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 Arizona’s sonography schools in 2020, begin by researching the career to 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 expanding field of sonography.
Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the country, is known as a retiree destination. The desert climate in southern Arizona attracts high, increasing numbers of elderly retirees, which in turn increases the need for qualified, medically trained personnel. This correlation provides 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
Attending an accredited school is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when searching for a sonography program.
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.
The successful completion of one of these Arizona DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can become eligible to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
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 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Arizona in 2020
Gateway Community College is the only program accredited by the CAAHEP in Arizona. Other schools accredited by the ARRT are also mentioned below.
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
SPI success rate: 88% in 2018
Total Estimated Program costs: $9,569 – $13,572
Click here for the GCC’s Information and application packet
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.
More About GateWay Community College
Phoenix, Arizona’s GateWay Community College opened the Healthcare United at GateWay (HUG) Clinic on October 31, 2013. 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. Click here to learn more.
The ARRT accredited 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 | 3110 North Central Ave, Suite L-100 Phoenix, AZ 85012 | 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 Sonography Principals and Instrumentation (SPI) exam. The 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 learn more information here.
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 $41.69 an hour in 2019 according to the BLS. This is considerably higher than the national average of $74,320. Conditions in your area may vary.
Many factors influence you salary. Higher education typically leads to a higher salary. Sonographers who hold Bachelor’s Degrees can often command higher salaries than those holding Associate’s. Additionally, certified technicians often make more than those who don’t have a license. Location also affects income. Outpatient care centers offer the highest salaries, while general and surgical hospitals employ the most sonographers.
In addition, job growth is expected to increase by 47.5% by 2026 in Arizona, according to CareerOneStop.
Assisting Limited English Proficient (LEP) 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. As a result, the healthcare industry is concerned that patients may not be receiving optimal health care in the US.
Those who speak English as their 2nd language can have difficulty communicating with their physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who speak a second language may have more jobs available to them because Arizona has historically been a destination-state for immigrants whose most common first language is Spanish.
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 becoming a sonographer in Arizona, we suggest that you connect with other local professionals in the field to hear their first hand experiences.
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
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs are available to many students who meet the qualifications.
If you’re an undocumented student, federal aid is unfortunately not available. However, you still have many options, including state financial aid to scholarships. Visit our Financial Aid center to learn about the various programs and ensure you’re protected as you go 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 twice a year | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/ accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. |
Ultrasound Schools Info |
|
| NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships | Four $3,500 scholarships | Students who have shown excellent skills in education and community service. |
Brittany Barnes 2521 Brown Blvd |
| Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation | Two $1,000 scholarships | Flagstaff and Verde Valley area graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in medicine and healthcare. | Sara Mason, Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation
928-773-2206 Sara.Mason@NAHealth.com |
| Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship | $5,000 | Active ASRT member registered with the ARRT, | ASRT Foundation 15000 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 USA foundation@asrt.org |
| Arizona BPW Foundation Scholarship | Amount varies | Women at least 21 years old who are returning to school at a community college to promote their current career.
|
Scholarship Committee P. O. Box 32596 Phoenix, AZ 85064 azbpwfoundation@gmail.com 602-819-8968 |
120,000 new jobs are being forecasted by Arizona Department of Administration. Education and health services are expected to be the fields that contribute the most jobs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that as of May, 2019, there were 1,640 practicing sonographers in the Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale metropolitan area, earning a mean annual salary of $86,710. This ranks Phoenix 8th in Metropolitan areas with the highest level of employment. Jobs are expected to continue to grow in Phoenix and across the state.
There are several sonography programs from which to choose in the Phoenix area, including Gateway Community College, which is accredited by the CAAHEP. The ARRT has accredited two other sonography programs in Arizona: West Coast Ultrasound Institute and Pima Medical Institute.