Sonographer (Radiographer)

Sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves to produce a digital image. This technique is used to image breast tissues, fetuses, internal organs, heart function, and blood vessels. This non-invasive procedure is critical to understanding what is going on in a patient’s body. Without sonography, doctors would have to rely on what they can observe or would have to perform many more exploratory surgeries.

Sonographers are the professionals who perform sonograms. They are required to have specialized education and training to use the equipment, know what they are looking at, summarize findings for doctors, and help patients understand their procedures.

Many sonographers specialize in a particular kind of sonography, such as obstetrics and gynecology, vascular, cardiac, breast, or musculoskeletal. Each type of imagining requires detailed knowledge of anatomy and pathology to obtain the images a physician needs.

Typically, sonographers have earned at least an associate degree in sonography and have completed clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience prior to their first job. Some professionals have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree for working in a given specialization.

Certification is optional in this career, although it is an industry standard and required by most employers. The primary certifying bodies are the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART), and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Certification can be obtained in general sonography or in over 15 different specializations, depending on where the certification is obtained.

Continue reading to learn what it takes to enter this exciting field, including further details about specialization, job duties, and top programs.

Education is essential to working as a sonographer. Depending on the degree pursued, programs vary in length and can take anywhere from two to four years. There are some one-year programs available; however, they require applicants to already have an associate degree in an allied health field. Many professionals in this field choose to pursue at least an associate degree—if not a bachelor’s—as this can help with job applications and career advancement.

Sonographers can choose to specialize in either cardiac, general, vascular, or musculoskeletal sonography. There are various certifications within those specializations, including ones for breast tissue, pediatrics, obstetrics, fetal, and even neurology. Certificates are earned through a combination of education, hands-on experience, and testing.

Admission requirements for sonography programs vary based on the type of program. One-year certificate programs typically require applicants to have completed an associate’s degree in an allied health-related field. Associate degree programs require applicants to graduate from high school or complete a GED. Prerequisite coursework can often be required as well.

Bachelor’s programs have comprehensive admission requirements, including standardized test scores such as the ACT or SAT, personal statements, and graduating from high school. Due to some of the four-year sonography programs’ competitiveness, prerequisite coursework may be required before enrolling in the major.

Students should ensure the sonography program they enroll in is accredited for several reasons. First, it ensures that the program meets minimum standards of quality and content. Second, some certification entities require that students complete an accredited program in order to be eligible to sit for exams. The primary approval body for diagnostic medical sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

South Hills School of Business & Technology

The South Hills School of Business & Technology offers several CAAHEP-accredited programs to aspiring diagnostic sonographers, including a three-year associate in specialized technology, a two-year diploma, and a 15-month diploma to applicants with qualifying experience. There are several specialzations available in abdominal, OB/GYN, cardiac, and vascular sonography. The school provides hands-on training and job placement assistance following graduation.

• Location: State College, PA
• Duration: 15 months to three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – College of Allied Health

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Allied Health offers a bachelor’s of science in medical imaging and radiation sciences (sonography). This program offers a specialization in either general, cardiac, or vascular sonography. Graduates will have the skills to identify pathology, use instruments, and produce accurate exam results so physicians can make a diagnosis.

To be admitted to this major, students must complete 64 credits of coursework, including foundation and prerequisite classes, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. However, this program is highly competitive, admitting only 19 out of 53 applicants in 2020, and the average GPA of admitted students 3.64. Students can improve their chances of admission by doing well in their interviews, maintaining a high GPA, completing work experience in this field, and writing a compelling Career Goal Statement.

• Location: Oklahoma City, OK
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

University of Missouri  -School of Health Professions

Students can earn either a bachelor’s of science in diagnostic medical ultrasound or a master of health science in clinical and diagnostic science (MHS CDS) at the University of Missouri School of Health Professions.

Graduates of the bachelor’s program have the necessary skills to work as a sonographer in various workplaces. Graduates of the master’s program have the training to also be educators in this field. In 2020, there was a 100 percent graduation, testing, and job placement rate for the 2019 graduating class.

Students are admitted to the bachelor’s program for their junior year. Students must complete their prerequisite coursework in the first two years of schooling to prepare for the rigorous sonography program. In addition to coursework, students must complete clinical rotations where they gain hands-on experience.  These rotations are completed at one of 25 sites located around the state of Missouri.

