Ultrasound Technician Schools in Washington | WA
If you’re interested in pursuing your degree at an ultrasound technician school in Washington, then you will have the opportunity to combine a quality education with a positive employment outlook. The economy in Washington is said to be growing at a pace faster than that of the rest of the country, largely due to the thriving aerospace industry in the state. The state has a highly educated workforce and a per capita income that is above average. This all means more jobs in the health care industry, and a medical imaging degree will help you secure one of these sought after positions.
If you don’t see a sonography program in your area, consider exploring one of the many related fields. Listed below are programs for a variety of careers in healthcare. Request information from a school near you, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to see if they will help you meet your long-term goals.
Campus Ultrasound and Healthcare Schools in Washington
Programs:
- Diploma - Medical General
- Associate of Applied Science - Medical Assistant
- Diploma - Medical Assistant
- And more...
Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs:
- Medical Radiography
- Medical Assisting
- Dental Assisting
- And more...
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has locations nationwide, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal and sooner than you might think.
Programs:
- BS in Health Administration - Health Management
Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in the healthcare, business, legal and technology fields. Heald takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Programs:
- Medical Assisting
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Office Administration
- And more...
Explore a new career with Pima Medical Institute. We offer a number of certificate, associate, and bachelor's degree programs in the medical, allied health, dentistry, nursing, mortuary science, veterinary, and massage therapy fields.
Programs:
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Assistant
Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
Programs:
- Surgical Technology
- Practical Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- And more...
DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.
Programs:
- Graduate Certificate-Health Services Management
- Bachelor's - Healthcare Administration
You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.
Programs:
- Certificate - Medical Assistant
- Certificate - Dental Assisting
- AS - Medical Office Administration: Concentration in Medical Assistant
- And more...
Programs:
- Medical Assistant - DIP
- Dental Assistant - DIP
- Medical Billing & Coding - DIP
Programs:
- Dialysis Technician
- Medical Assistant
Online Healthcare Schools in Washington
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*
Programs:
- AS in Health Science - Preventive Medicine (Military Only)
- AS in Health Science - Ophthalmic Technician (Military Only)
- AS in Health Science - Behavioral Health Technician (Military Only)
- And more...
For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions.
Programs:
- Health Science, BS (Online)
- Medical Assisting, AS (Online)
- Nursing, MS
- And more...
Programs:
- MA in HS - Health and Wellness
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has locations nationwide, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal and sooner than you might think.
Programs:
- M.S. in Nursing
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
- A.A. in Health Care Administration
- And more...
Programs:
- Medical Coding
Additional Accredited Schools in Washington
Bellevue College – Bellevue, WA
Website: www.bellevuecollege.edu
Seattle University – Seattle, WA
Website: www.seattleu.edu
Spokane Community College – Spokane, WA
Website: www.scc.spokane.edu
Tacoma Community College – Tacoma, WA
Website: www.tacomacc.edu
Washington Ultrasound Career Outlook
Diagnostic medical sonographers earned an average of $78,100 in Washington, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,400 (2010 data). The state is also expecting strong career growth, with a 25% increase in employment forecasted through 2018. Most ultrasound technicians in Washington have at least an associate’s degree in medical sonography, although some schools offer bachelor’s and even master’s programs for students looking for careers in management or teaching . Begin by requesting information from schools to make sure they have the programs you’re looking for.
Certification Requirements in Washington
The state of Washington does not require licensure or certification to be an ultrasound technician. Though not legally required, many employers do ask for professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam. There are 10 locations throughout Washington State to take the exam, plus one in Burnaby, BC, and you can find them on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
The easiest way to qualify to sit for the exam is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Otherwise, you’ll need 12 months of full time clinical experience. You can read more about testing requirements and the other ways to qualify for the exam at the ARDMS website. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Washington, and do the research to make sure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
Salary Outlook by Metropolitan Area
| Metropolitan Area | 2010 Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | $77,600 |
| Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, WA | $71,300 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $75,200 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $83,000 |
| Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, WA | $81,300 |
| Spokane, WA | $76,100 |
| Tacoma, WA | $75,300 |
The median salary in Washington in 2010 was $78,100, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,400.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
Ultrasound Technician School in Seattle
Economic growth in the Puget Sound region tends to be greater than that of the rest of the nation, and after being hit by the recession, looks to be gaining strength yet again. A large driver of that is the aerospace industry in Seattle. As jobs growth is taking off again, employment in the healthcare industry will likely follow suit. In fact, according to the website seattle.gov, one out of every five jobs in Seattle is linked to the healthcare industry. Pursuing your diagnostic medical imaging degree in Seattle will put you in the middle of a growing field in a city with strong economic ties. In your spare time, you can meet up with friends at the Seattle Center, where you can tour the Experienced Music Project (EMP). Dine at fabulous restaurants downtown, shop at the world famous Pike Place Market, or visit the famous Fremont Troll. Whatever you enjoy, you’re likely to find it in Seattle.
Article by Wendy Fanello