How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Colorado 2025

Diagnostic medical sonography can be a potentially lucrative career path for allied health professionals in Colorado. Perhaps you'd like to become a diagnostic medical sonographer (DMS), also known as an ultrasound technician, and you're wondering what steps you need to take.

Keep reading as we explore how to become an ultrasound tech. We'll look at various ultrasound tech requirements and career paths and answer a few questions you may be asking.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician or sonographer is a healthcare professional tasked with using medical imaging equipment to help diagnose medical conditions. Ultrasound techs use sonography machines to create images of internal organs and other parts of the human body. Common job duties include:

• preparing patients for sonography procedures
• operating ultrasound technology and equipment
• cleaning and maintaining equipment
• updating patient records
• collaborating with doctors and other professionals to diagnose various conditions

Ultrasound techs commonly work in hospitals, imaging centers, and physician's offices, but they can find employment in many different types of healthcare facilities. They must have solid technical abilities when operating equipment, as well as strong critical thinking and communication skills.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Colorado

You must follow a few steps to become an ultrasound tech in Colorado. Read on to learn more about each essential step in the process.

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Training Program

Colleges and hospitals offer different types of schooling to become an ultrasound tech. Certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees are all available in the field and must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Most students obtain associate degrees in radiologic technology or diagnostic medical sonography. Bachelor's degrees in these fields can lead to advanced career opportunities. Certificate programs can help students who already have a degree (usually in another allied health profession) transition to a career in sonography quickly.

Step 2: Choose a Specialization

While going through your training program, you will likely explore various sonography specializations. Common specializations include vascular, obstetric, and musculoskeletal sonography.

Consider choosing your desired specialization early by taking elective coursework in that area or completing a concentration as part of your degree program. You will need to choose a specialization when pursuing certification, so choosing it early can help give your career focus and direction.

Step 3: Get Certified

You don't need to pursue national certification or state licensure to work as an ultrasound technician in Colorado. However, most employers require you to have credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

You must pass two certification exams to gain the registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) credential: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam and a focused exam in your chosen specialization. Once you have passed both tests, you can begin applying for jobs as a registered diagnostic medical sonographer.

Step 4: Gain Experience

Entry-level ultrasound techs most commonly work at hospitals, which are the largest employers of these healthcare professionals. Consider exploring opportunities at organizations like HCA Healthcare, Denver Health, and SCL Health.

You can apply to healthcare facilities directly or look for open positions on the ARDMS job board. While you will gain clinical experience and hands-on training through your education program, the best way to improve your skills and advance your career is simply to start working as an ultrasound tech.

Step 5: Maintain Certification

Maintaining ARDMS certification is essential for continuing and advancing your career. Those who let their certification lapse may have a more difficult time finding or keeping ultrasound technician jobs.

To maintain certification, you must complete ARDMS-approved continuing education every three years. You will also need to certify that you are in compliance with ARDMS policies and protocols and pay an annual renewal fee of $95.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Colorado

There are many different types of ultrasound techs who work in numerous specializations. Some of the most common career paths include:

• Abdominal sonographer: Abdominal sonographers specialize in taking ultrasounds of various abdominal systems and organs. They often undergo advanced training in the various components of the abdominal cavity.
• Diagnostic cardiovascular sonographer: Diagnostic cardiovascular sonographers specialize in taking images of the heart and blood vessels. They may also be known as echocardiographers.
• Breast sonographer: Breast sonographers use ultrasound technology to look for abnormalities in breast tissue and lymph nodes. They commonly work in oncology centers and hospitals.
• OB/GYN sonographer: These ultrasound techs for pregnancy specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. They may also be known as ultrasound techs for babies because they take images of unborn fetuses to track growth and look for abnormalities.
• Pediatric sonographer: Pediatric sonographers specialize in working with children. They may take images of various body systems and structures and commonly work in children's hospitals.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Colorado

If you still have questions about starting a diagnostic medical sonography program and meeting ultrasound tech requirements, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Colorado?

The length of time it takes to become an ultrasound tech depends on the type of CAAHEP-accredited program you pursue. Certificate programs are the shortest in length, typically ranging from 10 to 18 months, though they often require previous health sciences experience and degrees.

Associate degree programs are most common and typically take about two years to complete. Bachelor's degrees require more general education and may provide more in-depth training; they usually take about four years to complete.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Ultrasound Tech After High School?

Recent high school graduates typically enroll in ultrasound programs leading to associate or bachelor's degrees. It will take them roughly two to four years to complete these programs if they study full-time. Part-time learners will take longer to graduate.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Colorado?

The type of DMS program you pursue will affect how much it costs. In Colorado, the average undergraduate tuition cost is $7,522 per year.

With this in mind, a certificate program would cost an average of $7,000 to $12,000, an associate degree of around $15,000, and a bachelor's degree of about $30,000. Check with any schools you are considering to find out specific tuition rates and other college costs.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Colorado?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ultrasound techs are paid quite well for their expertise. The median annual sonography tech salary is $101,840. The lowest 10% of earners make $81,120 or less per year, while the highest 10% earn more than $120,850.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to start your ultrasound tech journey, consider the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their sonography programs and find the best one for you.