fastest growing healthcare sectors.

Acceptance Rate

76.61

Tuition

$50,048 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

38:1

Widener University - Main Campus (Chester, PA) is a private university that manages two campuses in PA and one located in DE. It has a wide range of undergraduate majors and a long list of graduate programs in business, education, engineering, nursing, social work, physical therapy, and clinical psychology. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a program offered by the university and the Crozer-Keystone Health System. Students will gain a Widener quality of education and clinical expertise from Crozer-Keystone Health System. Students are trained to be competent, entry-level general sonographer. 

Acceptance Rate

71.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred, NY) also known as Alfred State is a public college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. Diagnostic medical sonography is a two-year program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Students are provided with on-campus didactic and laboratory classes and gain clinical experience across several area hospitals. Graduates are equipped to assume a variety of roles across different clinical settings. 

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI) is a public university that extends its education to  a campus in downtown Grand Rapids, and in an international campus in Holland. The university also manages smaller learning centers in Muskegon, Detroit and Traverse City. General Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a four-year program that train students clinically and academically. Students will take general education and prerequisite courses in the first two years and full-time professional coursework on the remaining two years. Students are prepared to take the national certification exams.

Acceptance Rate

83.02

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Misericordia University (Dallas, PA) is a private Catholic university that fosters liberal arts as its core curriculum. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs as well as post-master's and post-bachelor's certificates. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a specialized health care field. It is offered in the university leading to a bachelor’s, or a certificate. The BS program is delivered in a hybrid format with sonography core courses offered on campus. Graduates are eligible to take   national certifications. 

Acceptance Rate

85.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (Lancaster, PA) aims to provide the community with great medical leaders and practitioners. Its programs are designed to address the need for the healthcare industry. It has grants bachelor's and associate's degrees. It also offers many certificate programs for several health-related professions including EMT, Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Nuclear Medicine. Ultrasound Tech and DMS is an associate program that provides a comprehensive classroom and clinical education. Students who already have an associate degree or earned a post-secondary degree in allied health can take the certification program. 

Acceptance Rate

78.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Baptist College of Health Science (Memphis, TN) is now Baptist Health Sciences University. It is a private, coeducational, specialized college that focuses on providing bachelor’s programs. Diagnostic medical sonography provides students with a strong science foundation through particular courses on this allied health discipline. Students are prepared to be entry-level sonographers through clinical training. 

Acceptance Rate

59.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Marian University (Fond Du Lac, WI) is a private Roman Catholic university. It manages the first medical school in over 100 years in Indiana (2013), and the second operational medical school in Indiana at the time. It has a long list of academic programs from undergraduate to graduate levels. Students who take up Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography spend two years completing general education and health/science courses. The last two years are spent in training across two affiliate clinical sites. Licensed DMS can still complete their bachelor’s degree through the DMS completion degree that is delivered 100% online. 

Acceptance Rate

64.61

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

St Catherine University (St. Paul, MN) is a private university offering a wide range of academic opportunities. It is one of the oldest higher learning institutions dedicated for women in the Midwest. The university offers baccalaureate programs for women and a co-educational graduate and associate programs. The university offers an undergraduate sonography program. Courses are delivered through lectures and laboratory training. The program provides an advanced-level practice preparing students to assume roles across interdisciplinary healthcare teams. 

Acceptance Rate

67.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

What are Ultrasound Techs Responsible for?

Ultrasound technicians are ultimately responsible for the maintenance and functionality of the operating equipment used to produce sonograms. Images created by the technology used by an ultrasound tech are used by a medical team to establish a medical diagnosis and to treat patients. The most common association of a sonogram is related to pregnancy but that is only a small portion of the totality of a sonograms application in the medical world. In fact, sonograms are used to examine brain tissue, heart valves, muscles, tendons, organs, prostate, thyroid, blood flow, ligaments, spinal cord, breast tissue, and musculoskeletal disorders.

