How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Washington 2025

Ultrasound technicians, or diagnostic medical sonographers, are in high demand throughout the U.S. If you live in Washington and are planning to become an ultrasound tech, you may be wondering what to expect. In particular, you'd like to know what ultrasound tech requirements you can expect as you pursue this career path.

Keep reading as we explore how to become an ultrasound tech, including education and certification requirements. We'll also look at some top sonography specializations and answer a few questions you may be wondering about.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians are also called diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS), sonographers, and ultrasound technologists. These healthcare professionals use diagnostic ultrasound technology to create images of structures inside the human body. This helps doctors diagnose medical conditions. Common ultrasound tech job duties include:

• preparing patients for medical imaging procedures
• operating ultrasound equipment
• cleaning and performing basic maintenance on equipment
• discussing patient care and diagnoses with other providers
• updating patient records

Ultrasound techs commonly work in physician's offices, hospitals, and diagnostic imaging centers. They must have strong technical abilities, as well as soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and empathy.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Washington

There are a few ultrasound tech requirements you'll need to meet to pursue this career path in Washington state. Let's take a closer look at a step-by-step process you can follow.

Step 1: Complete a Training Program

The schooling to become an ultrasound tech typically consists of earning an associate or bachelor's degree. Several schools in Washington offer accredited diagnostic medical sonography programs, including Bellevue College and Seattle University.

It's important to choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This provides the most streamlined career path and makes you a more desirable job candidate once you have completed the program.

Step 2: Complete Clinical Training

All CAAHEP-accredited programs consist of coursework and clinical experiences to give students a well-rounded education. If your program is not accredited by the CAAHEP, you must complete an additional year of full-time clinical training to meet national certification requirements.

Clinical training is an integral part of becoming an ultrasound tech because it allows you to gain hands-on work experience. Clinical hours allow you to practice the skills you learn in the classroom, building on those skills in real-world settings.

Step 3: Earn Certification

Once you have completed all educational requirements, you are ready to earn certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Though Washington doesn't require ultrasound techs to be licensed or certified, most employers in the state prefer or require candidates to hold this certification.

Candidates must take two certification exams with the ARDMS: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam and a Specialty exam in one of five concentrations. Upon passing both exams, candidates will receive the registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) credential and can begin looking for jobs.

Step 4: Gain Experience

Entry-level ultrasound techs can find employment in numerous healthcare facilities, though most work in hospitals. Top employers in Washington include the University of Washington Medical Center and the MultiCare Health System.

When looking for a job, you can apply to specific facilities directly or search for open positions online. The ARDMS job board is a great resource that can help you land that first job so you can start gaining experience.

Step 5: Maintain Certification

Maintaining your RDMS credential requires continuous effort but is well worth it. Most employers expect ultrasound techs to have and maintain this credential, and doing the work to keep it up to date shows employers that you are committed to your career.

To maintain your certification, you'll need to pay an annual renewal fee of $95 and ensure compliance with all ARDMS policies and standards. You will also need to complete ARDMS-approved continuing education every three years.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Washington

Ultrasound technicians can work in various specialized areas. Common sonography career paths include:

• vascular sonographer: These professionals specialize in taking ultrasound images of the heart and blood vessels. They may also be known as diagnostic cardiovascular sonographers or echocardiographers.
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonographer: OB/GYN sonographers are common ultrasound techs for pregnancy. They take images to track the growth of unborn fetuses and to check for abnormalities, making them important ultrasound techs for babies as well.
• Pediatric sonographer: Pediatric sonographers specialize in taking ultrasounds for children. They are skilled at interacting with young children and understanding their unique health and medical needs.
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: These professionals focus on taking ultrasound images of bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues like ligaments and tendons. They help doctors spot diseases and injuries in the musculoskeletal system.
• Neurosonology sonographer: Neurosonology sonographers use specialized ultrasound equipment to take images of the brain and, less commonly, other parts of the nervous system. They typically receive advanced training in their field.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Washington

If you still have questions about enrolling in an ultrasound program and becoming a DMS, you're not alone. Keep reading as we explore some commonly asked questions.

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

Most students in the state enroll in associate degree or bachelor's degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography, radiologic technology, or a related field. Associate degree programs typically take two years to complete.

Bachelor's degrees provide more general education courses and may also offer advanced training; they can be completed in four years of full-time study. Students who have completed prerequisites or have other healthcare experience may be able to enroll in certificate programs that take 10 to 18 months to complete; however, these programs are rare in Washington.

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

If you enroll in an ultrasound tech program right out of high school, it will take you about the same amount of time to complete your degree program as it would take any other student. Depending on whether you enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree program, it will likely take you about two to four years to graduate.

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

The cost of your program can vary widely depending on the type of program you choose and whether you study at a private or public school. Certificate programs generally range from $5,000 to $25,000.

On the other hand, associate degrees can cost $6,000 to $40,000, while bachelor's degrees can range from $30,000 to $48,000, however this depends on the school. In Washington, ultrasound tech programs typically cost around $4,000 to $45,000 per year.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Washington?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median sonography tech salary in Washington is $91,630 per year. The lowest 10% of earners make $68,120 per year or less, while the highest 10% make $116,880 per year or more.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to start your career as an ultrasound technician, explore the colleges featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their sonography programs and to find the right one for you.