Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools

Ultrasonography is a diagnostic medical sonography procedure that uses high frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. This type of procedure is often referred to as a sonogram or ultrasound scan.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body such as the abdomen, female reproductive system, breasts, heart, prostate, and blood vessels. Sonography is being used more and more in the detection and treatment of heart attack, heart disease, and vascular diseases that can lead to stroke. It is also used to guide fine needle, tissue biopsy to assist in taking a sample of cells from an organ for lab testing (for example, a test for cancer in breast tissue). Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

If you are considering a career in diagnostic medical sonography, or if you have already made that decision, you are faced with the important choice of selecting an educational program that meets your needs. You will be investing considerable time and money in pursuing your goal so it's important to take the time to find out all you can about the program.

Tuition and fees for ultrasound programs vary greatly, depending on the length of the program, type of degree or certificate pursued, and the type of school (such as public university, trade school, community college, or hospital training program). For example, a one-year diagnostic medical sonography certificate program at a state university could cost between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you're a resident of the state. A 16-20 month training program at a private school may run up to $32,000 or more.

But don't let the high costs keep you from pursuing your dream of becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. Many schools offer financial aid or will assist you in obtaining federal loans. And think of the rewards after graduation: A job in a medical field that continues to see great demand for qualified workers and should continue to grow as researchers find more uses for ultrasound. In fact, there's a current nationwide shortage of professional sonographers, so hospitals often offer hiring incentives and competitive wages to attract and retain qualified ultrasonographers.

The average starting salary for a trained sonographer ranges between $32,000 and $49,000, depending on location and particular responsibilities of the job. Experienced sonographers can earn more than $72,000 annually. A great salary, solid benefits, job stability, and the rewards of a challenging and important job make the time and money you put into sonography training a sound investment.

The schools listed to the right offer a variety of courses and programs. Choose a location and find the right diagnostic medical sonography school for you.

Sources:
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Medical College of Georgia
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Featured Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools:

Alabama
Virginia College* (Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile ) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Arizona
The Bryman School* (Phoenix, Tempe ) - Practical Technologist in Radiology

California
Everest College* (Alhambra - El Monte, Anaheim, City of Industry - Whittier, Gardena, Hayward, Los Angeles - Wilshire, Ontario, Reseda, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose North, Torrance, Los Angeles West) - X-Ray Technician
Institute for Business and Technology (Santa Clara ) - EKG Technician/Phlebotomy
Maric College* (Anaheim, Bakersfield, Carson, San Diego - East County, Fresno, Irwindale, Los Angeles, Modesto, Vista - North County, North Hollywood, Palm Springs, Pomona, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Fernando Valley, Stockton) - X-Ray Tech, Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound, Radiologic Technology
National Career Education (Citrus Heights ) - EKG Tech/Phlebotomist
Colorado
Cambridge College (Aurora) - X-ray Technician (Ltd. Scope)

Florida
ATI College of Health (Miami) - Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician
Central Florida Institute* (Orlando, Tampa Bay) - Medical Assistant/Basic X-ray, Noninvasive Cardio Technician, Advanced Cardiovascular Technologist - ECHO
High-Tech Institute (Orlando) - X-ray Technician
Keiser University* (Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Kendall, Lakeland, Melbourne, Orlando, Pembroke Pines, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiologic Technology, Radiology, Ultrasound Technologist
National School of Technology* (Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Kendall, Miami ) - Cardiovascular Technologist
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) * (Tampa, Ft Lauderdale, Jacksonville ) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Georgia
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) (Atlanta) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Technology

Kentucky
Draughons Junior College (Bowling Green) - Cardiographic Technician
Spencerian College (Lexington) - Limited Medical Radiography

Maryland
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) (Landover) - Cardiovascular Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Minnesota
High-Tech Institute (Minneapolis) - X-ray Technician (Ltd. Scope)

Missouri
Colorado Technical University (North Kansas City) - Radiologic Technology
Sanford-Brown College (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School)* (Fenton, St. Charles, Hazelwood) - Radiography

New Jersey
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) (Iselin) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

New York
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School)* (Garden City, New York, White Plains) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Non-Invasive Cardiovascular & Surgical Technology

Ohio
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) (Cleveland) - Cardiovascular Tech, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Pennsylvania
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School) (Philadelphia) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Non-Invasive Cardiovascular & Surgical Technology

Texas
Academy of Healthcare Professions* (Austin, Houston North Loop, Houston Southwest) - Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist, Phlebotomy Technician, Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound, Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist,
Career Centers of Texas* (Brownsville, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Fort Worth) - Radiologic Technologist
Sanford-Brown Institute (Formerly Ultrasound Diagnostic School)* (Dallas, Houston) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
Virginia College (Austin) - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Canada
Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care * - Echocardiography Technologist, Electrocardiography

• Ontario: Barrie, Brampton, Hamilton City Centre, Hamilton Mountain, London, Mississauga South, Nepean, Newmarket, North York, Ottawa East, Scarborough, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto Central, Toronto College Park, Windsor
• Quebec: Laval, Montreal, Quebec City
• Nova Scotia: Halifax
• Alberta: Calgary City Centre, Calgary North, Edmonton City Centre
• British Columbia: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Surrey, Vancouver
• Manitoba: Winnipeg

 * Program Availability Varies By Location and Often Changes. To get the most up-to-date information, use the links we provide to request additional information from a local campus representative.

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