How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Texas 2025

If you live in Texas and are planning to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, you may be curious about what it will take to get there. What are the ultrasound tech requirements in your state, and what should you do to pursue this career path?

Keep reading as we explore how to become an ultrasound tech. We'll also look at some common sonography specializations and provide answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician is a medical imaging specialist who uses ultrasound technology to help diagnose medical conditions. Ultrasound machines use sound waves to produce images of various structures inside the body, helping doctors spot abnormalities. Common ultrasound tech duties include:

• explaining procedures to patients
• positioning patients for optimal image capture
• operating ultrasound equipment
• cleaning and performing basic maintenance on equipment
• updating patient records

Ultrasound techs are also called diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS), sonographers, and sonography techs. They commonly work in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Texas

You must meet various ultrasound tech requirements before you can begin working in Texas. Follow the steps below to begin your career.

Step 1: Meet State Requirements

The state of Texas requires prospective ultrasound techs to meet a few basic standards. It's important to ensure you meet these standards before enrolling in any training program.

These basic requirements stipulate that you must:

• be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and resident of Texas
• be at least 18 years old
• have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• be up to date on your vaccinations
• be legally allowed to work in Texas

Step 2: Complete an Accredited Program

Next, you'll need to complete a certificate or degree program in diagnostic medical sonography, radiologic technology, or a related field. Any program you choose should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Schooling to become an ultrasound tech varies. Most students earn associate degrees, but bachelor's degrees are also available at some schools. Short-term certificate programs offer an affordable, accelerated option for those with previous healthcare experience to transition to careers in sonography. All programs combine coursework and hands-on clinical experiences.

Step 3: Choose a Specialization

Ultrasound techs can explore various specializations within their field. Consider choosing your specialization while still in school by taking electives in a specific focus area or completing a program concentration.

Common specializations in sonography include:

• obstetrics and gynecology sonography
• vascular sonography
• pediatric sonography
• abdominal sonography
• neurosonology

Step 4: Get Certified

Texas does not require ultrasound techs to pursue national certification or state licensure. However, most employers within the state prefer to hire candidates who hold registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

To earn these credentials, you must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam and an exam in your chosen specialization. Upon completing both of these exams, you can begin looking for ultrasound tech jobs in Texas.

Step 5: Maintain Certification

Throughout your career, you will need to maintain certification through the ARDMS. This takes work and commitment but shows employers that you are dedicated to maintaining high standards for your career.

Maintaining certification requires completing continuing education every three years. You must also renew your certification every year by paying a fee of $95 and need to certify that you are compliant with all ARDMS standards and policies.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Texas

As an ultrasound technician, you can work in many different sonography specializations in Texas. Some career paths to consider include:

• Vascular sonographer: Vascular sonography is also called cardiac sonography or echocardiography. Vascular sonographers specialize in taking ultrasound images of the heart and vascular system.
• OB/GYN sonographer: OB/GYN sonographers are ultrasound techs for babies, as they take images of unborn fetuses. Expectant mothers often see these ultrasound techs for pregnancy to get updates on their babies' development.
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: These professionals specialize in muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They take images of these body structures to help doctors identify injuries, diseases, and other irregularities.
• Breast sonographer: Breast sonographers take images of breast tissue and lymph nodes to look for signs of cancer. They commonly work for oncology providers and hospitals.
• Abdominal sonographer: Abdominal sonographers specialize in taking ultrasound images of the abdominal cavity. They may have to meet additional education requirements due to the complex nature of the organs and systems found within the abdomen.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Texas

If you're still wondering about completing a diagnostic medical sonography program and pursuing this health sciences career, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions.

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

Different training programs have different timeframes. Students in certificate programs often graduate within 12 to 18 months but typically have previous education and experience in another healthcare field. Students just starting out typically pursue an associate degree, which takes about two years to complete, or a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years.

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

Recent high school graduates are encouraged to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which can be completed within two years of full-time study. They can also pursue bachelor's degrees in sonography or related healthcare fields, but this will take longer � typically about four years.

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

Ultrasound technician program costs vary widely depending on the type of program you pursue and whether you study at a public or private school. Generally speaking, certificate programs cost around $2,700 to $25,000; associate degrees cost $5,200 to more than $39,000; and bachelor's degrees range from around $23,300 to more than $86,000.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Texas?

The median sonography tech salary in Texas is $81,660 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of earners make less than $61,650 a year, while the highest 10% make more than $99,630 a year.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to get started in diagnostic medical sonography, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to learn about their programs and admission requirements and to find the right option for you.