How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Virginia 2025

An ultrasound technician, also known as a medical sonographer, uses non-invasive sound waves to create imagery of a patient. This can be used to analyze the patient and help with diagnoses. While many of us may think of pregnancy when we think of an ultrasound tech, there are many other ways this technology can be used in patient care.

If you are wondering about how to become an ultrasound tech, know that you must have at least an associate degree and you should be certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). It doesn't take long to complete the required training and certification, and these in-demand jobs can lead to a good-paying career for those interested in the medical field. Keep reading to learn more about ultrasound tech requirements in Virginia.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound tech uses high-frequency radio waves to see inside the human body, creating images that physicians analyze for abnormalities. It's often used in pregnancy to track fetal development but can also be used to observe the heart, blood vessels, organs, or other parts of the body.

A diagnostic medical sonographer's duties include:

• explaining the process to the patient and preparing them for the procedure
• accurately using equipment to take clear images
• analyzing images and collaborating with the physician
• maintaining accurate patient records
• maintaining equipment

Ultrasound tech requirements include strong interpersonal skills along with a firm grasp of health sciences. An accredited sonography program will give you the skills you need to excel in this field.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Virginia

In the Commonwealth, ultrasound technicians must have a high school diploma or GED and an Associate of Applied Science degree. You do not need to be licensed by the state, but many employers require ARDMS certification. For a more detailed breakdown, take a look at the steps below.

Step 1: Finish Your Education

Sonographers in Virginia must have additional schooling to become an ultrasound tech. So first, you must graduate from high school or complete a GED program before applying to a diagnostic medical sonography program at your local community college or vocational school. Make sure you choose a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

There are many schools in Virginia that offer DMS programs, including Northern Virginia Community College, Tidewater Community College, and Piedmont Community College. Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond offers a Bachelor of Science in radiation sciences with a concentration in diagnostic medical sonography.

Step 2: Get Clinical Experience

Many associate or bachelor's degree programs will include a set number of clinical hours as part of your coursework. This hands-on experience is an important part of your education; working with other technologists and physicians and getting to practice with the instrumentation will help better prepare you for your future career.

Clinical experience also provides the opportunity to work in a more focused field, such as obstetric sonography or vascular sonography. This will help you narrow down where you want to work in the future.

Step 3: Take the ARDMS Exam

State licensure is not required in Virginia, but being certified by the ARDMS shows employers that you are skilled and experienced. This is a multiple-choice test, and you must pay a fee to take it. It measures your skills in medical science, using the equipment, patient care, and other aspects of the job.

As you study, you can take practice tests on the ARDMS website to better prepare. Once you pass the test, you can download and print a status verification letter and digital ID card.

Step 4: Keep Up Your Education

Once you secure your first radiologic job, you'll want to ensure you keep up with your education so you can provide your patients with the most up-to-date care. Organizations like the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) offer continuing medical education courses and resources online.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Virginia

An ultrasound technician can use the same technology to study the body in numerous ways. While we commonly think of an ultrasound tech for pregnancy and monitoring fetal development, a sonography degree can also be used to observe the brain and nervous system, the heart, and the musculoskeletal system. Some of these professions are listed below.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

You may want to pursue a career as an ultrasound tech for babies if you enjoy working in an OB/GYN office. These specialists monitor the development and health of the fetus through gynecological sonography and communicate with expectant parents. For this career, you must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and the OB/GYN exam within five years of becoming certified.

Cardiac Sonographer

Ultrasound technology can be used to view the heart and how blood flows through vessels. Echocardiography can help the physician see the size and shape of a patient's heart as well. For this career, you can get certified in diagnostic cardiac sonography or vascular technology.

Abdominal Sonography

An ultrasound tech can observe the abdomen and organs (e.g., stomach, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder) to search for abnormalities, growths, or distension. Diagnostic imaging can be invaluable in diagnosing and preventing disease. To be an abdominal sonographer, you must pass the SPI exam with an abdominal specialty within five years.

A certificate program can help you focus on these and other different specialties, opening the door to more in-demand or high-paying medical jobs.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Virginia

Joining the medical field is a big career step, so you may still have some additional questions. Take a look at our FAQs below to learn more about how long it takes to become an ultrasound tech and some associated costs.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Virginia?

If you choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree, then you can expect to start work as an ultrasound tech in about two years. If you want to dig deeper into the program and have a chance at high-paying jobs or more leadership potential, pursue a bachelor's degree in sonography. These programs typically take four years to complete.

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

With a high school diploma, it will still take at least two years to become an ultrasound tech in Virginia. You'll need to get into an accredited sonography program, either a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's degree. You can speed things up by taking some prerequisite classes while you are still in high school, and taking a full-time course load once you enter college.

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

The cost of your education will depend on the program. You will spend less on a two-year associate degree as compared to a four-year bachelor's degree. While many community colleges have similar costs per credit hour, additional fees vary.

Tidewater Community College's sonography program costs $12,418.45 plus books and supplies, while SOVAH Health's sonography program costs $19,461. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help pay for many of these programs.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Virginia?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an ultrasound technician makes $80,850 per year, on average. However, that is the national average, so a sonography tech salary in Virginia may vary and depend on factors like geographic location and educational level.

The demand for this career is increasing � the BLS reports a job growth rate of 11% over the next 10 years.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

Whether you hope to start a career scanning babies or brains, a job as an ultrasound technician can be incredibly rewarding. When you are ready to continue your education, get in contact with one of the schools featured on Learn.org and discuss your career goals.