How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in 2025

Becoming an ultrasound technician is relatively simple. You'll need to complete an accredited program and, depending on your state, pursue your license.

Ultrasound techs play an important role in diagnosing medical conditions. These techs need to understand ultrasound technology, anatomy and physiology � and they should have strong patient care skills.

Ultrasound tech requirements are typically not too comprehensive. At a minimum, you need to complete a program in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS). Keep reading to learn more about how to become an ultrasound technician.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

To understand what an ultrasound technician is, it's important to understand what an ultrasound is. Ultrasound, also called diagnostic medical sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images (sonograms) of the inside of the body. They're most well-known for monitoring fetal health in pregnancy, but they can be used to diagnose a range of soft-tissue conditions, including muscle tears, sprains, tumors, and blood clots.

Ultrasound techs are also called diagnostic medical sonographers (DMSes), and their job is to use the ultrasound machine to take images of the area the physician requests. For example, to monitor fetal health, the technician will aim the ultrasound wand at the uterus and use the machine to take photos and measurements of the fetus. Their job duties include:

preparing the exam room and ultrasound equipment
explaining the procedure to patients and answering questions
operating the equipment to obtain the requested sonograms and measurements
reviewing images to find abnormalities
sending the images and any findings to the physician

It's important to note that ultrasound technicians are not diagnosticians. While they can often tell what's wrong by looking at the medical imaging, they are not allowed to make a diagnosis or tell the patient what the problem is; that's the physician's job. However, in the case of fetal ultrasounds, the tech is allowed to point out different parts of the body to patients, let the patient listen to the heartbeat, and tell the patient the sex.

Ultrasound techs should understand how to use the ultrasound technology, but they should also gain a solid knowledge of anatomy and physiology and strong communication skills. They may, at times, be required to hide their emotions or provide extra compassion toward patients.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in 5 Steps

Ultrasound tech requirements usually include completing a DMS program and sometimes obtaining licensure or certification. Below, we've broken down the core steps to becoming an ultrasound tech.

Step 1: Complete High School

If you have not completed high school yet, this should be your first priority, as you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED, to enter a DMS program. To prepare yourself to study diagnostic medical sonography, take courses in anatomy, physics, and math.

Even if you're still in high school, it doesn't hurt to start looking ahead and researching your options for specializations and schools.

Step 2: Choose a Specialization

Several specializations are available within diagnostic medical sonography, including vascular and abdominal sonography. We'll break down the different types a little bit later in this article.

Not every school offers every specialization, so it's good to have an idea of what you want to focus on before choosing a school. Consider where your interests lie and what areas or systems of the body you know the best.

Step 3: Complete a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

DMS programs are available as both certificate options and, more commonly, as associate degrees. They usually include core coursework on anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and other health sciences basics. You'll also take courses on using ultrasound imaging technology.

Once your core courses are done, you'll start taking courses focused on your specialization. Then you'll move into clinical experiences, where you'll get the chance to work under the direction of an experienced technologist in a healthcare setting.

Whatever school you choose, ensure that it is accredited and that its DMS program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP accredits sonography programs based on the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Step 4: Earn Certification

Certification is not necessarily a requirement, but many employers prefer to hire ultrasound techs who have undergone certification. Certification generally requires you to pass an exam to prove your competency and is available through organizations like:

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

Some of these certification associations offer multiple credentials. For example, the ARDMS offers options like:

Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS)

Additionally, some employers may require employees to have basic life support (BLS) and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Step 5: Obtain State Licensure

Four states require sonographers to hold a state license. These states are:

New Hampshire
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oregon

Most of these states require the completion of a higher education program in medical sonography as well as a national certification. You can learn more through the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) website.

What Training Do You Need to Be an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians need to complete an undergraduate ultrasound technician program. The most common options are certificate and associate degree programs, and we've gone into more detail about the different types of schooling to become an ultrasound tech below.

Certificate in Sonography

Certificate programs for sonography are available through colleges and universities, as well as healthcare facilities like hospitals. There are over 200 CAAHEP-accredited sonography certificate programs across the U.S.

In a certificate program, courses focus specifically on DMS, and you typically won't have general education courses. You'll also participate in clinical rotations. Certificates usually take 12 to 18 months to complete.

