Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Alabama. Explore medical imaging education and career opportunities in The Yellowhammer State.
Pursuing a degree at an ultrasound technician school in Alabama in 2020 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 2020
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. The following ultrasound technician schools in Alabama have all been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as of July, 2020:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gadsden State Community College | 1001 George Wallace Dr Gadsden, AL 35903 | Rebecca Southern MOL, RDMS, RVS | 3/20/2020 |
| H. Council Trenholm State Technical College | 1225 Air Base Blvd PO Box 10048 Montgomery, AL 36108 |
Brandi Merrill BS, RDMS, RVT | 10/20/2000 |
| Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics | One Timber Way Suite 102 Spanish Fort, AL 36527 |
Kathryn Gill MS, RT(R), RDMS | 9/17/2004 |
| Lurleen B Wallace Community College | 1708 North Main St Opp, AL 36467 |
Olivia E Bush BSRT(R), RDMS, RVT | 5/20/2011 |
| Wallace State Community College | 801 Main Street NW PO Box 2000 Hanceville, AL 35077 |
April Sutherland MHSc, RDMS, RVT, RCS | 5/19/1994 |
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.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Alabama
While Alabama does not require their diagnostic medical sonographers to be certified, many states are considering moving towards licensure. Additionally, many employers do require professional certification, typically through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam. There are six locations in Alabama to take the exam, and you can find them here.
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 in Alabama in 2019*, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). In addition, the majority of medical sonographers in Alabama work in hospitals, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state’s largest employer.
Above average job growth is expected in the medical imaging field, with Alabama expecting a 21% employment increase by 2026 (conditions in your area may vary).
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 21% expected in the decade spanning 2016-2026.
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 you can always improve your quality of education by attending school longer and receiving a Bachelors or Masters degree.
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.
*Conditions in your area may vary.