Find Florida’s Sonography Programs for 2026
Diagnostic medical sonography is an imaging technique that uses specialized equipment to produce images of the internal body. It is a challenging field requiring a specialized education program, and it is seeing strong job growth in Florida and across the country.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Florida
Key Takeaways
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Choose an accredited ultrasound program If possible, select a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Florida currently has 16 colleges with program-level accreditation.
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Get your degree You will need to have a minimum of an Associate of Science degree in DMS. There are accelerated certificate programs for those who meet the educational or experiential prerequisites, and some schools offer Bachelor’s degrees.
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Receive your credentials Most employers will require that you have your RDMS or ARRT credential. Graduating from a program that has been accredited by the CAAHEP will qualify you to sit for their exams.
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Find Student Scholarships Florida students have access to state, local, and school-funded scholarships and grants.
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See How Much You Can Earn in Florida Sonographers in Florida earn a mean annual wage of $77,790.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs Across Florida
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
Choosing a program that has been accredited is very important. That means that the education that a school offers has been reviewed by an outside agency. In medical imaging and other allied health programs, the primary accrediting organization is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by the CAAHEP once it has met the DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines, which is accomplished by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these recognized Florida DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Programs in Florida for 2026
The following ultrasound technician schools in Florida offer CAAHEP accredited degree or certificate programs as of May 2025:
AdventHealth University
Location:
671 Winyah Drive
Orlando, FL 32803
Programs Offered: Associate Degree with concentration tracks in General, Vascular, and Cardiac Sonography
Prerequisites: Minimum High School GPA of 2.7, plus English Comp I, College Algebra, and Physics. Certain minimum ACT or SAT scores also required.
How to Apply: Create a login and apply online
Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside
Location:
1 Shircliff Way
Jacksonville, FL 32204
Programs Offered: 22‑month program in General or Vascular Sonography
Prerequisites: Must be a registered Radiology Tech OR hold an Associate degree with certain prerequisites.
How to Apply: Download the application here
Broward College
Location:
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd
North Campus, Building 41
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in Sonography; optional cardiac track available
Prerequisites: “C” or better in certain courses; preference given if a radiography program completed.
How to Apply: Applications due March 15
Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology
Location:
5150 Linton Boulevard
Suite 340
Delray Beach, FL 33484
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in General DMS
Prerequisites: High School Diploma
How to Apply: Begin admissions here
Concord Career Institute – Tampa
Location:
4202 W Spruce St
Tampa, FL 33607
Programs Offered: Associate in Science in General DMS
Prerequisites: Schedule an in-person or virtual career-planning session.
How to Apply: Complete the online form
Eastern Florida State College
Location:
3865 North Wickham Rd
Melbourne, FL 32935
Programs Offered: Associate in Science in General DMS
Prerequisites: Evaluated on point system: GPA, work experience, essay, etc.
How to Apply: Applications due May 15
Hillsborough Community College
Location:
4001 W Tampa Bay Blvd
Tampa, FL 33614
Programs Offered: AAS in medical sonography; graduates may continue into BS health sciences
Prerequisites: College-level courses with “C” or better.
How to Apply: Apply online
Keiser University
Location:
Various campuses: Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Melbourne, New Port Richey
Programs Offered: Associate of Science; General and Vascular tracks depending on campus
Prerequisites: General education courses with “C” or better.
How to Apply: Request info online
Miami Dade College
Location:
950 NW 20th Street
Miami, FL 33127
Programs Offered: AAS in medical sonography
Prerequisites: Competitive admission based on GPA, previous courses, and education.
How to Apply: Apply online and submit previous test scores
Nova Southeastern University
Location:
3200 South University Drive
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science; General and Vascular tracks
Prerequisites: Must complete 30 semester hours/prereqs with GPA ≥ 2.75.
How to Apply: Application here
Palm Beach State College
Location:
3160 PGA Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Programs Offered: AS degree or College Credit Certificate for allied-health holders
Prerequisites: Required prerequisite courses & direct patient-care hours.
How to Apply: Applications due July 8; apply here
Polk State College
Location:
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881‑4299
Programs Offered: Associate Degree in DMS
Prerequisites: College-level courses with “C” or better.
How to Apply: Application window: August 1–31
Santa Fe College
Location:
3000 NW 83rd Street
W‑Annex, Office 118
Gainesville, FL 32606
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in General Sonography
Prerequisites: ≥2.5 GPA in prereqs; 500‑word essay submission
How to Apply: Applications accepted August 1–October 1
Southern Technical College
Location:
3910 Riga Blvd
Tampa, FL 33619
Programs Offered: Associate Degree in General DMS
Prerequisites: High School Diploma
How to Apply: Complete the online form here
Valencia College
Location:
1800 S. Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL 32811
Programs Offered: Associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: Applicants must be in good standing and complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade
How to Apply: Applications are accepted each spring
What do the Students Have to Say?
“Valencia College has become more than a school, it has become a home to me. The experience of learning diagnostic medical ultrasound is rigorous. The learning curve is significant and the feeling of inadequacy creeps in often when you try over and over to get it right. The professors and clinical locations all beautifully balance a supportive love with the hardships. Home is where you feel loved and where you learn who you are. It is your foundation.
Valencia College will be the best groundwork for me to be the best sonographer, patient advocate, and competent imager for a lengthy career of helping others.” Adrienne H., Fall 2020 USI scholarship winner and student at Valencia College.
Is Sonography a Good Career Choice in Florida?
Yes! Becoming an ultrasound tech is a great career choice for many reasons, including:
- Education: Entry level positions are usually available with just an Associate Degree, which typically takes 2 years to complete. Florida has 16 accredited ultrasound schools that offer certificate or degree programs.
