How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Maryland 2025

Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, play a crucial role in the healthcare field by helping doctors diagnose medical conditions. If you are planning to pursue this career path, you may be wondering about the ultrasound tech requirements in your home state of Maryland.

Keep reading as we take an in-depth look at how to become an ultrasound tech. We'll also explore some specialized career paths within the field and provide answers to some questions you may have.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician may also be known by the terms ultrasound technologist, diagnostic medical sonographer (DMS), and sonographer. These professionals medical imaging equipment to take sonographs of internal organs and other parts of the human body. Common job duties include:

• preparing patients for procedures and answering questions
• operating ultrasound equipment
• cleaning and maintaining equipment
• collaborating with other healthcare professionals
• updating patient records

Ultrasound techs often specialize in specific areas within the field, such as abdominal sonography, gynecology sonography, and echocardiography. They commonly work in hospitals, physician's offices, and allied health centers.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Maryland

Those hoping to become competent entry-level professionals in Maryland must meet several ultrasound tech requirements. Let's take a closer look at the steps you'll need to complete as you pursue your career.

Step 1: Complete Your High School Diploma or GED

Almost all ultrasound technician schools in Maryland require prospective students to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent level of education. It's important to ensure you meet this requirement before attempting to enroll in any training program.

Many programs also require students to be at least 18 years old before enrolling. If you are younger than this, check with your school to find out if there are age requirements or if exceptions might be made.

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited Training Program

Schooling to become an ultrasound tech is available at several schools in Maryland. Associate degrees are most common; some schools also offer bachelor's degrees and, for students with previous healthcare experience, short-term certificate programs. All of these programs provide both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences.

Students are encouraged to enroll in diagnostic medical sonography programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This will ensure students meet all professional certification requirements by the time they graduate.

Step 3: Get Certified

State licensure is not required to work as an ultrasound tech in Maryland. However, most employers prefer or require candidates who are nationally certified through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The ARDMS requires candidates to pass two certification exams: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation test and a Specialty test in one of five ultrasound specializations. Students who pass both exams earn registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) credentials and are ready to seek employment.

Step 4: Apply for Jobs

The vast majority of ultrasound technicians in Maryland are employed at hospitals. However, they can also find jobs in diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient clinics, and a variety of other healthcare facilities.

The ARDMS provides an online job board where candidates can search for open positions by location. You may also find out about openings by applying to employers directly or attending hiring events.

Step 5: Maintain Your Certification

It takes work and dedication to maintain your RDMS credentials. That said, doing so is a sign to employers that you take your job seriously and also makes you a more desirable candidate if you plan to change jobs.

To maintain your certification, you must complete ARDMS-approved continuing education every three years. You'll also be required to submit a $95 renewal fee annually and demonstrate that you are in compliance with all ARDMS standards and policies.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Maryland

As noted, ultrasound techs can specialize in a variety of areas. Some common specialized job titles for ultrasound techs include:

• Pediatric sonographer: Pediatric sonographers are tasked with taking ultrasound images of children. They are skilled at working with children of all ages and knowledgeable about the various health conditions that may affect them.
• Neurosonology sonographer: Neurosonology sonographers specialize in creating diagnostic images of the brain and, at times, other parts of the nervous system. They use specialized imaging equipment and receive advanced training and education in their field.
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonographer: OB/GYN sonographers take images of unborn fetuses, making them ultrasound techs for babies. They are commonly employed as ultrasound techs for pregnancy to ensure the baby is developing normally and there are no irregularities.
• Vascular sonographer: Vascular sonography, also known as cardiac sonography, focuses on producing images of the heart and blood vessels. Professionals in this field work in a variety of settings and may also be known as echocardiographers due to their extensive use of echocardiogram equipment.
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: Musculoskeletal sonographers specialize in taking images of body structures like bones, muscles, and connective tissues. These images help doctors diagnose structural diseases and injuries.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Maryland

If you still have questions about pursuing a career as an ultrasound tech, you're not alone. Keep reading as we explore some frequently asked questions.

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

Program length depends on the type of ultrasound program you enroll in. Certificate programs are the shortest, often ranging from 12 to 18 months; remember, though, they often require prerequisites or previous healthcare experience. Associate degrees can be completed within two years, and bachelor's degrees can be completed within four years.

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

Most students who have just completed high school will enroll in an associate or bachelor's degree program in Maryland. As noted, these programs typically range from two to four years. These timeframes assume full-time study; those who enroll part-time will likely take longer to graduate.

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

The expected cost of your program can vary widely depending on your school and the length of your program. Certificates typically cost around $5,000 to $15,000, while associate and bachelor's degrees may cost $10,000 to $45,000 or more. Students are encouraged to check with their prospective schools to find out about specific tuition rates and associated costs.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Maryland?

The median sonography tech salary in Maryland, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is $78,050. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $61,160 per year, while the highest 10% of earners make more than $100,030.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to start your ultrasound tech career, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to find out more about their programs and to choose the best one for you.