Ultrasound Technician Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
There are numerous factors aspiring sonographers must consider before choosing the right ultrasound technician school. Three main components to scrutinize include the length of the program, the structure of the curriculum, and of course, the costs of attendance.
The total length of ultrasound technician programs range from as little as one year to as many as four – attaining a master’s degree can extend the academic timeframe even longer. Although only entry-level and assistant positions are available to those with a certificate, earning a certification is still the quickest way to dive into the field of sonography. Individuals with traditional four-year bachelor’s degrees generally enjoy a broader range of job prospects upon graduation. Employers often view the level of educational attainment as an objective measure of value, giving preference to graduates with more advanced degrees.
Even though the coursework offered by most ultrasound technician schools is more or less the same, the manner in which the curriculum is presented can differ greatly. Some schools heavily emphasize the operation and maintenance of ultrasound equipment, stressing the need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. Other schools focus on the interaction aspect of the job, imparting crucial communication skills needed to effectively collaborate with doctors and patients alike. Ultimately, every ultrasound program should provide you the skills necessary to begin work as a technician.
For many, the costs and benefits of any particular school are the most important factors in determining the right school. Costs include not only tuition, but also the availability of financial aid, living expenses, and possible traveling expenses. Generally, in-state schools are less costly than out-of-state ones, and state or public schools cost significantly less than private schools.
The “right†school is the school that provides you the most accessible route to your goals. If you want to start earning money as fast as possible, a certification from a local program can grant you access to some ultrasound technician positions. If you possess great knowledge of instruments and equipment but lack interpersonal skills, attend a school that can hone your ability to communicate, promoting your overall candidacy.
The list below provides some information on the largest ultrasound technician schools and colleges in the U.S. by student enrollment:
| College/University | Student Population | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Dade College | 57,222 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public |
| College of Southern Nevada | 40,310 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public |
| University of Iowa | 29,152 | 4-year, Public |
| Nova Southeastern University | 28,378 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Florida Community College at Jacksonville | 25,903 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public |
| George Washington University | 25,116 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Weber State University | 21,388 | 4-year, Public |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 15,055 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Ferris State University | 13,532 | 4-year, Public |
| Bellevue College | 13,035 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public |
| Fort Hays State University | 10,107 | 4-year, Public |
| Barry University | 8,581 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Seattle University | 7,560 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Washburn University | 6,545 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey | 5,906 | 4-year, Public |
| Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City | 5,871 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public |
| Midland College | 5,795 | 4-year, primarily associate’s, Public |
| Lewis University | 5,536 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| College of St. Catherine | 5,201 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Loma Linda University | 4,040 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
Additional International Schools and References:
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Songraphers (ARDMS)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by Australian Sonographers Association (ASA)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (CSDMS)
- Cyber3D Ultrasound Society
- European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB)
- Ultrasound Technician Schools and Training – provided by International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG)