How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Arizona 2025

If you live in Arizona and are thinking about becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, you may be wondering what steps are involved. What are the ultrasound tech requirements to work in your state?

Keep reading as we explore what it takes to begin working as an ultrasound tech in Arizona. We'll also explore some common ultrasound tech career paths and answer a few questions you may have.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound techs are also known as sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS), and ultrasound technologists. They are healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology and equipment to create images of structures inside the human body. These images are then used to help doctors diagnose specific medical conditions. Some job duties for ultrasound techs include:

• explaining diagnostic imaging procedures to patients
• positioning patients for optimal image capture
• operating ultrasound equipment
• cleaning and maintaining equipment
• updating patient records

These professionals commonly work in hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient facilities. They must have strong communication and critical thinking skills and must be highly knowledgeable about using ultrasound imaging technology.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Arizona

You'll need to meet a few ultrasound tech requirements before you can begin working in this field in Arizona. Let's take a closer look at the certification and education requirements necessary for ultrasound techs in the state.

Step 1: Complete a Training Program

A few institutions in Arizona offer schooling to become an ultrasound tech. Students are encouraged to choose an accredited associate degree or bachelor's degree program; those with previous healthcare experience may qualify for short-term certificate programs instead. These programs typically include a blend of classroom coursework and hands-on clinical experiences.

Ideally, your diagnostic medical sonography program will be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The top Arizona school boasting this accreditation is Gateway Community College.

Step 2: Complete Clinical Training

If your DMS program is not CAAHEP-accredited, you must complete additional clinical training. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) stipulates that you must complete an additional 12 months of full-time clinical rotations before you can sit for its certification exams.

If you complete a CAAHEP-accredited program, you will meet all ARDMS certification requirements and will not need to complete this additional training. Your clinical experiences, regardless of whether you complete them during or after your ultrasound program, are a crucial component of your education, as they help you gain valuable practice and experience.

Step 3: Get Certified

Arizona doesn't require state licensure to work as an ultrasound tech, and national certification is also optional. However, students are strongly encouraged to get certified through the ARDMS, as employers typically prefer or require these credentials.

You'll sit for two separate exams when pursuing ARDMS certification: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam and a Specialty exam in which you'll choose one of five ultrasound specializations. Once you have passed these exams, you'll receive registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) credentials and can begin looking for jobs.

Step 4: Look for Jobs

Many health and medical facilities throughout Arizona hire entry-level ultrasound techs. Some top employers to consider include Dignity Health, Banner Health, and HonorHealth.

Consider applying to specific medical centers directly or searching for open positions online. Using job boards like the one found on the ARDMS website can increase your chances of landing your first role quickly.

Step 5: Maintain Certification

Once you've earned your RDMS credentials, you'll have to complete several tasks on an ongoing basis to maintain them. Keeping your certification current demonstrates to employers that you are committed to your career and is often required to keep your job.

Maintaining ARDMS certification involves paying an annual renewal fee of $95 and affirming that you are compliant with all ARDMS policies and procedures. You will also need to complete ARDMS-approved continuing education every three years.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Arizona

Ultrasound techs often specialize in a particular area of sonography. Some common specialized career paths within the field include:

• Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers: OB/GYN sonographers are common ultrasound techs for babies. They take images of unborn fetuses and scan for abnormalities, making them common ultrasound techs for pregnancy.
• Abdominal sonographer: Abdominal sonographers specialize in taking images of the abdominal cavity. Due to the complexity of the organs and systems within this cavity, these professionals often receive advanced and highly specialized training.
• Vascular sonographer: Vascular sonographers are commonly called diagnostic cardiovascular sonographers or echocardiographers. They specialize in producing ultrasound images of the heart and blood vessels.
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: Musculoskeletal sonographers are tasked with helping doctors diagnose injuries, diseases, and other structural abnormalities. They specialize in diagnostic imaging of the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues.
• Pediatric sonographer: Pediatric sonographers are generalist sonographers who work with children. They may take ultrasounds of various body parts and systems and are skilled at interacting and communicating with children of all ages.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Arizona

If you still have questions about becoming an ultrasound tech in Arizona, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.

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

Ultrasound tech program lengths vary depending on the type of program you enroll in. Associate degrees are most common and take full-time students about two years to complete.

Bachelor's degrees provide advanced training leading to advanced career opportunities and can be finished within four years. Students with previous healthcare experience who enroll in certificate programs can graduate in a much shorter timeframe, typically 12 to 18 months.

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

Most students who enroll in an ultrasound tech program out of high school choose an associate or bachelor's degree program. As noted above, these programs typically take two to four years to complete. Part-time learners may need additional time to graduate.

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

Program costs vary widely depending on the program and whether the school offering it is public or private. Average tuition costs range from $2,000 to $5,000 for certificates, $5,000 to $10,000 a year for associate degrees, and $10,000 to $30,000 yearly for bachelor's degrees.

In Arizona, diagnostic medical imaging programs typically cost anywhere from around $1,600 to more than $43,000.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Arizona?

The median sonography tech salary in Arizona is $88,710, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of earners in the state make $64,770 or less per year, while the highest 10% earn more than $107,640.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to start your ultrasound tech learning experience, check out the schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges to learn more about their ultrasound tech programs and choose the right one for you.