In addition to becoming proficient with the usage and capabilities of medical equipment, an ultrasound tech will often be patient-facing. Diagnostic medical sonographers will engage directly with patients to provide education and comfort leading up to a medical procedure or medical imaging activity. With keen attention to detail, an ultrasound tech will be able to detect abnormal images and effectively communicate those findings to physicians and patients. In terms of work setting, an ultrasound tech can be found in the office of a physician, lab, hospital, medical facility, college, university, or outpatient care center.

Top Ultrasound Tech Degrees

The degree options for an ultrasound tech include professional certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor degree programs.  We have detailed each below to help you better understand the differing elements of each type of program.  Read each carefully and then reach out to programs below to learn more about each type of program that may be best for you.

Ultrasound Tech Certificate Programs

A certificate program for an ultrasound tech is a 1-2 year program designed to provide students with the essentials of a diagnostic medical sonographer.  Classes in the certificate program typically include: anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, obstetrics, gynecology, physics, vascular studies, and an externship.  Unlike many other certificate programs, the ultrasound tech certificate program requires students to have already earned a college degree.  Current requirements allow for students to have any type of bachelor’s degree or an associate degree from an approved allied health field of study.

Ultrasound Tech Associate Degree

The associate degree program is typically a 2-year program that is an entry-point into the ultrasound tech vocation.  Students earning an Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography will be exposed to a comprehensive curriculum and diagnostic imaging skills.  Most accredited programs balance necessary academic work with hands-on lab experience and valuable clinical rotations.  After graduating from an accredited college or university with an associate degree, students will be equipped to step into a vocational opportunity in the healthcare field.

Ultrasound Tech Bachelor Degree

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree for an Ultrasound Technician is a 4-year program designed for students who are working in the healthcare field or have previous college credits and are part of a professional registry such as the ARDMS.  Like many of the bachelor degree programs around the country, core degree curriculum and general education courses are required by the college or university.  General education courses such as math, English, and psychology help students think differently about the world around them and process information more effectively while core courses allow students to specialize in a particular area of study.  Core curriculum for ultrasound techs will often include healthcare systems, medical equipment, musculoskeletal sonography, pediatric sonography, and other sonography specialties plus substantive lab time.  The bachelor’s degree program is culminated with an externship or clinical rotation at an approved medical or healthcare facility.

Educational Requirements for Sonographers

Sonography training is typically offered at hospitals, vocational schools, as well as two and four year institutions. Though bachelor's degrees are available, the most common education level received is the associate's degree. Short programs are also offered but are typically taken by medical professionals looking to increase their skill set rather than work in the specific field of medical sonography.Courses will be divided between practical and classroom settings, allowing for the familiarization of with equipment, standard practice and methodology,

Some classes may include:

  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Instrumentation
  • Basic Physics
  • Patient Care
  • Medical Ethics

Top Schools for an Ultrasound Tech

The top schools for an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer will have a common set of traits and characteristics.  In fact, the best ultrasound tech programs stand out from others based on three primary drivers: program quality, facilities, and clinical experience.  We will unpack each below to help you better understand what makes a top college for an ultrasound tech.

  1. Quality: The overall quality of a college or university’s ultrasound tech program is of utmost importance. How do you determine quality of a college program?  The most predictable way to determine a program’s quality is via outcomes and accreditation.  Data regarding student outcomes can be found by talking to alumni, professionals in the field, and independent third-parties.  Accreditation is the other key component to determine the quality of an ultrasound tech degree program.  Seek out colleges with regional accreditation, national accreditation, JRC-DMS, or CAAHEP designations.  Without accreditation, programs may not meet academic standards, earn professional certificates, nor apply for federal financial aid.
  2. School Facilities: Understanding how a school invests in its surgical technician program can be performed via an interview or school tour. Be sure to take the time to understand the equipment used and student access to technology and labs on campus.  High-tech facilities will provide students with the latest technology used in hospitals and medical facilities thus giving you real-world exposure to viable medical equipment.
  3. Clinical Experience: The quality of your clinical experience or externship is a valuable tool for any student looking to enter the medical field as an ultrasound tech. As the college or university what their externship program looks like and the partnerships they have established with medical providers in the community to enhance your clinical experience.
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for Ultrasound Techs

