How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in New Jersey 2025

Ultrasound technicians are invaluable parts of the medical field. They're responsible for performing imaging exams on patients, analyzing imaging results, and working closely with doctors to diagnose various conditions.

To become a medical sonographer in New Jersey, you'll have to fulfill specific education and certification requirements. Read on to learn more about ultrasound tech requirements.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, an ultrasound technician uses special equipment to take images of the inside of patients' bodies. They work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to review these images and diagnose conditions.

An ultrasound tech is responsible for preparing examination rooms, reviewing patient medical records, preparing patients for procedures, operating imaging equipment, and reviewing examination results.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in New Jersey

Becoming an ultrasound technician in New Jersey requires a bit of hard work and dedication. Below is a list of the steps required to start a career in diagnostic medical sonography.

Step 1: Enroll in an Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

The first step to becoming an ultrasound tech in New Jersey is to find an accredited program. Typically, this means hopeful ultrasound technicians need to earn their associate degree. However, there are certification programs that provide the necessary education and credentials for future employment. While some sonographers choose to earn their bachelor's degrees, this is not typically required.

While working toward your degree or certification, expect to take courses in anatomy, physiology, scanning techniques, and ultrasound physics.

Step 2: Choose a Specialization

Medical sonographers typically choose a specialty depending on their career goals. Specialties include:

• General sonography: General sonographers image organs in the abdomen and cavity, such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
• Vascular technology: Vascular sonographers image blood vessels to identify conditions like blockages and clots.
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonography: OB/GYN sonographers primarily image the female reproductive system, which includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. They also monitor fetal growth.
• Cardiac sonography: Also known as echocardiography, cardiac sonographers image the heart to assess its chambers, valves, and blood flow.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Work

In addition to education requirements, you will likely have to gain clinical experience. Sonography students are typically required to complete 800 to 1,600 hours of clinical training, during which they'll work under the supervision of a professional sonographer. They'll gain experience in performing diagnostic imaging examinations, patient care, and managing the department.

Step 4: Receive ARDMS Certification

After completing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or certification program, students can earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). You will have to pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and a specialty certification exam.

While a license is not a state requirement in New Jersey, many employers require ARDMS certification. Additionally, you will have to maintain your certification through continued medical education (CME).

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in New Jersey

If you're looking for a career as an ultrasound technician, know that there are many paths for you to pursue, from being an ultrasound tech for pregnancy to working as a pediatric echocardiographer. Some types of careers in sonography include:

• General ultrasound technician: A general ultrasound tech performs medical imaging exams on various parts of the body, primarily the abdomen area.
• Vascular sonographer: Vascular sonographers image blood arteries and veins to diagnose conditions like aneurysms.
• Pediatric echocardiographer: Pediatric echocardiographers provide imaging services specifically to children.
• Breast sonographer: A breast sonographer performs imaging exams on breast tissue to identify conditions such as cancer.
• Maternal-fetal medicine sonographer: Maternal-fetal medicine sonographers work as ultrasound techs for babies and expecting mothers.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in New Jersey

If you're considering a career as a sonographer in New Jersey, you may have questions about ultrasound tech requirements and what to expect. Below, we answer some FAQs about becoming a sonographer in the Garden State.

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

Schooling to become an ultrasound tech takes anywhere from 12 months to two years, depending on whether you pursue a full-time associate degree or a certificate. This time frame includes the coursework and clinical hours required for certification. Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

However, it's important to note you'll need a high school diploma or your GED before you apply for a certification or degree program, even if it's for a certificate. If you haven't graduated from high school, this will increase the time it takes to become a sonographer.

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

After graduating from high school, it takes anywhere from 12 months to two years to become a sonographer. This will depend on whether you want to earn an AAS degree or a certificate.

While New Jersey does not require licensure, many employers require ARDMS certification, which will increase the time it takes to become an ultrasound tech.

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

It costs anywhere between $17,000 and $64,000 to become an ultrasound tech in New Jersey. Certificate programs are generally cheaper, while college degrees will trend toward the higher end of the spectrum. There are financial aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), such as scholarships, grants, and private loans.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in New Jersey?

The average sonography tech salary in New Jersey is $101,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For entry-level sonographers, the average annual salary is $78,000. What's more, the industry is expected to grow by 11% in the next decade, which means there are numerous career opportunities for sonographers.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

To become an ultrasound technician, you'll have to graduate from an associate degree or certification program and then earn your ARDMS certificate. While this may take one to two years, you'll be embarking on a meaningful career with many opportunities. To learn more about ultrasound technician programs, visit Learn.org.