Find Washington’s Sonography Programs in 2024
Join the growing field of medical imaging by attending one of the accredited sonography programs in Washington; you’ll find then listed below.
Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in healthcare. Using special equipment that emits high frequency sound saves, they are able to obtain images of the inside of the body. Those images are then used by physicians to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness and disease.
Sonography degree programs in Washington are selective and the training is rigorous, but graduating from an accredited program will help prepare you for an entry-level position in this challenging and rewarding field.
How Do You Become a Sonographer in Washington?
- Choose an accredited ultrasound program. It’s important to learn the accreditation of both the school and the program itself. If possible, choose one that has received accreditation from the CAAHEP. This will ensure that the education you receive meets or exceeds industry standards. Washington has 4 schools that have received this level of recognition.
- Get your degree. You must have at least an Associate of Science in medical sonography to be eligible for entry-level positions. Some schools offer Bachelor’s degrees or Certificates for healthcare professionals looking to expand into ultrasound.
- Receive your credentials. Most if not all employers will require you to have your RDMS credential, which is administered by the ARDMS. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will qualify you to sit for their exams.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Should You Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
With most educational paths, and for sonography in particular, it is very important to choose an accredited program. The most widely recognized accrediting body for medical imaging is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). To become accredited by CAAHEP, the schools must meet their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these CAAHEP accredited Washington DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination (learn more about the ARDMS below).
Accredited Sonography Schools in Washington in 2024
The following sonography programs in Washington have all been accredited by the CAAHEP, as of November 2023:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007 |
|
AA applicants must complete certain prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.2 GPA, within the last 5 years. | Application and supporting documentation are submitted online. |
| Seattle University 901 12th Avenue Seattle, WA 98122 |
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound | Certain prerequisite courses must be completed and passed with a grade of “C” or better. | Complete list of requirements for application can be found here. |
| Spokane Community College 1810 N Greene Street Spokane, WA 99217 |
Associate in Applied Science – DMS | Prerequisite courses with a min 2.5 GPA completed within past 5 years; 40 hours documented volunteerism in healthcare environment. | Applications are submitted online prior to the start of the new quarter. |
| Tacoma Community College 6501 South 19th St Building 19 Tacoma, WA 98466 |
Associate of Applied Science – DMS | Completion of 7 prerequisite courses, min GPA of 2.7; 8 hours documented observation in a sonography department. | Applications must be submitted, online, between April 1 and July 1 of each year. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Meet One of Washington’s Top Sonography Students
Annica B., sonography student at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA, in an excerpt from her Spring 2020 scholarship application.
“While imaging services like x-ray and MRI are excellent ways to help in diagnosing, ultrasound is unique in that we are working in direct contact with the patient. We don’t hide behind a lead wall, we’re in the same room. Sonographers have to keep calm even when there’s something wrong because any worry in our face, the patient will be able to read. We stay strong and positive so that patients can do the same.”
Get Real Advice From Sonography Students, Professionals, and Professors
Visit our student resource center for articles from some of the top sonographers around the country. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up the career ladder, our experts can help.
Certification Requirements in Washington
The state of Washington does not require licensure or certification to be an ultrasound technician.
Requirements for receiving your RDMS credential in WA
Though not legally required, many employers do ask for professional credentials by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam. Tests are administered by Pearson Vue, and there are numerous locations throughout Washington. In most cases, the school you are attending will help with testing coordination, and you may even take the exam during your Senior year.
The most comprehensive 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). You can read more about testing requirements and the other ways to qualify for the exam at the ARDMS website.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Washington?
Sonography continues to be one of the best paying jobs available with just an associate’s degree.
- In Washington, sonographers earned a mean annual salary of $103,700 in 2022 (conditions in your area may vary). This makes the state one of the highest paying in the nation.
- There is expected to be job growth of 18% by 2030.
Financial Assistance for Sonography Students
Residents of Washington have the opportunity to apply for medical imaging scholarships to help them with the cost of their education tuition and fees.
Eligibility requirements vary by individual scholarship. Some are specific to students with a financial need, others reward merit. Most colleges also offer scholarships to students who will be attending their program. You’ll find more information regarding available medical imaging and related healthcare scholarships below. Please contact each individual scholarship for their specific application requirements. Visit our financial aid center to learn more about scholarships, as well as grants and student loans.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State Opportunity Scholarship | $1,000 | Low or middle income Washington residents earning a STEM or healthcare degree. | 1414 31st Ave S., Ste. 302 Seattle, WA 98144 206-800-8025 info@waopportunityscholarship.org |
| Washington Student Achievement Council | From $2,000 to $35,000 per year | The Health Professional Loan Repayment and Scholarship program provides financial support in the form of education related loan repayment or conditional scholarships to providers who are willing to serve in healthcare professional shortage areas within the state for two to three years. | 917 Lakeridge Way SW Olympia, WA 98504 (360) 753-7800 |
| SDMS Foundation Sonography Student Scholarship Program | $2,500 | Deserving sonography student who has been accepted or is currently enrolled in an educational program in diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology that is accredited by CAAHEP. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at +1-214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
| Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship | $5,000 | Scholarship to assist medical imaging professionals who are earning their Bachelor’s Degree Graduate Degree, and seeking to enhance their clinical practice skills and provide excellent patient care. | American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research 15000 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 foundation@asrt.org |
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | Our scholarship is a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography program, or a high school student who has been accepted to a program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Seattle
WalletHub determined that is in the top 25 of the “Best City for Jobs” in 2020; and those interested in healthcare will be pleased to know that one in every five of the city’s jobs is tied to healthcare. “Seattle’s Healthcare Industry sector, which includes healthcare professionals, hospitals, healthcare products, healthcare services, and research and training organizations; provides 96,000 jobs and contributes over $10 billion to the local economy,” states Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.
Pursuing your diagnostic medical imaging degree in Seattle will help put you in the middle of a growing field in a city with strong economic ties; and there are several sonography schools to choose from, in the city or nearby. When you’re not studying or working, check out some of Seattle’s 1,840 cultural and recreational venues—the highest density of cultural venues in U.S. cities according to PropertyShark. From the Museum of Pop Culture created by Microsoft’s co-founder, Paul G. Allen, to the world famous, must-visit, Pike Place Market, there is plenty to keep you entertained! Go Hawks!