Ultrasound technicians primarily work in hospitals, but are finding increasing work in private practices and medical facilities such as nursing homes. The role of a medical sonographer is to provide imaging and diagnosis for patients, assisting in the development of a proper treatment for a patient's ailment. Medical sonographers will use ultrasound or sonography machines to produce the images, then use their experience reading such images to confer with physicians about the results. Medical sonographers must have an understanding of human physiology and the various ailments one may be suffering, as well as how to identify such ailments accurately.

Ultrasound technicians have a variety of specialization they may choose to pursue, and certification is available for each specialization. Specializations allow sonographers to expand upon their practice, or focus on a given area of expertise in order to assist physicians. An individual who has pursued a specialization will be able to more accurately assist in the diagnosis of an ailment, particularly in areas considered difficult or complex to image and identify. Specialization is normally pursued after a certain number of years of experience have been accrued, demonstrating that the individual is qualified and capable as a medical sonographer prior to developing more complex skills.

These specializations are:

  • Obstetric and gynecologic
  • Abdominal
  • Neurosonographers
  • Breast
  • Vascular
  • Cardiac
Common Job Titles of an Ultrasound Technician

An understanding of common job titles of an ultrasound tech will help you understand the job titles abound in the medical community for the job.  Either while looking for jobs or when seeking to upskill into a new career, it is important to understand the breadth of job titles associated with the ultrasound tech vocation.  A sample of common job titles of an ultrasound technician include the following:

  • Cardiac Sonographer
  • Ultrasonographer
  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
  • Sonographer
  • Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech)
  • Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Medical Sonographer
  • Staff Sonographer
  • Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech)
Top Job Responsibilities of an Ultrasound Tech

In a recent survey of ultrasound techs around the country, the U.S. Department of Labor gathered in-depth information about the job and daily activities.  While not inclusive of all jobs in the field, we have culled a list of the top 5 most popular job responsibilities cited by ultrasound techs.

  1. Examine medical imaging screen during scans to ensure image quality is acceptable diagnostic purposes and adjust equipment accordingly
  2. Attend to patients throughout exam to provide for safety and comfort
  3. Communicate oral and/or written summary of sonogram findings to the medical team to be utilized for efficient medical diagnosis
  4. Selection of the appropriate equipment settings and patient position to get optimal imaging results
  5. Manipulate ultrasound equipment to produce requisite images of the shape and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or masses

Job Growth, Salary, and Related Ultrasound Fields

Diagnostic medical sonography is a growing field and as such job opportunities are expected to increase rapidly over the next decade at a projected rate of 24% which is 4 times the national average growth rate. This is primarily due to the low cost and less invasive nature of sonography versus similar tools which may put a patient at risk or expose them to dangerous levels of radiation. Additionally, as the population in the United States grows older, the need for qualified individuals to perform testing will increase. Technology in this field is also developing rapidly, producing better and more accurate results which will make the option for medical sonography in diagnosis all the more appealing. These factors combined are responsible for a near 50% growth rate in the field.

The average wage for an ultrasound technician is approximately $69,650 per year. The lowest ten percent earned less than $43,600 and the highest more than $84,000. Experienced and certified individuals will earn salaries in the upper end, with individuals having several certifications being able to performs several sonographic functions and thus be in higher demand.

States with the Highest Employment of Ultrasound Technicians

  • California 5,640
  • Texas 5,190
  • Florida 5,120
  • New York 4,730
  • Pennsylvania 2,530

Top Paying States for Ultrasound Technicians

  1. California $93,350
  2. District of Columbia $87,750
  3. Washington $86,970
  4. Oregon $84,160
  5. Colorado $81,830

Those interested in becoming an ultrasound technician may also wish to consider a career as a physician assistant, medical assistant or nursing assistant.

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