Find Alabama’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs in 2022.
Pursuing a degree at an ultrasound technician school in Alabama in 2022 will allow you to prepare for a job in a growing industry. Below you will find a directory of accredited sonography schools in the Alabama area to help you get started.
Alabama’s Department of Industrial Relations has predicted that there will be a high demand for healthcare support occupations in the state. At the same time, the median age of the workforce in Alabama is expected to increase, as well as elsewhere in the country. This helps to create an opportunity for those entering the workforce, as there are retiree jobs to fill along with the creation of new jobs. All of this, combined with the state’s low cost of living, makes it a wise choice to pursue your degree at one of the ultrasound technician schools in Alabama.
If you don’t find a sonography school listed in your area, consider one of the healthcare support programs listed later on the page. Request information from a school to see if they have a program that will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alabama in 2022
There are many factors to consider when choosing your sonography program in Alabama. Cost, proximity, and available programs are all important, though accreditation should be one of the primary considerations. In medical ultrasound and other allied health fields, the primary accrediting body is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Fields (CAAHEP). Graduation from a program accrediting by CAAHEP automatically qualifies you to sit for the ARDMS certification exams.
CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Programs in Alabama
The following ultrasound schools in Alabama all have degree or certificate programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as of May, 2022:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasden State Community College 1001 George Wallace Dr Gadsden, AL 35903 |
Associate of Science Degree in DMS with specialty tracks in Abdominal, OB, or Vascular Sonography. They also offer an Echocardiography Certificate Program. | Certain college-level coursework must be completed prior to application with a minimum GPA of 2.5. | Applications are due by May 10 for a Fall Start. Begin the application process here. |
| H. Councill Trenholm Community College 1225 Air Base Blvd PO Box 10048 Montgomery, AL 36108 |
AAS in Sonography with concentrations in either Abdominal or ObGyn sonography | College-level prerequisite courses must be completed prior to application and an ACT score >20. | Application deadline is September 15th |
| Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics One Timber Way Suite 102 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 |
Accelerated one-year certificate program in general DMS | 8 college-level prerequisite courses required prior to application | Begin the pre-registration screening process here. |
| Lurleen B. Wallace Community College 1708 North Main Street PO Box 910 Opp, AL 36467 |
Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Abdominal or ObGyn concentration | Certain college-level coursework must be completed prior to application. | Applications must be mailed and postmarked by June 1st of each year. |
| Wallace State Community College 525 Buena Vista Dr SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
Both AAS degrees and certificate programs are offered, with concentrations available in Adult Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal, and ObGyn sonography. | College-level course prerequisites, Composite ACT score >19, and 4 hours observation in an ultrasound clinic. | Applications are due by June 1st. |
If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Is a career as a sonographer right for you? Take our self assessment and find out!
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Alabama
While Alabama does not require their diagnostic medical sonographers to be certified, it’s almost certain that your potential employer will. That certification will most likely come from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and in some cases sitting for their exam will be part of your final quarter or semester in your ultrasound program.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in Alabama
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 the testing prerequisites here. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Alabama, and do some research to make sure they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
Additional Certification Information
Ultrasound Tech Certification Overview
About the ARDMS Certification
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Alabama?
State-wide, diagnostic medical sonographers earned a mean annual salary of $59,320 in Alabama in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). This equates to $28.52 per hour. Entry level sonography positions pay up to $45,000 per year. Conditions in your area may vary.
Above average job growth is expected in the medical imaging field, with Alabama expecting a 16% employment increase by 2028.
The majority of medical sonographers in Alabama work in hospitals, and Encompass Health is the state’s largest employer.
Alabama Student Scholarships and Awards
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those who qualify in Alabama:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 twice a year | 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 Counts | $2,000 for 2 years and $4,000 for 4 years | First time college freshman residing in Alabama with a high school GPA of 2.75 and an ACT score of 26 or below | Create a profile |
| Linly Heflin | $4,000 a year | Alabama women earning four-year bachelor’s degrees with a full-time course load, a GPA minimum of 2.5 and an ACT score of 23 or higher | Gina Boyd ginaboyd1@att.net 205-915-3627 |
| Alabama Student Assistance Program | $300-$2,500 | Need-based grants for undergraduate Alabama residence students enrolled in an accredited state college or university. | Mrs. Cheryl Newton Grants Coordinator (334) 242-2273 |
| Alabama Student Grant Program | Up to $1,200 per academic year | Not needs based grant awarded to students at an eligible independent Alabama college or university | Mrs. Cheryl Newton Grants Coordinator (334) 242-2273 |
Medical Imaging Organizations for Alabama
Below is a list of several medical imaging organizations in Alabama that strive to advance ultrasound technology, improve education, and increase patient welfare.
- Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists (ALSRT)
- Alabama Department of Public Health
- UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Alabama Perinatal Excellence Collaborative (APEC)
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Georgia
Florida
Mississippi
Tennessee
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Birmingham
If you’re in the Birmingham area and would like to attend a sonography program, there are several in the area to choose from, including CAAHEP accredited Virginia College.
The University of Alabama, located in Birmingham, employs more than 23,000 people, is ranked as the 4th largest academic medical center in the U.S. It has also been recognized as one of the most racially diverse campuses in the country. Job growth for sonographers in Birmingham is expected to be very strong, with growth of 16% expected in the decade spanning 2018-2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ultrasound tech in Alabama do?
An ultrasound technician does much more than image internal organs. Click here to learn more about what a sonographer’s job entails. Get a complete job description, as well as first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be an ultrasound tech.
How do I get started as a sonographer in Alabama?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started any formal post-education program, all the way through finding a job and advancing in your career. Get Started Now.
How long do I have to go to school?
Most degree programs are completed within two years, though certificate and Bachelor’s degree programs are available at some institutions. Program lengths may vary depending on specific program requirements.
How do I know if earning a sonography degree is right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Click here to see what qualities make up a great sonographer.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry, many of which are offered by Allied Health. Click here to learn more.