- Income: Florida is one of the highest paying states for sonographers. The mean annual salary for sonographers in Florida is $77,790 (BLS, 2023).
- Jobs: Available jobs for sonographers in Florida are expected to increase by 28% by 2030.
Florida Student Scholarships and Awards
Paying for school is one of the most stressful aspects of attending college. However, there is help available. There are a variety of financial aid provided for aspiring sonographers, from federal aid, grants, student loans, and scholarships.
A trusted resource for students in Florida is the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Their website walks you through the scholarships and grants available.
Below are a few of the scholarships and awards available to those who qualify in Florida:
Ultrasound Schools Info
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program.
How to Apply:
Ultrasound Schools InfoAttn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 3026, Bellingham, WA 98227
scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com
The Alan D. Waggoner Sonographer Student Scholarship Award
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Students attending a CAAHEP accredited program with an interest in echocardiography and leadership.
How to Apply:
American Society of EchocardiographyThe Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals
2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 450
Durham, NC 27713
919.861.5574
Florida Assistance Student Grant Program
Award: $200 minimum
Eligibility: Need-based program for resident and undergraduate students enrolled in participating institutions.
How to Apply:
Florida Department of EducationOffice of Student Financial Assistance
State Scholarship and Grant Programs
Suite 1314, 325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400
888-827-2004
OSFA@fldoe.org
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Award: $500 – $5,000
Eligibility: Hispanic undergraduate full-time students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
How to Apply: Complete the application.
More financial aid resources:
- Financial Aid and Scholarships for Sonographers
- Overview of financial aid and government grants and loans
- Financial aid for undocumented students
How Much do Sonographers Make in Florida?
Ultrasound techs in Florida earned a mean annual wage of $77,790 in 2023 (BLS). Conditions in your area may vary. The salary that you earn can depend on a variety of factors, including your level of education and expertise and your geographic location and type of employer. Typically, outpatient care centers offer the highest wages to their sonographers.
Job growth is expected to be strong, with an increase of 28% predicted by 2030 (O*Net).
Highest Paying Areas for Ultrasound Techs in Florida
| Florida Metro Location | 2023 Salary Data * |
|---|---|
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $80,680 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $81,730 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $77,100 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $79,550 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $79,610 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $76,490 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $77,700 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $79,380 |
Salary data provided by BLS (2023).
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements
The state of Florida does not currently require their ultrasound technicians to possess licensure or certification. However, most employers do prefer or even require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Get Your Certification to be a Sonographer in Florida
Graduating from one of the CAAHEP accredited institutions in Florida will automatically qualify you to sit for the ARDMS exam. Most schools will arrange the test to be taken in one of the last quarters or semesters of your program. If that situation does not apply to you, there are other ways to meet the prerequisites you must meet in order to take the exam.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Tips on Passing the SPI
Expert Advice on the Qualities Necessary to be a Successful Sonographer
Lila DeCubellis, a Cardiovascular Technology Professor at Santa Fe College in Florida, shares 10 skills/traits that are invaluable to a successful sonographer:
- Provides excellent patient care before, during and after the exam.
- Understands the indications for the exam and how it applies to the patient.
- Gathers and understands the needed pertinent information from the patient’s medical record.
- Is thoroughly knowledgeable about the anatomy and physiology he/she is imaging.
- Applies the principles of ultrasound physics to optimize images and adjusts for artifact.
- Is knowledgeable about the pathophysiology of the disease state being evaluated.
- Provides thorough answers to exam indication for the reading physician.
- Thinks critically: During the exam there is a single opportunity to obtain the images –critical thinking steers the educated sonographer to seek the needed images and information to answer the question at hand.
- Consistently maintains professionalism by setting examples for others.
- Remains current by broadening his/her knowledge base via continuing education.
Job Opportunities for Sonographers in Florida
Stephanie Eisler, RDMS – Orlando, FL
“For the adventurous personality, the easily bored, the eager to try something new, the free spirit, that someone with a strong desire for a ‘nice’ income; being a ‘McPhee of Ultrasound’ is perfect!” Stephanie currently specializes in high-risk OB sonography at a Maternal Fetal Medicine practice in Orlando, Florida.The career of a traveling sonographer lets you combine your desire to see the country with strong employment opportunities. In this 2-part article, Stephanie shares with us the ins and outs, ups and downs of traveling sonography.
Spotlight Cities: Miami & Orlando
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Florida’s Major Metros
Students will find accredited diagnostic medical sonography options in both Miami and Orlando. Each metro supports CAAHEP-accredited programs, a variety of clinical placements, and large healthcare systems that regularly host students and new graduates.
Accredited Sonography Programs by Metro Area
- Miami Area: Keiser University, Miami Dade College, Palm Beach State College
- Orlando Area: Valencia College, AdventHealth University
Miami: Healthcare Hub on the Coast
The Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metro employs about 1,540 sonographers with a median annual salary of $79,380 (BLS, May 2023). Major systems such as Jackson Memorial Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center support advanced imaging services, specialty labs, and structured clinical education.
For students, Metrorail and bus corridors connect classrooms, clinical sites, and study spaces. Housing options near hospital campuses help align coursework with lab and clinical hours.
Orlando: Growing Medical and Academic Center
The Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metro reports about 600 employed sonographers with a median annual salary of $76,850 (BLS, May 2023). Students benefit from close ties to AdventHealth’s regional network and established academic pathways at Valencia College and AdventHealth University.
For students, SunRail and LYNX routes simplify access to campuses and clinical rotations, and housing near core medical facilities supports busy schedules. For planning next steps, CareerSource Florida offers state resources for healthcare career pathways and job searches.
Other resources:
