Sonography / Ultrasound Schools & Programs

Diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median salary of $79,150 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), making this one of the higher-paying allied health careers accessible with an associate degree. Sonography programs teach students to operate ultrasound equipment, recognize normal and abnormal anatomy, and produce the diagnostic images physicians rely on for clinical decisions. With 10 percent projected job growth through 2032 – classified as faster than average by the BLS – the field offers strong long-term employment prospects for graduates who earn their ARDMS credentials. Programs typically take two years and combine rigorous coursework in ultrasound physics and anatomy with over 1,200 hours of supervised clinical scanning.

What Is a Sonography / Ultrasound Program?

A diagnostic medical sonography program trains students to perform ultrasound examinations across multiple specialties including abdominal, obstetric/gynecologic, vascular, and cardiac imaging. The curriculum integrates ultrasound physics, cross-sectional anatomy, scanning techniques, and patient care into a structured sequence that builds from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical competencies. Students spend extensive hours in scanning labs developing the hand-eye coordination and anatomic recognition skills that define the profession, working with real ultrasound equipment to master transducer manipulation, image optimization, and pathology identification.

Programs accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) through JRC-DMS prepare graduates for ARDMS credentialing exams, which most employers consider a requirement for hire. Choosing an accredited program is important because it ensures the curriculum meets national standards and makes you eligible for professional credentials upon graduation.

What You’ll Learn

• Ultrasound physics, instrumentation, and knobology (equipment optimization)
• Abdominal scanning protocols (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen)
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonography techniques
• Vascular ultrasound and Doppler flow assessment
• Cross-sectional anatomy and sonographic pathology recognition
• Patient positioning, transducer selection, and image optimization
• Ergonomics and work-related musculoskeletal injury prevention
• Professional ethics, HIPAA compliance, and clinical documentation
• Small parts scanning (thyroid, breast, musculoskeletal)
• Emergency and point-of-care ultrasound concepts

How Long Does Training Take?

Most students enter sonography through a two-year associate degree program, which is the standard entry-level pathway at community colleges and technical schools. These programs integrate general education courses with a focused sonography curriculum and clinical rotations that progressively build scanning competency. Bachelor’s degree programs take four years and may offer multiple specialty concentrations along with broader coursework that can open doors to research, education, or leadership roles. Certificate programs, typically 12 to 18 months, are designed for students who already hold a healthcare degree or clinical credential and want to add sonography to their skill set.

All programs include extensive clinical rotations, generally 1,200 or more hours of supervised scanning at hospitals and imaging centers where students work with actual patients under the guidance of credentialed sonographers. Tuition ranges from approximately $4,000 to $12,000 per year at public colleges to $20,000 or more at private institutions, though costs vary significantly by school, location, and program length. Financial aid, allied health scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; prerequisite college courses in anatomy, physiology, physics, and math are common
• Background check and drug screening required for clinical placements
• Current immunization records (hepatitis B, TB screening, flu shot, and others per clinical site)
• CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association) required before clinical rotations
• Physical ability to perform repetitive scanning motions, assist patients onto tables, and push portable equipment
• Competitive admission – many programs have limited seats and use GPA, prerequisite grades, and healthcare experience in their selection process
• Observation hours at an ultrasound department may be required or strongly recommended
• Some programs give preference to applicants with prior patient care experience or a healthcare credential

Licensing & Certification

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers the primary credentials for sonographers: RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer), RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer), and RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist). Earning a credential requires passing the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam plus at least one specialty exam in your chosen concentration. While most states do not require state-level licensure for sonographers, ARDMS credentials are effectively required by employers across the industry and are often listed as a condition of employment. Continuing education (30 CME credits every three years) is mandatory for credential maintenance, keeping sonographers current with evolving technology and clinical protocols.

Career Outlook & Salary

Diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median annual salary of $79,150, with earners at the 25th percentile making around $63,320 and the top 10 percent earning above $118,725 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, which the BLS classifies as faster than average for all occupations. Approximately 7,400 annual openings are expected over that period, reflecting both new positions and replacements for workers who retire or transition to other roles.

Demand for ultrasound professionals is driven by the aging population’s increasing need for diagnostic imaging, combined with the medical community’s growing preference for non-invasive, radiation-free imaging methods. Sonographers who hold multiple ARDMS credentials or specialize in high-demand areas like cardiac or vascular imaging often command higher salaries. Geographic location also plays a significant role, with metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living generally offering higher pay.