• Location: Columbia, MO
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Johns Hopkins University

The diagnostic medical sonography program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medical Imaging is an 18-month, full-time course designed to prepare students as competent entry-level sonographers. The curriculum emphasizes cognitive learning, psychomotor skills, and affective behavior, with concentrations in abdominal sonography-extended and obstetrics and gynecology sonography. Students benefit from a combination of rigorous didactic instruction, scan laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experience at various prestigious facilities within the Johns Hopkins Medicine Network and other renowned institutions in the Baltimore-Washington area. Graduates earn a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography and are eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography exams.

• Location: Baltimore MD
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Hudson Valley Community College

The diagnostic medical sonography certificate program at Hudson Valley Community College offers a rigorous, one-year curriculum designed for students with an associate or bachelor’s degree in an allied health field. This comprehensive program equips students with the skills needed to perform sonographic examinations and produce diagnostic images of organs and structures within the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, and vascular system. Combining classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience, the program emphasizes both the technical and patient care aspects of sonography. Graduates will be prepared to sit for national certification exams and enter the workforce as competent sonographers, ready to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The program’s mission is to provide high-quality education that fosters professional growth and ensures graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the diagnostic medical sonography field.

• Location: Troy, NY
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Indiana University

Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis offers an 18-month bachelor of science program in diagnostic sonography designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in either medical sonography or echocardiography. Open to individuals with credentials in various healthcare fields or those with at least 1,000 hours of verifiable patient care experience, the program provides a comprehensive blend of didactic courses, labs, and clinical experiences. Students can specialize in creating images of the body’s organs and tissues or the heart and vascular system. 

Graduates will receive a bachelor of science degree and be eligible to take specialty board examinations in their chosen concentration. The program’s mission is to offer quality education that promotes excellence in the art and science of sonography, aiming to produce competent and compassionate sonographers committed to quality imaging and lifelong learning.

• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Duration: 18 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Washburn University

Professionals who already hold an associate’s degree or higher from a healthcare program with a hands-on clinical component can enroll in the one-year sonography certificate program at Washburn University.

Students can complete the required coursework entirely online and perform their clinical education at a facility near them. This flexibility allows professionals to advance into a new field without having to relocate. Often the clinical education can even be completed as part of a student’s job if they can gain employment in a sonography department.

Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the ARDMS or CCI certification exams.  Students can choose to specialize in general, vascular, or cardiac sonography. Required coursework students must complete includes an introduction to diagnostic medical sonography, sonography principles and instrumentation, abdomen sonography procedures, and obstetrics sonography procedures.

• Location: Topeka, KS
• Duration: 12 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

State Fair Community College

At State Fair Community College, students can earn an associate of applied science (AAS) in diagnostic medical sonography. This 22-month program consists of both online theory courses and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates have entry-level experience to find jobs in this field. For the past four years, this program has boasted 100 percent job placement rates for its graduates.

Admission to this program is highly competitive. Before applying, students must complete or be enrolled in prerequisite coursework, including writing, history, biology, anatomy, and math. Other admission requirements include passing an entrance exam, having a 2.75 GPA or higher, and completing eight hours of sonography observation. Once enrolled, students can choose to complete a general or cardiac sonography path.

• Location: Sedalia, MO
• Duration: 22 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Valencia College

Valencia College offers an associate in science (AS) degree in diagnostic medical sonography, a two-year program designed to prepare students for specialized careers in sonography. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical practice, providing hands-on experience in the use of high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of soft tissue organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid. Students will also have the opportunity to provide expectant mothers with their first glimpse of their unborn child. Accredited and highly regarded, this program ensures graduates are well-prepared to take national registry exams and pursue careers in various healthcare settings including clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic imaging centers.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Boise State University

The diagnostic medical sonography modality at Boise State University offers an online bachelor of science in advanced medical imaging, designed to provide students with comprehensive education and hands-on experience. This program includes 100 percent online coursework, allowing learners to complete clinicals in their local area and focus on specific material during seven-week courses. 

Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, it prepares students for credentialing exams like ARRT Sonography (S) or RDMS. With expert faculty support, students progress through two phases: pre-advanced medical imaging and a modality year, including securing a clinical site and completing specialized courses. The program emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and preparation for careers such as ultrasound technologist, sonographer, and imaging manager.

• Location: Boise, ID
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Keiser University

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Keiser University offers an associate of science degree designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the ultrasound field through a comprehensive blend of didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences. This program emphasizes the development of essential skills and knowledge required for a graduate sonographer, promoting lifelong learning and professional growth. Students will be trained to perform routine sonographic exams, provide high-quality patient care, and uphold professional and ethical standards. The program offers concentrations in abdominal-extended sonography, obstetrics and gynecology sonography, and vascular sonography. Students must complete prerequisite courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to progress. 

