How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Tennessee 2025

If you're planning to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer (DMS), also known as an ultrasound technician, you may be curious about what it takes to get started in the field. In particular, you'd like to know more about the ultrasound tech requirements in your home state of Tennessee.

Keep reading as we explore how to become an ultrasound tech, providing a step-by-step process you can follow to make your career goals a reality. We'll also discuss some sonography specializations to consider and answer a few commonly asked questions.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians are healthcare professionals who take medical images known as ultrasounds or sonograms to help doctors diagnose medical conditions. They are also known as sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers, and ultrasound technologists. Their job duties include:

• positioning patients for optimal image capture
• explaining procedures to patients
• operating ultrasound equipment
• cleaning and performing basic maintenance on equipment
• updating patient records

Entry-level sonographers often work in hospitals, but they can also find employment in other types of healthcare facilities. They must be skilled at patient care, critical thinking, and communication while also having strong technical competencies.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Tennessee

You must meet a few ultrasound tech requirements to pursue this career path in Tennessee. Read on for a step-by-step process you can follow.

Step 1: Enroll in a Training Program

Students have a couple of different options for schooling to become an ultrasound tech in Tennessee. Those with previous healthcare experience can pursue enrollment in short-term certificate programs. Most students just starting out will need to complete an associate degree. Some schools also offer bachelor's degree programs.

It's best to choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This ensures you will not have to meet any additional education requirements after graduating from your program.

Step 2: Complete Clinical Requirements

All diagnostic medical sonography programs consist of classroom coursework and hands-on clinical experience. However, if your program isn't CAAHEP-accredited, you must pursue additional clinical rotations.

Specifically, an extra 12 months of full-time training is required to meet national certification standards. You can complete this training through internship programs at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Step 3: Get Certified

There are no state licensure requirements for ultrasound techs in Tennessee. However, most employers in the state prefer candidates who have obtained professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

You'll need to pass two certification exams as part of the process: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam and a Specialty exam in your chosen specialization. Upon successful completion of these tests, you'll receive credentials as a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS).

Step 4: Look for Jobs

Entry-level ultrasound techs often find jobs in hospitals, physician's offices, and diagnostic imaging centers. Top employers in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Erlanger Health System, and HCA Healthcare.

You can find open positions through online job boards like the one available on the ARDMS website. You may also learn about opportunities by attending hiring events and applying to individual employers directly.

Step 5: Maintain Certification

You'll need to make sure your certification stays up to date to maintain your RDMS credentials. This takes time and effort but demonstrates your commitment to your career and maintaining high standards of practice.

To keep your certification current, you'll submit a $95 renewal fee to ARDMS each year. You must also demonstrate compliance with ARDMS protocols and standards and complete ARDMS-approved continuing education every three years.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Tennessee

You can pursue various specializations as an ultrasound tech. Some of the many job titles available in this field include:

• Abdominal sonographer: These professionals specialize in taking sonograms of the abdominal cavity. Those who specialize in abdominal sonography often require additional training in the many systems and organs of the abdomen.
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonographer: These ultrasound techs for pregnancy specialize in taking images of unborn fetuses to check for proper development. OB/GYN sonographers might also be known as ultrasound techs for babies.
• Vascular sonographer: These professionals may also be known as diagnostic cardiovascular sonographers. They specialize in producing images of the heart and blood vessels.
• Pediatric sonographer: Pediatric sonographers specialize in taking ultrasounds of children. They may work with children of all ages and perform imaging exams on various parts of the body.
• Neurosonology sonographer: Neurosolonogy sonographers are also called neurosonologists. They are trained in specialized ultrasound equipment to take images of the brain and, sometimes, other parts of the nervous system.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Tennessee

If you still have questions about what it takes to become an ultrasound tech in Tennessee, keep reading. Below, we'll explore answers to some common questions you may be asking.

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

The length of time it takes to complete your DMS program will depend on various factors. Certificate programs are short, enabling students to graduate within 12 to 18 months.

Associate degree programs can typically be completed within two years, while bachelor's degrees usually take about four years. If you study part-time, all of these programs will take longer to finish.

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

Recent high school graduates typically enroll in associate degrees or bachelor's degrees because they don't have the necessary healthcare experience to enroll in certificate programs. As noted, degree programs take about two to four years for full-time students to complete.

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

Program costs vary depending on the type of program and the school that offers it. Generally speaking, certificates commonly range from $5,000 to $25,000; associate degrees from $6,000 to $40,000; and bachelor's degrees from $30,000 to $48,000.

The average costs in Tennessee range from about $4,000 to $20,000 a year.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Tennessee?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median sonography tech salary in Tennessee is $66,300. The lowest 10% of earners make $49,200 a year or less, while the highest 10% make $84,640 or more annually.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to start your DMS program in Tennessee, consider the colleges featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to find out more about their ultrasound tech programs and choose the right one for you.