Find Arizona’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs in 2023.
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 2023, begin by researching the career to find a program to attend in your area.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Arizona
- Choose Your School. It’s important to choose an accredited program, and that accreditation can come from several sources. The CAAHEP is the most widely recognized accrediting body, and Arizona’s Gateway Community College has received that status.
- Get Your Degree. Entry-level sonographers must have at least an Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. There are also Bachelor’s degree programs available at some colleges, and students who hold a previous degree may qualify to attend an accelerated certificate program.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Arizona is not one of the states that require sonographers to be certified, but you can count on your prospective employer requiring it. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program automatically qualifies you to sit for the certification exams.
The desert climate in southern Arizona attracts a high number of retirees, which in turn increases the need for qualified, medically trained personnel. This correlation provides a secure job outlook for graduates of sonography programs, as well as those from across the healthcare industry.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose an Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
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 CAAHEP accredited 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 scholarship.
CAAHEP and ARRT Accredited Sonography Schools in Arizona in 2023
Gateway Community College is the only program accredited by the CAAHEP in Arizona. Other schools accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are also mentioned below.
Gateway Community College
13610 N Black Canyon Hwy Ste 102
Phoenix , AZ – 85034
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
Click here for the GCC’s Information and application packet
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 of that year.
The ARRT accredited medical imaging programs in Arizona:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Medical Institute Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program 108 N. 40th Street Health Sciences Division Phoenix , AZ 85029 |
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | High school diploma | Fill out form to learn more and apply to program |
| West Coast Ultrasound Institute 3110 North Central Ave, Suite L-100 Phoenix, AZ 85012 |
Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | High school diploma | Begin the application process here. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
How do sonography programs determine who is admitted?
This is often unique to each program, but may include some of these common elements:
- Science-based GPA
- Observation, volunteer, or work experience in healthcare
- Other evidence of research related to the profession
- Standardized exams (ACT, SAT, etc.)
- TOEFL if applicable
Learn more about the competitive admissions process found at most Colleges and Universities in the new book “Diagnostic Medical Sonography – The Definitive Guide to Planning Your Career“ by Samantha Callis, MHA, ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT. Available now on Amazon.
Help 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 and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | 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 |
| Mesa Public Schools Citizen of the Year Scholarship | Scholarships for $1,500 are awarded each year. | Eligible candidates must complete at least 150 hours of community service during high school. | Committee@MesaCitizenoftheYear.com |
| Flinn Foundation Scholarship | Full scholarship covering tuition, fees, housing. | The scholarship is open to students in the top of their class who are residents of Arizona. | For more information contact flinnscholars@flinn.org or (602) 744-6802 |
| 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 |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Arizona?
The mean annual salary for sonographers in Arizona was $89,980, or $43.26 an hour in 2022 according to the BLS.
Many factors can influence your salary. Higher education often leads to a higher income. Sonographers who have Bachelor’s Degrees can often command higher salaries than those holding just an Associate. 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.
Arizona is ranked #1 in the country for expected job growth. New job openings are expected to increase by 54% by 2030.
Certification Requirements for Sonographers 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, most 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 and a subsequent specialty 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
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, 2021, there were 1,420 practicing sonographers in the Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale metropolitan area, earning a mean annual salary of $87,520. This ranks Phoenix 10th 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.
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)
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 22% 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.