• Location: Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, and Melbourne, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 

It takes anywhere from two to four years after high school to complete the necessary education to enter this field. This timeline varies based on the level of education achieved and if certification is pursued or not.

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)

Completing high school or obtaining a GED is the first step towards becoming a sonographer. Not only does it show dedication to completing a course of study, but it also demonstrates a minimum level of education.

Students who wish to pursue this career should focus on classes such as biology, physics, math, anatomy, and psychology. Shadowing in a sonography lab can also provide valuable insight into this career and give students an advantage when applying to a sonography program.

Step 2: Complete a Sonography Program (Two to Four Years)

A sonography program can be completed in two years if pursuing an associate degree or four years if pursuing a bachelor’s. Professionals who already have an associate degree in an allied health field can complete a certificate program that can take as little as a year. As part of these studies, students will not only learn the theory and methodology or sonography in a classroom but will also participate in clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience. Students who complete an accredited or approved course will be eligible to sit for a certification exam.

Step 3: Obtain Certification or Licensure (Optional, Timeline Varies)

While certification is not required, it has become an industry standard and may be necessary to seek employment or advance in this field. The primary certifying bodies are the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART), and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Currently, only four states require licensure for medical sonographers. Aspiring professionals in this field should check with their local state licensing boards to ensure they meet all the requirements.

Sonographers work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, physicians’ offices, imaging services, universities, and even veterinary clinics. Job duties can vary based on specialization and place of employment, but typical day to day responsibilities of sonographers include:

• Preparing patients for diagnostic sonogram tests
• Explaining procedures to patients
• Taking patients’ medical history
• Preparing and maintaining sonogram equipment
• Operating equipment to obtain diagnostic images
• Reviewing images gathered to ensure they are clear
• Summarizing findings to help physicians make a diagnosis
• Maintaining client files and recording findings of the images collected

Certification for sonographers is not required, although it is highly recommended. It informs employers that they have met a minimum standard of education and knowledge measured through examination. The three primary certification bodies are the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART), and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

The ARDMS offers five categories of certification with a total of 15 specializations. Earning an ARDMS certification is an excellent way to demonstrate proficiency in a specific area such as fetal echocardiography, vascular technology, or musculoskeletal sonography. A combination of education and work experience is required to qualify to sit for these exams.

The AART requires applicants to have completed at least an associate’s degree in sonography to be eligible for certification. Candidates for this certification will also need to pass an exam in either sonography or vascular sonography.

Professionals working in cardiac sonography can earn a certification from the CCI. A combination of work experience and education is required to earn certification in cardiac, congenital cardiac, vascular, or phlebology sonography.

State licensing is currently only required in New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon. Requirements vary by state but typically include testing, education, a background check, and paying a licensing fee. Candidates should check with this state’s board to ensure they meet all the licensing requirements.

Sonographers earn an average of $89,020 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023)—the latest data available as of August 2024. Pay varies based on place of employment, level of education, years of work experience, and specializations. The percentiles are: 

• 10th percentile: $63,680
• 25th percentile: $75,640
• 50th percentile (median): $84,470
• 75th percentile: $100,580
• 90th percentile: $116,300

Sonography programs prepare graduates for an array of unique career opportunities. Here are three alternative careers for sonographers.

Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, specialize in performing diagnostic imaging examinations using X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Their primary responsibilities include preparing patients for procedures, operating imaging equipment, and ensuring high-quality images for accurate diagnosis. Radiologic technologists work closely with radiologists and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories.

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Cardiovascular Technologist

Cardiovascular technologists assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions. They perform non-invasive procedures such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, and Holter monitoring, as well as invasive procedures like cardiac catheterizations and angioplasties. Working in hospitals, cardiac care units, and specialty clinics, cardiovascular technologists play a crucial role in identifying cardiovascular issues and aiding in patient care.

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs to patients and use specialized imaging equipment to observe the behavior of these substances in the body. This helps diagnose and treat various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. They must follow strict safety protocols to protect themselves and their patients from radiation exposure. Employment settings include hospitals, imaging centers, and research facilities.

• Typical Education: Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

At HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has written about integrating contemplative movement practices such as yoga into healthcare professions since 2019, promoting the idea that mental and physical well-being are critical components of effective patient care and self-care in the high-stress world of healthcare.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.