EXPLORE 2024’s SONOGRAPHY PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Medical imaging is a rapidly growing field within healthcare. It’s a popular career choice for many due to the opportunity to earn a high salary, the availability of jobs, and the relatively short educational and training period. Entrance to accredited sonography programs is limited, and earning a spot is a competitive process.
- Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program. If possible, choose a sonography program that has been accredited by the CAAHEP. This will ensure that it will meet industry standards and prepare you to get your credentials. Many programs have specific college-level course requirements prior to application, and in many cases these requirements can be met while still in high school or at a local community college.
- Get Your Degree. You will need to have at least an Associate of Science in DMS. Some schools offer Bachelor’s degrees, and there are Advanced Certificates available to those who already hold a degree.
- Pass Your Credentialing Exams. Prospective employers will likely require that you have your RDMS credential. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will meet the prerequisites necessary to sit for the exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the primary accrediting body for sonography programs. A school becomes accredited once it has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This confirms that the school is able to provide high quality education to their students that meets or exceeds industry standards.
The successful completion of an accredited North Carolina DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can qualify for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of these exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
Accredited Sonography Schools in North Carolina in 2024
The following schools have received accreditation from CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of November 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
|
340 Victoria Road |
Associate of Science degree in ObGyn sonography, Abdominal-Extended sonography, and vascular sonography | Certain prerequisite courses in Biology, English, and Physics are required prior to application. | This is a selective admissions process. |
| Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute 2855 Hickory Blvd Hudson, NC 28638 | CCCTI offers an Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Students must submit official transcripts, attend a site-visit, and complete college-level prerequisite courses prior to application. | Begin the application process here. |
| Cape Fear Community College 411 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | This is a selective-admissions program. Students must take the TEAS test prior to application. | Review the course catalog to learn more about the admissions process. |
|
1105 Kelly Drive Sanford, NC 27330 |
Associate of Science degree in ObGyn sonography or Abdominal-Extended sonography | Certain prerequisite courses in Biology, English, and Physics are required prior to application. | Attend an online information session to get started. |
| Forsyth Technical Community College 2100 Silas Creek Pky Winston-Salem, NC 27103 | FTCC offers an Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Students must submit official transcripts, TEAS score report, and MAR application. Forsyth admits 8 students each Fall. | Download the information packet to get started. |
| Johnston Community College 245 College Road PO Box 2350 Smithfield, NC 27577 | JCC offers an Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | This is a selective-admissions program. Submit official transcripts, TEAS score report, and TOEFL score. | Attend a Health Sciences Virtual Information Tour to learn more. Applications are due by March 1st of each year. |
| Pitt Community College 1986 Pitt Tech Road Winterville, NC 28590 | Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Submit official transcripts and test scores prior application. | Read the FAQ to learn more. |
| South College – Asheville Campus 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC 37214 | AAS in ObGyn/Abdominal-Extended sonography. | Submit official transcripts and testing scores. Complete a minimum of 5 documented hours in an ultrasound clinic. | Request information and apply on the school’s website. |
| South Piedmont Community College 4209 Old Charlotte Highway Monroe, NC 28110 | Associate degree in Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Attend an information session, complete required coursework, and submit official transcrips. Students must also have completed a patient-care related course. | Start with a Phase 1 application packet. |
| Southwestern Community College 447 College Drive Sylva, NC 28779 | AAS in ObGyn/Abdominal-Extended sonography. | Submit official transcripts and testing scores and complete a pre-sonography online evaluation. | Find application instructions here. |
| Wake Technical Community College 2901 Holston Ln Raleigh, NC 27610 | AAS in ObGyn/Abdominal-Extended sonography. | This is a limited-enrollment program, with acceptance determined by a points-based system. Certain college-level courses must be completed prior to application | Review the full application checklist here. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
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.
Ask the Experts
Q: How Did You Manage the Stress of Ultrasound School?”
A: I can not stress enough the importance of being organized! I’m typically the one who plans just about everything that I do. Especially when it came down to planning my responsibilities in ultrasound school. I knew that it was imperative to do so, much like planning and organizing my life as a single mom of three kids. Ultrasound school is tough. Learn Candice’s tips for survival in her recent article.
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.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Paying for college is understandably one of the bigger stressors for students and their families. Visit our financial aid portal for help understanding grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those who qualify in N. Carolina:
| 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 |
| College Foundation of N. Carolina | Dollar amount varies | The College Foundation of N. Carolina offers many scholarships for residents of N. Carolina who are pursuing their degree. | Begin by completing the FAFSA. |
| Glaxo Smith Kline Opportunity Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | The GSK Opportunity Scholarship provides annual scholarships to Triangle residents (Orange, Wake, Durham counties) who demonstrate the potential to succeed despite adversity and an exceptional desire to improve themselves through further education/training. | The scholarship is part of the Universal Online Application. For questions, email: scholarships@trianglecf.org |
| PFLAG Greensboro Chapter Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship | Up to $2,000 |
The Scholarship is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the continuing education for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ allied students who exhibit courage and leadership in their schools and communities. |
Complete an online application, complete a personal essay, and submit two letters of recommendation. |
| Couch Oil Cares Scholarship | $1,000 | Six annual scholarships for high school Seniors who reside in the Couch Oil service area. | Incoming first-year college students may submit an application online. |
Certification Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina doesn’t currently require licensure or certification for practicing diagnostic medical sonographers. However, as many employers do prefer or require certification, it’s a smart thing to consider if you want an advantage over other potential job candidates.
The most widely accepted certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to receive certification is by taking and passing their exam. You must meet their prerequisites in order to qualify.
Additional Certification Information
Certification Overview
About the ARDMS
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in North Carolina?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers is $87,540 as of 2022. Additionally, sonographers in the top 90th percentile made an average salary of $94,020 a year, while those working within the bottom 10th percentile earned up to $59,110. Conditions in your area may vary.
How much you can earn depends on a variety of factors, including the type of employer you work for and level of education. General and surgical hospitals employ the most sonographers, but outpatient care centers tend to pay the best. In addition, an Associate’s Degree is required for entry level sonography positions, while a Bachelor’s Degree can qualify you for higher paying positions.
Top Healthcare Employers in North Carolina
7 healthcare employers in North Carolina were among the top 150 best places to work in healthcare in 2019, according to a study released by Becker’s Hospital Review. The list highlights employers who provide employment benefits and opportunities for professional growth beyond what standard healthcare providers offer. Those recognized as providing exceptional career growth and opportunity in N.C. are listed below:
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- Atrium Healthcare (Charlotte, N.C.)
- New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, N.C.)
- Novant Health, Winston (Salem, N.C.)
- Pinehurst Medical Clinic (across the state)
- UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
- Ensemble Health Parthers (Huntersville, N.C.)
- Lenovo (Morrisville, N.C.)
In addition, UNC Medical Center was ranked the #1 healthcare employer on Forbes’ Best Employers Ranking list in 2019. UNC offers a comprehensive internship program in ultrasound, which includes training on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). Interns have the opportunity to perform over 100 scans during their first year, which is great practice for a future career.
DMS Associations and Organizations in N. Carolina
Enrolling in a society or organization within your field can be very beneficial. Networking, staying current on changing technology, continuing medical education opportunites, and remaining competitive in the workplace are a few reasons why you may want to join. Most of the organizations are non-profit, though some have annual membership dues. Below are a few worth considering:
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