10 Best Schools for Ultrasound Technicians in 2026

Diagnostic medical sonographers play a critical role in modern health care, using imaging technology to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. As demand for these professionals continues to grow, students are seeking high-quality education options that prepare them for certification and clinical practice.

Choosing the right program matters. Accreditation ensures you’ll be eligible for certification exams, while clinical rotations give you the experience employers want. With options ranging from associate degrees to bachelor’s programs, you’ll find schools that fit different budgets, schedules, and career goals. 

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians, formally known as diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS), use specialized imaging equipment to capture images of patients’ internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. Physicians rely on these images to diagnose and monitor health conditions, making ultrasound techs an essential part of the medical team. Specialties within the field include: 

• obstetric and gynecologic sonography
• cardiovascular and abdominal sonography
• musculoskeletal or pediatric imaging

Beyond operating equipment, ultrasound technicians are responsible for preparing patients, analyzing images for quality, and maintaining detailed records. It’s a career that blends technical skills with direct patient interaction.

Top Ultrasound Technician Schools

Below are the top-ranked schools with ultrasound technician programs. These ultrasound technician schools are accredited, affordable, and designed to prepare you for certification and real-world practice.

1. Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, TX, offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in diagnostic medical sonography that takes about 22 months to finish. The program accepts just 12 students each fall, giving you close interaction with instructors and a tight-knit learning environment. 

You’ll complete 65 credit hours that include classroom lessons with extensive clinical rotations, where daytime shifts run seven to eight hours. Training includes abdominal sonography, obstetrics and gynecology, and vascular imaging. Graduates are prepared to sit for credentialing exams in multiple specialties, making them workforce-ready for roles in hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $69 per credit hour (in-county); $131 (out-of-county); $310 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

2. Foothill College

Located in Los Altos Hills, CA, Foothill College runs an 18-month diagnostic medical sonography certificate program with a structured, full-time schedule. Students progress as a cohort through lectures, lab practice, and clinical rotations, building strong teamwork skills along the way. 

Clinical preceptorships average 32 hours per week, so you gain practical experience in real health care settings. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible for American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams in abdomen and OB/GYN. Foothill also gives you the option to add general education courses and petition for an Associate of Science (AS) in DMS, expanding your career opportunities after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $31 per credit hour (resident); $249 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

3. Wake Technical Community College

If you’re looking for a program with plenty of hands-on practice, Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC, offers a strong option. Their 21-month AAS in medical sonography mixes classroom learning with rotations at partner hospitals and clinics, including some evening and weekend shifts. 

You’ll study anatomy, physics, pathology, and specialized areas like vascular and OB/GYN imaging. With competitive admission and two entry points each year, this program sets you up for certification and a direct path into the field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour (in-state); $268 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

4. Houston Community College

In Houston, TX, you’ll find another strong choice at Houston Community College. Here, you can pursue either an AAS or an advanced technical certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. The AAS spans four semesters of full-time study, while the certificate is a faster track for students who already have an allied health degree. 

Only about 26 students are admitted per cycle, so the program is selective, but that also means smaller class sizes and closer mentorship. The program’s concentrations are in abdominal-extended and OB/GYN imaging.

• Estimated tuition cost: $84.70 per credit hour (in-district); $180.70 (out-of-district); $227.20 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

5. Valencia College

At Valencia College in Orlando, FL, the diagnostic medical sonography program runs more like a full-time job than a typical college schedule. Over six semesters, you’ll balance lectures, labs, and clinical placements that often require long hours in medical settings. 

The program is competitive, but once admitted, you’ll gain training in abdominal, soft tissue, and obstetric imaging, including fetal ultrasounds. Graduates qualify to sit for ARDMS exams and can also continue their education through Valencia’s health sciences transfer pathways if they’re interested in a bachelor’s degree later on.

• Estimated tuition cost: $103.06 per credit hour (in-state); $390.96 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

6. State Fair Community College

At State Fair Community College in Sedalia, MO, you can choose between two tracks in diagnostic medical sonography: general or cardiac. The general track covers abdominal, OB/GYN, small parts, and vascular imaging, while the cardiac track zeroes in on echocardiography and vascular studies. 