Associate Degree in Sonography

The most common type of degree for sonography is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. This degree is most frequently offered by community colleges, but four-year institutions also offer them.

Associate degree programs most often take between two and two and a half years, but some schools offer accelerated 18-month programs. You will likely need to complete your prerequisite courses before beginning the sonography program.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech?

The length of time it takes to become an ultrasound tech depends on what type of program you choose and what state you live in. If you choose a certificate program and don't live in a state with sonography licensure requirements, you may be able to become an ultrasound tech in as little as one year.

Types of Ultrasound Technicians and Careers

As mentioned, there are several specializations within DMS, each focusing on the diagnostic imaging of a specific area or system within the body. Some common options include:

Abdominal sonography: This is sonography of the abdominal cavity and the included organs, such as the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Abdominal sonographers sometimes assist with biopsies, helping to guide the practitioner to the right area or organ.
Breast sonography: Sonography of breast tissue is used to confirm the presence of and track the progress of cysts and tumors.
Cardiac sonography: Also called echocardiography, this branch of sonography focuses on the heart. Cardiac sonographers may look at the heart's chambers, valves, and blood vessels.
Musculoskeletal sonography: This type of sonography focuses on muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It's used to diagnose things like sprains or tears, and also to guide injections or surgical procedures to these areas.
Obstetric and gynecological (OB/GYN) sonography: Sonography of the female reproductive system is referred to as OB/GYN sonography. OB/GYN sonographers monitor fetal development but also look for things like cysts and tumors.
Vascular sonography: Sonography of the blood vessels is often used to look for blocked arteries or blood clots.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Ultrasound Tech?

The cost of becoming an ultrasound tech depends on multiple factors, including:

the school you choose
if you're an in-state or out-of-state resident
whether you're earning a certificate or degree
what financial aid you qualify for

The specific school you choose plays a huge role in your costs. For example, at Orange Coast College in California, in-state residents pay just $46 per credit for the DMS program. At Albany State University, New York residents pay $111 per credit hour.

Many schools offer financial aid to help students pay for their certificate or degree. All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they're eligible for.

Are There Affordable Ultrasound Tech Programs?

There are many affordable ultrasound tech programs, especially if you choose a community college. Both programs at Orange Coast College and Albany State University listed above are highly affordable.

As mentioned, all students should fill out FAFSA every year. This determines your eligibility for federal and state programs, as well as many other types of financial aid. Even if you choose an affordable program, financial aid can help you reduce your costs even further.

Ultrasound Technician Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $84,470. The BLS does not list salaries for specialties of sonography.

Your salary will depend on your qualifications, your specialty, where you live, and where you work. For example, ultrasound techs who work at outpatient care centers earn a median of $122,380 per year, while those at diagnostic labs earn a median of $81,330.

FAQs About Becoming an Ultrasound Technician

Becoming an ultrasound tech can be exciting but sometimes overwhelming. Below, we'll answer some FAQs about how to become an ultrasound technician.

How Hard Is It to Become an Ultrasound Tech?

Although becoming an ultrasound tech requires some core math and science courses, becoming a sonographer isn't too hard. You only need a certificate or associate degree, and generally do not need state licensure.

You'll still need to put effort into your coursework, and it can be harder for students who have busy lives as these programs usually don't offer online options. However, your coursework shouldn't be too difficult or overwhelming.

What Are the Educational Requirements To Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound techs must graduate from an accredited ultrasound tech program. This can be a certificate program, associate degree, or bachelor's degree.

Certification is optional but not required in most states. Most certification programs require that you've completed your education, although some may require you to have experience in the field before becoming certified.

Am I Too Old to Go Back to School for Sonography?

You likely aren't too old to go back to school for sonography. There is no age limit for the field, and with the right program, you can become a sonographer in as little as one year.

Going back to school can be more challenging when you're older, as you usually have more responsibilities to tend to. However, looking for a program with flexible learning options can help you as you switch career paths.

Do You Need a Bachelor's Degree to Become an Ultrasound Technician?

Although there are schools that offer bachelor's degrees in diagnostic medical sonography, a bachelor's degree is not required to become an ultrasound tech. The minimum requirement is just an accredited program, which can include a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Find Ultrasound Technician Schools Near You

Start your journey toward a career in ultrasound technology by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions requirements, specializations, financial aid, and more.