There are many good colleges for ultrasound technicians in the US. These have state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. They offer a combination of coursework and practicum in several specialties, including OB/GYN, abdominal, vascular, neonatal, and small parts sonography. The schools also have fee rates and considerations for different student categories. Besides, they are accredited by the relevant bodies.
Following are 6 of the best ultrasound tech schools in the US.
1.George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
The George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, DC offers certificate and degree programs in Sonography. Students in both programs have 40 hours of coursework weekly and can choose to focus on general, cardiac, and vascular sonography or combinations of these.
Those in the degree program also take courses in other areas, such as health management and policy and current healthcare trends. Bachelor’s students can apply for the ARDMS exam and receive accreditation before graduation.
The program is CAAHEP-accredited
George Washington University Medical Center overview:
- Location: Ross Hall, 2300 Eye Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20037
- Type of School: Private
- Annual Tuition:$45,346 (Annual increments between 2.5 and 4%).
- Admissions rate: 2.5%
- Undergrad tuition in state: $62,200
- Undergrad tuition out of state: $62,200
- Total online bachelor’s Program:1
- Accreditation: CAAHEP
2.University of California in San Diego
The University of California in San Diego offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. The 14-month program has coursework, clinical practice, research, and patient care aspects. The varied aspects help future ultrasound technicians be highly qualified in general sonography and specialty skills in vascular, OB, pelvic, small parts, and neonatal sonography.
The program is CAAHEP-accredited.
University of California in San Diego Overview:
- Location: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Type of School: Public
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Admissions rate: 34%
- Undergrad tuition in state: $14,906
- Undergrad tuition out of state: $44,978
- Total online bachelor’s Program: Numerous
3.University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program accepts 13-14 students at a time. The students can choose between vascular and echocardiography.
To graduate, the student must complete 47 credits in prerequisite courses and 120 credits in professional courses. After that, the student can apply for certification by completing the ARDMS exams.
The program is CAAHEP-accredited.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Overview:
- Location: 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205
- Type of School: Public
- Annual Tuition: $16,505 resident; $32,590 non-resident (per semester)
- Admissions rate: 70%
- Undergrad tuition in state: $33,010
- Undergrad tuition out of state: $65,180
- Total online bachelor’s Program: 5
4.University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences has a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program under the School of Allied Health Sciences. The program trains students in abdominal, OB/GYN, echocardiography, vascular, and small parts sonography.
By graduation, students have the knowledge to identify pathologies, use diagnostic equipment, and correctly report results. The students are eligible for the ARDMS exams and can take them 2 months before graduation.
The program is accredited by the CAAHEP.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Overview:
- Location: 1100 N. Lindsay, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
- Type of School: Public
- Annual Tuition: $6,608 (resident) $15,143 (non-resident)
- Admissions rate: 15%
- Undergrad tuition in state: $7,966
- Undergrad tuition out of state: $24,731
- Total online bachelor’s Program: Numerous
5.Ohio State University-Main Campus
The Ohio State University has a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and Therapy with three distinct tracks, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The course offers theory and clinical practice aspects to use diagnostic equipment, plus other adjunct courses relevant to sonography professionals, like management skills, health informatics, and research.
Graduates can apply for certification exams with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), or the State of Ohio’s Radiographer Licensing Examination.
The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
The Ohio State University Overview
- Location: 110 Enarson Hall 154 West 12th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210
- Type of School: Public
- Annual Tuition: $31,230 (resident) $30,996 (non-resident)
- Admissions rate: 53%
- Undergrad tuition in state: $12,859
- Undergrad tuition out of state: $36,722
- Total online bachelor’s Program: 4
6.Rutgers University-Newark
The Rutgers University-Newark B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a 15-month program focusing on coursework and clinical practicum in abdominal, gynecological, neonatal, OB/GYN, and neuro sonography. Graduates gain skills in creating diagnostic images for proper patient diagnosis and treatment.
The program is CAAHEP-Accredited.
The Rutgers University-Newark Overview:
- Location: 195 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
- Type of School: Public
- Annual Tuition: $16,586 (resident) $31,646 (non-resident)
- Admissions rate: 77%
- Undergrad tuition in state: $16,586
- Undergrad tuition out of state: $35,348
- Total online bachelor’s Program: Numerous
FAQs
- How Much Does It Cost to Become an Ultrasound Technician？
The cost of becoming an ultrasound technician varies based on the type of course and the tuition rates at the college or university you attend. From the good colleges for ultrasound technician reviewed in this article, the cost is between $7,966 for in-state and $65,180 for out-of-state students. - How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech？
Becoming an ultrasound tech can take between 1 year for certificate programs and 4 years for Bachelor’s Degrees. Additional time may be required for accreditation and certification exams. - How Hard Is It to Become an Ultrasound Tech？
To be admitted to the ultrasound technician course, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and obtain the minimum requirement set by the institution. Some colleges and universities also require you to pass the SAT or ACT.
Concluding Thoughts
The answer to how to become an ultrasound technician is varied. Generally, though, you need a high school or GED certificate to be eligible for admission to the best colleges for ultrasound tech. Then you have to choose between certificate and degree courses, which take different times to complete.
We just gave you 6 of the good colleges for ultrasound technicians in the US. They are a great place to start the pursuit of your dream career.
REFERENCES
- Salary.com. Ultrasound Technologists II.
2. ECPI University. Is Sonography in High Demand Currently?
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician.
5. Ultrasound Schools Info. Guide to Continued Medical Education for Sonographers.