The program takes about 22 months and combines online coursework, on-campus labs, and clinical rotations. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to sit for certification exams and move directly into roles at hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $129 per credit hour (in-district); $196 (out-of-district); $264 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

7. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College, with campuses across Indiana, gives you the flexibility to pursue sonography in several concentrations. Depending on location, you can specialize in general (abdominal-extended and OB/GYN), adult cardiac, or vascular sonography. 

Courses include classroom learning, lab simulations, and supervised clinical training, so you’ll gain both technical and patient-care experience. Admission is selective, requiring prerequisites in subjects like anatomy and physics, but once enrolled you’ll be on track for ARDMS, Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams, depending on your focus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $172 per credit hour (in-state); $331 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

8. Jackson College

If you want plenty of real-world training, Jackson College in Jackson, MI, might be the right fit. Its general sonography program requires 1,350 supervised clinical hours, giving you extensive hands-on experience before graduation. 

You can also choose specialized tracks in cardiac or vascular sonography, where you’ll study cardiovascular physiology, Doppler imaging, and echocardiographic techniques. Admission is competitive and based on a point system, with different start dates for each track.

• Estimated tuition cost: $193 per credit hour (in-district); $225 (out-of-district); $288 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

9. Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden State Community College in Alabama offers a diagnostic medical sonography program that covers all the essentials in one degree. You’ll train in abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and small parts sonography, moving from classroom instruction to labs and then into clinical rotations with modern ultrasound equipment. 

Admission is selective and requires prerequisite courses, but once accepted you’ll get a well-rounded education. There’s also a short-term echocardiography certificate for those who want to add cardiac imaging to their skill set.

• Estimated tuition cost: $192 per credit hour (in-state); $323 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

10. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, you can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in diagnostic medical sonography. This four-semester, full-time program is cohort-based, with only about 20 students admitted each fall. 

The curriculum balances lectures, lab simulations, and extensive clinical rotations, giving you both academic knowledge and practical skills. Because it’s a bachelor’s program, you’ll be well positioned for advanced roles in hospitals, research, or even management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $273 per credit hour (in-state); $625 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CAAHEP

How We Rank Schools

We rank the best ultrasound technician schools using three main factors. These criteria help ensure you’re choosing a program that balances quality education, affordability, and career readiness.

• Accreditation: We only include programs accredited by the CAAHEP, because this recognition ensures eligibility for certification exams and verifies program quality.
• Affordability: Tuition costs are reviewed alongside the availability of financial aid, making sure you can find options that fit a wide range of budgets without sacrificing quality.
• Program quality: We look at clinical training opportunities, ARDMS exam preparation, and student outcomes to highlight schools that give you both strong academics and practical skills.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech

Becoming an ultrasound technician requires more than just an interest in health care; it’s a step-by-step process that combines classroom study, clinical training, and certification. Here’s how you can move from high school graduate to certified diagnostic medical sonographer.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Your first step is finishing high school or earning a GED. Focus on science and math courses such as biology, physics, anatomy, and algebra, since these subjects create the foundation for later coursework in sonography. 

Strong communication skills are also valuable, so classes in English or public speaking can help. If your high school offers health sciences electives, consider enrolling in them to get a head start. 

2. Enroll in an Accredited Ultrasound Technician Program

Next, you’ll need to apply to a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program. These programs come in three forms: certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Certificates are the fastest, often completed in 12 to 18 months, while associate programs usually take two years and bachelor’s programs four years. 

Accreditation is essential because it ensures eligibility for national certification exams after graduation. During this stage, you’ll study physics, anatomy, and imaging principles while also beginning hands-on practice in labs. Choosing the right program depends on your career goals, whether you want a quick entry into the field or broader opportunities with a bachelor’s degree.

3. Complete Clinical Training

Clinical experience is a core requirement of any sonography program. Under the supervision of experienced professionals, you’ll practice scanning patients, operating ultrasound machines, and evaluating image quality. 

