How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in California 2025

Ultrasound technology is used to peer into the body to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Ultrasound techs, also called diagnostic medical sonographers, are responsible for using this technology. This includes not only looking at the specific area but also taking images for the physician to examine.

Ultrasound tech requirements include completing a program for medical sonography, including required clinical training. Licensure is not needed in most states, although professional certifications are available. Keep reading to learn more about ultrasound tech requirements in California.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians and diagnostic medical sonographers use sonography equipment, such as ultrasound machines. Sonography uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images. In diagnostic medical sonography, these devices are used to take photos of the inside of the body, especially soft tissue like organs and muscles. People often think of ultrasounds in connection with pregnancy, but they can be used for a range of other reasons as well.

Diagnostic medical sonographers are responsible for operating the sonography equipment and taking the images requested by the physician. As a result, their job duties often include:

• prepping the exam room and ultrasound equipment
• explaining the procedure to patients and answering any questions
• operating the equipment to obtain the requested sonograms and any other necessary information, like measurements of a fetus or tumor
• reviewing images to find abnormalities
• sending the sonograms and any findings to the physician

Ultrasound techs need to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. They also need to know how to properly use the ultrasound equipment. Strong communication skills are also incredibly important.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in California

The ultrasound tech requirements in California are fairly basic- you need to complete an accredited program. We've broken this down in depth below.

Step 1: Choose a Specialization

There are several specializations available within diagnostic medical sonography, each with a focus on a different area of the body. Some common specializations within diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) include:

• Abdominal sonography: sonography of the internal organs and other features in the abdominal cavity
• Breast sonography: sonography of breast tissue
• Cardiac sonography: sonography of the heart, also called echocardiography
• Musculoskeletal sonography: sonography of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints
• Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) sonography: sonography of the female reproductive system; includes monitoring fetal development
• Vascular sonography: sonography of blood vessels

Most schools only offer programs for a few types of medical sonography. Deciding which type of sonography you want to pursue can help you find the right school.

Step 2: Complete an Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Once you've chosen your specialty, it's time to find and complete a DMS program. Look for options that are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); there are over three dozen accredited diagnostic medical sonography programs in California. Note that some programs may list their accreditation as being through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). The JRCDMS is part of CAAHEP.

The most common types of programs for DMS are associate degrees, which are two-year programs, but certificate programs and bachelor's degrees are common as well. Some may require you to have taken certain health sciences prerequisites, like a course on medical terminology.

Once in your program, you'll take courses on diagnostic imaging and ultrasound technology, with a particular focus on whatever your specialization is. Most programs also require hands-on experiences in clinical settings, sometimes in the form of clinical rotations.

Step 3: Consider Certification

Some types of medical imaging require the use of radiologic technology, and this requires special certification. However, sonography uses sound waves instead. As a result, only four states in the U.S. require sonography certification, but California is not one of them.

However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed professional certification. Certification is available through several organizations, including:

• the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• Cardiovascular Credentialing International
• the National Healthcareer Association

In most cases, earning these certifications requires completing an accredited program, including clinical experiences, and passing a certification exam. Some require a certain amount of experience in healthcare settings.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in California

Many people think of an ultrasound tech for pregnancy, but as we mentioned above, there are many specializations within diagnostic medical sonography. As a result, there are numerous roles within sonography, including:

• Abdominal sonographer: looks at the abdominal cavity, sometimes assists with biopsies to help the practitioner find the right area or organ
• Breast sonographers: takes images of the breast tissue, often used to find and monitor cysts and tumors
• Cardiac sonographer (echocardiographer): focuses on the heart, looking for abnormalities or problems within the various chambers, valves, and blood vessels
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: looks at muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They may assist with injections or surgical procedures to ensure the treatment is provided to the right area.
• OB/GYN sonographers: takes images of the female reproductive system, often to find cysts or tumors. An OB/GYN sonographer is also the ultrasound tech for babies during a patient's pregnancy.
• Vascular sonographer: focuses on blood vessels throughout the body, often looking at any issues with blood flow, such as blocked arteries or blood clots

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in California

With so many different fields of sonography and so many educational options, becoming an ultrasound tech can feel a little overwhelming. We've answered some frequently asked questions about ultrasound tech requirements in California below.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Ultrasound Tech in California?

The schooling to become an ultrasound tech plays a large role in how long it takes to become an ultrasound tech. Most associate degrees for DMS take between two and three years to complete. Certificates offer a faster pathway, while bachelor's degrees take about four years but can lead to better job opportunities and a chance to advance your career path.

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

Again, the length of time it takes to become an ultrasound tech after high school depends on what type of educational program you choose. It also depends on the courses you took in high school.

Although most associate degrees take two or so years, some require you to have already taken certain prerequisite courses. If you haven't taken these yet, it can add to the time it will take you to complete your program. Expect an additional one to two semesters for general education courses and prerequisites.

How Much Does It Cost To Become an Ultrasound Technician in California?

The cost to become an ultrasound technician in California depends on not just what type of program you take, but who the program provider is.

The least expensive options are those that are offered through public community colleges. For example, Foothill College charges $31 per unit, or $5,332 in total tuition for its associate degree in DMS. Cypress College charges $46 per credit, but requires fewer overall credits, for a total of $3,588 for its DMS associate degree.

You can also complete ultrasound tech programs through four-year institutions, though this is less common in California, and through medical centers. For example, Community Regional Medical Center offers certificates in DMS that range between $26,000 and $28,000 in total, while the Sacramento Ultrasound Institute offers a certificate that costs $57,230.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in California?

Sonography tech salary depends slightly on whether you're a cardiovascular tech or another type of ultrasound tech. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers information for both.

The mean hourly wage for cardiovascular techs in California is $41.59, or about $86,510 per year. For other ultrasound techs, the mean hourly wage is slightly higher, at $57.19, or about $118,470 per year.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

Start your journey toward a rewarding career in sonography by exploring the certificate and degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about enrollment and financial aid.