Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly trained individuals who play an important role in diagnosing and treating the diseases of their patients. Ultrasound techs use specialized equipment that emits sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, which are then interpreted by physicians in order to prevent diseases or help a patient heal from one. Sonographers also perform ultrasounds that monitor the health of the fetus of an expectant parent.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Missouri
- Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program and Apply. Do your research and ask questions to make sure the program you are attending has been accredited, preferably by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Missouri has 5 ultrasound degree or certificate programs that have received this recognition. You’ll also want to learn about the clinical rotation opportunities and the full cost of the program.
- Earn Your Degree. Most schools offer an Associate of Applied Science in medical sonography, which is the minimum required to be a sonographer. There are accelerated certificate programs available at some schools for students who meet the prerequisites, as well as Bachelor’s degrees.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Prospective employers will likely require you to be certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited sonography program will prepare you to sit for their exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
The most widely recognized organization that accredits sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines. The school must also pass a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited sonography program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Missouri in 2024
The schools listed below are CAAHEP accredited and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of October, 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox College 1423 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802 |
Bachelor’s degree in Vascular, Adult Cardiac, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Abdominal Extended | Prerequisites vary depending on educational path | Complete the online application |
| St Louis Community College 5600 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 |
Certificate of Proficiency in Adult Cardiac, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Abdominal-Extended | Associate Degree, prerequisite courses, and job shadow hours | Complete the Program Requirements Checklist and apply online |
| St Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City 901 E 104th StMailstop 3000 SouthKansas City, MO 64131 |
Certificate in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abdominal-Extended, or Adult Cardiac | AAS degree from a JCERT or CAAHEP accredited allied health program | Full admission and application checklist |
| State Fair Community College 3201 W 16th Street Sedalia, MO 65301 |
Associate of Science in DMS with specialty tracks in Adult Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or Obstetrics and Gynecology | Observation hours, prerequisites vary by area of study | Begin by creating an account |
| University of Missouri-Columbia 409 Lewis Hall Columbia, MO 65211 |
Bachelor or Master of Health Science in Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or Obstetrics and Gynecology | Varies by area of study and degree | Varies, see online application options |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Ask an Expert
Lynn Nguyen, sonographer and co-host of “Sonographers in the Cities” podcast
Q: What made you decide to pursue sonography as your second career?
A: “I had considered other careers such as PA, like my teenage self had wanted, and nursing. However, I am now older and knew what I definitely wanted in my future career. After some late-nights thinking and researching, I knew DMS would be the right career for me. I wanted a profession where I can excel at a role while simultaneously helping others.”
Learn more about why Lynn chose medical sonography in her recent article.
Help Paying for Your Sonography Program
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs are available to many students who meet the qualifications. Visit our Financial Aid center to learn about the various programs and ensure you’re protected as you go through the process.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those students in Missouri who qualify:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/ accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development | Varies | A variety of grants, loans, and scholarships are available to students. | Begin by completing the FAFSA, and then apply with the State agency. |
| Black Community Scholarship Fund | $5,000 | Student must be of African American descent and residing in the greater Kansas City area. | Submit required documents to the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation |
| Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship | $5,000 | Active ASRT member registered with the ARRT, | ASRT Foundation 15000 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 USA foundation@asrt.org |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Missouri?
The mean annual salary for sonographers working in Missouri in 2022 was $81,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Sonography is expected to witness above average job growth. O*Net predicts available jobs for ultrasound techs in Missouri will increase by 14% by 2030.
The salary you earn can depend on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, while larger imaging centers and hospitals typically offer competitive benefit programs as well as a base salary. Receiving an Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is required to become an entry level sonographer, while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can make you qualified for higher paying job positions.
Geographic location can also affect salary. The table below shows the mean annual salary for different areas in Missouri as of 2022:
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $87,280 |
| Springfield, MO | $73,190 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $81,940 |
Certification Requirements in Missouri
Certification or credentialing of allied health professionals is a common practice and demonstrates the education and knowledge of the individual.
In sonography, the most common type of credential is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their credential is by taking and passing the Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. In order to qualify, you must meet one of their prerequisites, which includes graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of the various testing locations in Missouri:
- 10805 Sunset Office Dr #402, St. Louis, MO 63127
- 1700 E Pointe Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
- 2833A Battlefield Rd #106, Springfield, MO 65804
- 901 S National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897
- 9200 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64114
- 2025 Craigshire Rd # 130, St. Louis, MO 63146
- 3221 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Other resources:
