How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Michigan 2025

An ultrasound technician, also known as a medical sonographer, is a professional in the healthcare field who provides direct patient care by using ultrasound equipment to take images of the human body. These images help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Keep reading if you want to learn how to become an ultrasound tech. We'll go over the educational and certification requirements, as well as common questions you might have.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians, or diagnostic medical sonographers, use ultrasound equipment to capture images of specific parts of the human body. Their equipment uses high-frequency sound waves to create these medical images, which doctors review to help make diagnoses and treatment plans.

Common job duties of a sonographer include:

• explaining procedures to patients
• preparing and positioning patients for procedures
• maintaining accurate patient records
• operating ultrasound equipment to take medical images
• cleaning and maintaining ultrasound equipment

Ultrasound techs must have good communication and critical thinking skills. They usually work in settings such as physician offices, outpatient facilities, imaging centers, and hospitals.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Michigan

There are several ultrasound tech requirements you must meet before you can start your career as a sonographer. These include educational requirements, clinical experience, and certification. Review the steps below for more details.

Step 1: Complete an Educational Program

To become an ultrasound technician in Michigan, you'll need to enroll in a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). These programs combine classroom coursework with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for entry-level roles and certification. For example, Baker College, Lansing Community College, and Ferris State University have CAAHEP-accredited programs.

If you already have experience in healthcare and want to specialize in sonography, a certificate program could be a good fit for you. For example, Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit offers a hospital-based certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) with intensive clinical training in a real-world healthcare setting.

Understanding the schooling to become an ultrasound tech can help you choose the right path for your goals. Be sure to check the admission requirements for any programs you're considering, as they might require specific prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA, or healthcare experience prior to enrollment.

Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience

If you complete a non-CAAHEP-accredited program, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) requires that you complete 12 months of full-time, supervised clinical training to be eligible for certification. However, if you graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program, you'll meet all ARDMS certification requirements and won't need any additional clinical training.

Clinical training is an important part of your education. It gives you hands-on experience at clinical sites, where you'll work directly with patients and learn from experienced technologists. This will help you apply what you learn in the classroom and build your confidence and skills needed for a successful career as an ultrasound tech.

Step 3: Earn Certification

Michigan does not require state licensure for ultrasound technicians, but obtaining the registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) certification is highly recommended and is often required by employers. To earn the RDMS credential, you'll need to graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program, pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, and pass at least one specialty exam. Examples of specialties include abdominal, vascular, and obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN).

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Michigan

Ultrasound techs can specialize in various areas of sonography, such as:

• Abdominal sonography: This area of sonography focuses on organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidney to diagnose infections, tumors, blockages, or other health issues.
• Vascular sonography: A vascular conographer examines blood flow throughout the body. These scans are helpful in detecting blood clots or narrowed arteries.
• Cardiac sonography: Also known as echocardiography, a person in this position focuses on the heart to detect heart disease and other conditions, evaluate valve function, and assess damage from heart attacks.
• Musculoskeletal sonography: Those pursuing musculoskeletal sonography can help diagnose joint and muscle injuries. It's common to use these scans to diagnose conditions like arthritis.
• OB/GYN sonography: An ultrasound tech for pregnancy works closely with patients to capture detailed images of the baby's growth and monitor fetal development and patient health throughout the pregnancy. This specialization is often referred to as an ultrasound tech for babies.
• Breast sonography: Someone working as a breast sonographer will help detect cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities in breast tissue.

FAQs About How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Michigan

Next, we'll address some common questions about ultrasound tech requirements in Michigan. Explore these commonly asked questions to help you make an informed decision about starting a career in sonography.

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

Associate degree programs usually take about two years of full-time study, while bachelor's degree programs typically take four years to complete. Certificate programs, which are designed for people who already have healthcare experience, can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. If you need to complete prerequisite courses or additional clinical training, this will extend the overall time it takes to become an ultrasound tech.

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

Recent high school graduates will lack the necessary healthcare experience to enroll in a certificate program, so an associate or bachelor's degree program is recommended. As we mentioned, an associate degree program will take about two years to complete, and a bachelor's degree will take about four years.

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

The cost to become an ultrasound tech in Michigan will vary depending on the educational program you choose. Associate degree programs typically range from $7,200 to $27,000, while bachelor's degree programs can cost between $61,600 and $80,000. The cost of certificate programs ranges from $8,000 to $15,000.

Be sure to consider additional costs like textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, and other school fees. Many programs offer financial aid options that can help you lower the cost of your education.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Michigan?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average sonography tech salary in Michigan is approximately $75,900 per year. However, it's important to remember that salaries will vary based on experience, specialization, and location.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to take the next step and want to find a DMS program that's right for you, explore the colleges featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to one of the many accredited institutions offering ultrasound tech programs and start your career today.