When envisioning ultrasounds, the iconic black and white images of a developing fetus may come to mind, but ultrasound technology extends far beyond maternity care. Diagnostic medical sonographers, often referred to as ultrasound techs, play a vital role across various medical fields. Aspiring ultrasound techs undergo extensive training at specialized schools, learning to operate sonography equipment and interpret 2D, 3D, and 4D images of the entire human body. This guide covers essential aspects, including salary insights, duration of education, and options for online programs.
How Much Do Ultrasound Techs Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for diagnostic medical sonographers was $77,740 in 2021, with a projected 10% growth by 2031. Salaries vary based on location, education level, and specialization. For instance, cardiovascular sonographers earn a median pay of $60,570, while neurosonographers average $101,095.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech?
Entry-level positions typically require an associate’s degree or certificate, taking approximately two years to complete. Advanced specializations or higher-level roles may necessitate a four-year bachelor’s degree. Regardless of the educational pathway, all ultrasound techs must pass the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certification exam before embarking on their careers.
The Best Ultrasound Tech Schools: Rankings and Details
Four-Year Ultrasound Tech Schools:
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Specializations: Gynecologic, abdominal, or breast sonography.
- Notable: 100% pass rate on ARDMS exams for the past decade.
- Tuition: $11,622 (In-State), $32,516 (Out-of-State)
- Seattle University
- Specializations: Cardiac, general, or vascular sonography.
- Notable: Urban location provides diverse internship opportunities.
- Tuition: $49,335
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on work in ultrasound scanning suite.
- Financial Aid: All incoming students receive aid.
- Tuition: $52,765
- Ohio State University
- Job Placement: 100% since 2010.
- Majors: Radiography, radiation therapy, and sonography.
- Tuition: $11,936 (In-State), $35,019 (Out-of-State)
- University of Iowa
- Duration: Three-year bachelor’s program.
- Specialization: General or cardiac sonography major tracks.
- Tuition: $9,942 (In-State), $31,905 (Out-of-State)
- University of Missouri
- Rotations: Multiple medical rotations for diverse experience.
- Specialties: Abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and cardiac ultrasounds.
- Tuition: $11,475 (In-State), $30,450 (Out-of-State)
- University of Oklahoma
- Research Focus: Opportunities for collaborative research in sonography lab.
- Tuition: $12,012 (In-State), $27,816 (Out-of-State)
Two-Year Ultrasound Tech Schools:
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Specialization: Cardiovascular or general sonography.
- Tuition: $5,040 (In-State), $9,090 (Out-of-State)
- Loma Linda University
- Duration: 27-month bachelor’s degree or 1-year certificate in cardiac sonography.
- Tuition: $32,736
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Certificate: 18-month program for entry-level positions.
- Internship: Access to state-of-the-art ultrasound scanning suite.
- Tuition: $52,765
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Pathways: 3-year accelerated or 2-year fast track programs.
- Degrees: Sonography or sonography-echocardiography.
- Tuition: $35,800
- Seattle University
- Program: Well-regarded 2-year certificate program.
- Experience: Hands-on internship at local medical facilities.
- Tuition: $49,335
- Nova Southeastern University
- Duration: 27-month bachelor’s degree in medical sonography.
- Training: Over 800 hours of hands-on training.
- Tuition: $28,331
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs:
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Program: Online Bachelor of Science for registered sonographers.
- Requirement: Access to a fully equipped laboratory for clinical courses.
- Tuition: $294 per credit hour
- Washburn University
- Eligibility: For those with an associate’s degree in a healthcare field.
- Program: One-year online certificate program.
- Tuition: $418 per credit hour
- Fort Hays State University
- Audience: Professionals with a radiologic technology degree.
- Program: Fully online advanced study of medical imaging.
- Tuition: $227 per credit hour
- Jackson College
- Degrees: Associate’s degree in cardiac or general sonography.
- Structure: All coursework online, 32 hours per week clinical work.
- Tuition: In-District $24,000, Out-of-District $26,000 (two-year total)
Conclusion:
Whether you are considering a four-year university, a two-year college, or an online program, the field of ultrasound technology offers diverse options. This comprehensive guide provides valuable information to help you make informed decisions on the best ultrasound tech schools based on your preferences, location, and career goals. Explore the rankings and details to embark on a fulfilling career in diagnostic medical sonography.