The field of medical imaging is growing rapidly, and Arizona is one of the top states for employment of ultrasound technicians. If you’re considering attending one of the ultrasound tech schools in AZ in 2020, begin by researching the career and then find a program to attend in your area. We can help by providing you with the information you need, and connecting you with all of the accredited sonography programs in Arizona. Get started today and join the rapidly growing field of sonography.
Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the country, is known as a retiree destination. The warm desert climate in the southern portion of the state draws increasing numbers of aging baby boomers, which in turns increases the need for qualified, medically trained personnel. This helps to provide a secure job outlook for graduates of ultrasound technician schools in Arizona, as well as those from across the healthcare industry. The Phoenis-Scottsdale-Mesa metro area ranks 8th in the nation for employment of sonographers.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP and ARRT Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
To receive accreditation, a school or program must demonstrate that they meet the standards set forth by an outside agency, and this attests to the quality of the program. When you’re evaluating your options for a sonography program, this accreditation is one of the most important factors to look for.
The most widely recognized accrediting agency in sonography is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduating from a programs accredited by the CAAHEP qualifies you to sit for the certification exam given by the ARDMS. In Arizona, there is only one program accredited by the CAAHEP. For that reason, we are also including medical imaging programs accredited by The American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The successful completion of one of these recognized Arizona DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Arizona in 2020
The following schools have sonography programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as of January 2020.
Gateway Community College
13610 N Black Canyon Hwy Ste 102
Phoenix , AZ – 85034
Program Director: Bryan Dodd M.Ed., RDMS, RT(R), RVT
dodd@gatewaycc.edu
Programs offered:
- Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Certificate of Completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Certificate of Completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Vascular Technology
Job placement scores: 89% in 2018
ARDMS passing score for SPI: 91%
Total Estimated Program costs: $9,569 – 13,572
GCC’s Information and application packet can be found here: https://www.gatewaycc.edu/sites/gwc/files/infopacket_diagnosticmedicalsonography_0.pdf
More About GateWay Community College
On October 31, 2013, Phoenix, Arizona’s GateWay Community College opened the Healthcare United at GateWay (HUG) Clinic. Offering sonography and physical therapy services to the surrounding community, “it’s the first and only pro bono clinic on a community college campus in Maricopa County and the only ultrasound program in the country that’s offering services like it,” states a GateWay press release from November 1st.
Learn more about the clinical services being offered by students at GateWay Community College
The ARRT has given their credentials to the following medical imaging programs in Arizona:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Concentrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute | Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program 108 N. 40th Street Health Sciences Division Phoenix , AZ – 85029 |
Louis Benyamin, RDMS, RVT. BS | General Sonography |
| West Coast Ultrasound Institute | 4250 E Camelback Rd Ste K190 Phoenix, AZ 85018 |
Michael Lajoy, RDMS |
|
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Arizona
Certification or licensure of allied health professionals is a common practice and demonstrates the proficiency and knowledge of those individuals holding the license.
For sonographers, the most common certification agency is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). While statewide licensure is not mandated by the state of Arizona, many employers do require professional certification.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in Arizona
The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. The Sonography Principals and Instrumentation (SPI) exam can even be taken while you are still in school, provided you have successfully completed a physics or physics review course. There are many locations throughout Arizona to take the exam, and you can find them on the Pearson Vue website.
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.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How much do Ultrasound Techs make in Arizona?
The average salary for sonographers in Arizona was $86,710, or $42.65 an hour in 2019. (BLS.org) This is considerably higher than the national average of $74,320.
The salary you make is dependent on many factors. The more education and training you have, the more you tend to make. Sonographers who hold bachelors degrees can often command higher salaries than those holding associates, and certified techs often make more than non-certified. Outpatient care centers offer the highest salaries, while general and surgical hospitals employ the most sonographers.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologist in Arizona
- Ultrasound techs in Arizona earn an average of $42.65 an hour.
- Arizona has one of the highest concentration of sonography jobs in the nation.
- The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area has the 8th highest employment area in the country.
- Arizona has the fastest rate of job growth in the country for ultrasound technicians. Jobs are expected to increase by 47.5% by 2026
Assisting Limited English Proficient Patients
According to the US Department of Education, limited English proficient (LEP) learners were the fastest growing population in the country. It is estimated that almost 21% of individuals in the United States speak a language other than English at home. The healthcare industry is concerned that patients as a result may not be receiving optimal health care.
Those who speak English as their 2nd language can have difficulty understanding the information presented to them by their physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who speak a second language can have increased job opportunities available to them, especially in Arizona, which has historically been a destination-state for immigrants. Spanish is the most common 1st language for these residents.
Medical Imaging Organizations for Arizona
Healthcare workers in the state have access to a vast network of societies and organizations to support them in their education and professional career endeavors.
If you are currently working as, or considering become a sonographer in Arizona, we suggest that you connect with other local professionals in the field.
You will find their contact information, along with several other state specific resources for AZ medical imagers and healthcare workers below.
- Arizona Department of Health Services – Medical Radiologic Technology
- Arizona Radiology Society
- Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association
- Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU)
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Paying for Your Sonography Program in AZ
You’ve worked hard, and help is available to pay for school! But the path to finding that help can be confusing at best, misleading at worst. Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs are available to many students who qualify.
If you’re an undocumented student, federal aid is not available, but there are still many options available to you, from state financial aid to scholarships. Visit our Financial Aid center to learn about the various programs, and how to make sure you’re protected through the process.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those who qualify in Arizona.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona BPW Foundation Scholarship | Varies | Scholarships are awarded to women 21 years or older who are returning to school at a community college to acquire better job opportunities or advance their current careers. | Scholarship Committee P. O. Box 32596 Phoenix, AZ 85064 azbpwfoundation@gmail.com 602-819-8968 |
| NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships | $3,500 | The NIADA Foundation proudly sponsors four young men or women each year who have displayed outstanding abilities in education. | Jacinda Timmerman 2521 Brown Blvd Arlington, TX 76006 jacinda@niada.com 800-682-3837 |
| Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation | Two $1,000 scholarships | Flagstaff and Verde Valley area graduating high school seniors-pursuing a healthcare related degree | Sara Mason at the Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation office at 928-773-2206 or email Sara.Mason@NAHealth.com |
| 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 | The scholarship is awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited DMS program, or a student who has been accepted to a program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
Arizona is expected to be a job leader, with the addition of 120,000 jobs being forecasted by Arizona Department of Administration. Of these, education and health services is expected to be the sector that adds the most jobs.
Be part of the growing field of Healthcare in Phoenix, and consider pursuing an education as a Sonographer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of May, 2019, there were 1,290 practicing sonographers in the Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale metropolitan area, earning a mean salary of $88,700 per year. This ranks Phoenix 8th in Metropolitan areas with the highest employment level.
There are several sonography programs from which to choose in the Phoenix area, including Gateway Community College, which is CAAHEP accredited. The ARRT has accredited two other sonography programs in Arizona: West Coast Ultrasound Institute and Pima Medical Institute. Strong job growth is expected across the healthcare industry in Phoenix and across the state.