Clinical rotations usually take place in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or imaging centers, with schedules that can feel similar to full-time jobs. These rotations will give you the chance to explore different specialties, such as obstetric or vascular imaging, before committing to a career path.

4. Pass a Certification Exam

After completing your degree or certificate program, you’ll be ready to pursue certification through the ARDMS. Most students begin with exams in abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology, though you can add specialties like vascular or cardiac sonography. 

Passing these exams demonstrates professional competence and is often required by employers. Your program will prepare you with review courses and practice tests, but independent study is also important. Certification not only helps you secure a job but can also increase your earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

5. Apply for Jobs and Continue Professional Development

With certification in hand, you can start applying for jobs in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, and imaging facilities. While entry-level positions are widely available, you can also pursue specialized roles or management tracks if you hold a bachelor’s degree. 

Beyond landing your first job, ongoing professional development is key. Many sonographers complete continuing education units (CEUs) to keep their certification active and stay updated on new technologies. Over time, you may choose to add certifications in additional specialties to expand your career options.

Salary and Job Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians

If you’re considering sonography as a career, the salary outlook is one of its biggest advantages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median annual salary of $89,340 per year. 

Pay varies depending on where you work. Hospitals tend to offer slightly higher wages than physicians’ offices, while outpatient care centers pay the most overall. Specialization also matters; for example, cardiac or vascular sonographers may earn more than general sonographers.

Education plays a role, too. With a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for supervisory or management positions that offer higher pay. Job growth is another strong point: the field is projected to grow by 13% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. 

What To Look for in Ultrasound Tech Programs

Not all ultrasound technician schools are the same, so it’s important to know what to look for when you’re comparing programs. Accreditation is at the top of the list, since only CAAHEP-accredited schools qualify you to sit for certification exams. You’ll also want to decide whether a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s program is the right fit based on your career goals and how quickly you want to enter the workforce.

Clinical experience is another must-have because employers expect new graduates to have practiced in real-world settings. Pay attention to tuition costs and financial aid options, as affordability can vary widely between programs. 

Flexibility also matters. Some ultrasound technician schools online offer hybrid formats. Finally, strong programs prepare you directly for ARDMS exams, giving you the ability to pass and start your career right away.

FAQs About Ultrasound Technician Schools

Before choosing a program, you probably have practical questions about how long training takes, what it costs, and what your career might look like. Below are some of the most common questions students ask.

How Long Does Ultrasound Technician School Take?

The time it takes depends on the type of program you choose. Certificate programs are the fastest, usually completed in about 12 months. Associate degrees take around two years, and bachelor’s programs require about four years of study.

What Are the Best Ultrasound Technician Schools Online?

Fully online programs aren’t possible because clinical training must be done in person. However, many schools with ultrasound technician programs now offer hybrid options. You might take general education and lecture-based courses online while completing labs and clinical rotations on campus or at approved health care facilities.

Do You Need a Degree To Become an Ultrasound Tech?

Yes, most employers require at least an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography or a closely related field. While certificate programs exist, they’re usually designed for people who already have a background in allied health. If you’re starting fresh, an associate degree is the standard entry point, while a bachelor’s degree can expand your career options.

What Is the Salary Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians?

The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is over $89,000. Factors such as work setting, specialization, and years of experience can raise or lower your pay. Outpatient care centers typically pay the highest, followed by hospitals and physicians’ offices. With steady demand for imaging services, the salary outlook remains strong.

Are CUNY Schools That Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs a Good Choice?

Yes, City University of New York (CUNY) schools are known for providing affordable, accredited programs that meet industry standards. Their ultrasound technician programs prepare you for ARDMS certification and give you valuable clinical training in New York’s diverse health care settings. If you’re looking for a lower-cost option in an urban area with strong job opportunities, CUNY can be a great choice.

Explore Ultrasound Technician Schools

If you’re ready to begin your journey, now is the time to compare accredited programs, tuition costs, and training formats. Learn.org makes it simple to explore ultrasound technician schools online and on campus, so you can choose the program that fits your career goals.