Where You’ll Work

Hospitals employ the largest share of diagnostic medical sonographers, particularly in radiology, cardiology, and obstetrics departments where ultrasound is used for both routine screenings and urgent diagnostic evaluations. Outpatient imaging centers represent a growing employment sector as more diagnostic work shifts to freestanding facilities. Physician offices, particularly OB/GYN and cardiology practices, also employ sonographers for in-office scanning. Mobile health services hire sonographers to travel to nursing homes, rural clinics, and other facilities that lack on-site ultrasound capabilities.

Cardiac and vascular sonographers may find positions in cardiac catheterization labs, vascular surgery practices, and vein treatment centers. Staffing agencies place credentialed sonographers in travel assignments at facilities nationwide, offering premium pay and housing stipends. Most sonographers work full time, though evening and weekend shifts are common in hospital settings that provide around-the-clock diagnostic services.

Online vs In-Person Options

Sonography programs are primarily in-person because hands-on scanning practice is the core of the training. Students must learn transducer manipulation, patient positioning, and real-time image optimization on actual ultrasound equipment, skills that cannot be replicated through virtual instruction alone. Some programs offer hybrid formats where physics, anatomy, and pathology lectures are completed online, but all scanning labs and clinical rotations must be done in person at approved sites. Fully online sonography programs are not viable because the scanning skills central to the profession require supervised, hands-on repetition with real equipment and patients.

Browse by Location

• View all locations: Sonography / Ultrasound by state

Career Guide

Sonography is a healthcare career that rewards technical skill, anatomic knowledge, and strong patient interaction. Many sonographers start in general abdominal imaging and then specialize in areas like echocardiography, vascular technology, or maternal-fetal medicine, each of which can lead to higher pay and more focused clinical responsibilities. Leadership opportunities include chief sonographer roles, clinical coordinator positions, and teaching appointments at accredited programs. The profession also offers flexibility through travel positions and per-diem work that allow experienced sonographers to control their schedules and explore different clinical environments. For a closer look at what this career involves day to day, including work environment details, advancement paths, and salary expectations by specialty, visit our dedicated career page.

Career Guide: Ultrasound Technician →

FAQs

What sonography specialty should I choose?

The most common entry-level specialty is abdominal sonography (RDMS with the AB credential), which has the broadest job market and provides a strong foundation for adding other specialties later. OB/GYN sonography is popular but more competitive in some markets. Cardiac sonography (echocardiography) and vascular technology are in high demand and often command higher salaries. Many sonographers start with one specialty and add additional ARDMS credentials as they gain experience, broadening their employment options and earning potential.

Is sonography hard on the body?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a known concern in sonography due to repetitive scanning motions, awkward postures, and sustained transducer pressure. Programs now emphasize scanning ergonomics, proper body mechanics, and equipment adjustment techniques as core curriculum components. Taking regular breaks, using height-adjustable equipment, varying your scanning arm, and practicing good ergonomic habits throughout your career can significantly reduce injury risk. Employers are increasingly investing in ergonomic ultrasound equipment to support sonographer health.

Can I enter a sonography program with a degree in another field?

Yes. Certificate-level sonography programs (typically 12-18 months) are specifically designed for students who already hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related healthcare field. If your degree is in a non-healthcare field, you may need to complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and physics before applying. Some programs also accept applicants with substantial clinical experience in lieu of a healthcare degree, though prerequisites in the sciences are still usually required.

How does sonography compare to radiology in terms of pay?

Diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median of $79,150 per year, while radiologic technologists earn a median of $65,140 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). The pay difference reflects the additional specialty training involved in sonography and the high demand for credentialed ultrasound professionals. However, radiologic technologists who earn advanced certifications in CT, MRI, or other modalities can close that gap significantly over the course of their careers. Both fields offer strong job stability and clear advancement paths in healthcare imaging.

What is the SPI exam?

The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam is a prerequisite for all ARDMS specialty credentials. It tests your knowledge of ultrasound physics, equipment operation, image quality optimization, and bioeffects of ultrasound energy. The SPI is a 110-question, computer-based exam administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. You can take it before or after your specialty exam, but both must be passed to earn your ARDMS credential. Most sonography programs build comprehensive SPI preparation into their physics curriculum, and students typically take the exam during or shortly after completing their program.

Are travel sonography positions available?

Yes. Travel sonography is a well-established career path, with staffing agencies placing credentialed sonographers in assignments lasting 8 to 26 weeks at hospitals and imaging centers nationwide. Travel positions frequently offer premium hourly pay, housing stipends, travel reimbursement, and benefits packages. Most agencies require at least one to two years of clinical experience and current ARDMS credentials to qualify. Sonographers with multiple specialty credentials are especially sought after for travel assignments and may have more choices in location and facility type.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

Browse Sonography / Ultrasound Schools by State

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.