Find Florida’s Sonography Programs for 2024
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 Technologist in Florida
- Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program. Research the credentialing of both the school and the degree program itself. If possible, select one that is CAAHEP accredited, which means that their program meets or exceeds industry standards. There are 16 colleges in Florida that have received program-level accreditation for their sonography programs.
- Get Your Degree. Entry-level sonographers must have at least an Associate of Science Degree. Some schools offer accelerated certificates for those who meet the entry-requirements, while others have Bachelor’s degree programs.
- Receive Your Credentials. Most, if not all, potential employers will require you to have your RDMS or ARRT credentials. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program or getting your Bachelor’s degree will qualify you to sit for their exams.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
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.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Florida in 2024
The following ultrasound technician schools in Florida offer CAAHEP accredited degree or certificate programs as of August 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| AdventHealth University 671 Winyah Drive Orlando, FL 32803 |
Associate Degree with concentrations tracks in General, Vascular, and Cardiac Sonography | Minimum High School GPA of 2.7, plus English Comp 1, College Algebra, and Physics. Certain minimum ACT or SAT scores also required. | Create a login and apply online |
| Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside 1 Shircliff Way Jacksonville, FL 32204 |
22-month program in General or Vascular Sonography | Applicant must be a registered Radiology Tech OR hold an Associate Degree with certain prerequisite courses | Download the application here |
| Broward College 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd North Campus, Building 41 Coconut Creek, FL 33066 |
Associate of Science Degree in Sonography; optional cardiac concentration track available | Certain prerequisite courses with a “C” or better; preference given to students who have completed a 2-year radiography program | Applications due March 15th |
| Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology 5150 Linton Boulevard Suite 340 Delray Beach, FL 33484 |
Associate of Science Degree in General DMS | High School Diploma | Begin the admissions process here |
| Concord Career Institute – Tampa 4202 W Spruce St Tampa, FL 33607 |
Associate in Science Degree in General DMS | Learn more by scheduling an in-person or virtual career-planning session. | Complete an online form to start the application. |
| Eastern Florida State College 3865 North Wickham Rd Melbourne, FL 32935 |
Associate in Science Degree in General DMS | Applications are evaluated on a point system based on GPA, related work experience, essay, and more | Applications are due by May 15th |
| Hillsborough Community College 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd. Tampa, FL 33614 |
AAS in medical sonography; graduates are granted admission into the health sciences Bachelor’s Degree Program | Certain college-level prerequisite courses, completed with a “C” or better. | Apply online to HCC |
| Keiser University – various locations Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Melbourne, New Port Richey |
Associate of Science Degree. Depending on the campus location, concentration tracks are available in General and Vascular sonography | Certain general education courses are required, completed with a grade of “C” or better. | Request info online |
| Miami Dade College 950 NW 20th Street Miami, FL 33127 |
AAS in medical sonography | Admittance is competitive and applicants will be evaluated on GPA, previous courses taken, and previous education | Apply online and submit previous test scores |
| Nova Southeastern University 3200 South University Drive Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328 |
Bachelor of Science degree, with concentration tracks available in General and Vascular sonography | Student must have completed 30 semester hours or prerequisite education with a GPA of 2.75 or better | Application can be found here |
| Palm Beach State College 3160 PGA Blvd Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 |
Students can pursue an Associate in Science degree or a College Credit Certificate for students who already hold an allied health degree | Completion of prerequisite courses and direct patient-care hours are required for application | Applications are due by July 8th |
| Polk State College 999 Avenue H NE Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299 |
Associate Degree in DMS | Certain college-level prerequisite courses, with a “C” or better | The application window is from August 1 – August 31st of each year |
| Santa Fe College 3000 NW 83rd Street W-Annex, Office 118 Gainesville, FL 32606 |
Associate of Science Degree in General sonography | 2.5 or better GPA in prerequisite courses; 500 word essay submission | Applications are accepted between August 1st and October 1st or each year |
| Southeastern College 17395 NW 59th Avenue Miami Lakes, FL 33015 |
Associate in Applied Science degree in General DMS | Pass the entrance exam and complete prerequisite courses with a degree of “C” or better. | Request information online |
| Southern Technical College 3910 Riga Blvd Tampa, FL 33619 |
Associate Degree in General DMS | High school diploma | Complete the online form for program application information |
| Valencia College 1800 S. Kirkman Road Orlando, FL 32811 |
Associate in Science degree – General sonographyt | Certain prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better, plus the ATI TEAS exam | Application checklist can be found 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. | |||
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:
| 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 |
| The Alan D. Waggoner Sonographer Student Scholarship Award | $1,000 | Students attending a CAAHEP accredited program with an interest in echocardiography and leadership. | American Society of Echocardiography The Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals 2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 450 Durham, NC 27713 919.861.5574 |
| Florida Assistance Student Grant Program | $200 minimum | Need-based program for resident and undergraduate students enrolled in participating institutions. | Florida Department of Education Office 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 | $500-$5,000 | Hispanic undergraduate full-time students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. | 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.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Miami Beach
Living in Miami Beach, it is a relatively short commute by car or public transit to attend one of the nearby accredited ultrasound technician schools. There’s a lot of job opportunities available in Miami as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1540 diagnostic medical sonographers were employed in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area as of May 2023, and their annual median income was $79,380. Conditions in your area may vary.
Just one of the potential medical imaging employers right in Miami Beach is the Mount Sinai Medical Center, which is accredited by the American College of Radiology in the following medical imaging modalities: Ultrasound, Breast MRI, Breast Ultrasound and Mammography (with a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” designation), Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Oncology.
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