How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Georgia in 2025
Sonographers play a vital role in providing physicians with imaging of the internal body that is used to diagnose and treat patients in hospitals and clinics. The career of diagnostic medical sonography is rapidly growing in part because of the potential for a high salary, relatively short education and training period, and high job availability in Georgia and nationwide.
- Choose an Accredited School. It’s important to research the programmatic accreditation of the school you’re applying to. If possible, choose one that has been accredited by the CAAHEP; there are 11 across the state that have received this recognition. Entrance is competitive, so be sure you meet the prerequisites needed to apply.
- Get Your Degree. The minimum that is required of sonographers is an Associate of Science degree. There are also certificate programs for those who qualify, as well as Bachelor’s Degrees.
- Pass the Certification Exam. While Georgia’s Board of Health may not require certification, your potential employer will. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will qualify you to sit for the ARDMS exam.
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
For a program or school to be accredited means that have undergone rigorous review from a reputable outside agency. This ensures that the quality of education the schools provides meets the identified standards. The primary accreditation agency for sonography is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The successful completion of one of these accredited Georgia ultrasound schools is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation exam, as well as a specialty 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 Georgia in 2025
Each of the colleges below have program-level accreditation by CAAHEP as of May 2025 and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography.
Albany State University
Location:
2400 Gillionville Rd
Albany, GA 31707
Programs Offered: Associates Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Abdominal-Extended and Obstetrics/Gynecology tracks
Prerequisites: Coursework and a minimum of 30 observational hours in a DMS setting
How to Apply: Apply by June 1st
Augusta Technical College
Location:
3200 Augusta Tech Drive, EMS Bldg Office 111
Augusta, GA 30906
Programs Offered: Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: GPA ≥ 2.75 and required core coursework by the deadline
How to Apply: Contact Augusta Tech Admissions at (706) 771-4028
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – Atlanta
Location:
5669 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30342
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (98 credits)
Prerequisites: Contact DMS department for full details
How to Apply: Admissions Process
Columbus Technical College
Location:
928 Manchester Expressway
Columbus, GA 31904
Programs Offered: Associate Degree in Medical Sonography (ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended)
Prerequisites: GPA ≥ 2.5 and HESI A2 completion
How to Apply: Apply by Sept 15
Georgia Northwestern Technical College – Rome
Location:
1 Maurice Culberson Dr
Rome, GA 30161
Programs Offered: AAS degree with tracks in General DMS, Vascular, and Adult Echocardiography
Prerequisites: Prerequisite coursework and mandatory info meeting
How to Apply: Download application PDF
Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus
Location:
11935 Abercorn St
Savannah, GA 31419
Programs Offered: BS in Radiologic Sciences with Sonography concentration
Prerequisites: 50 credit hours of core + TEAS exam
How to Apply: Apply by March 1
Grady Health System
Location:
80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, PO Box 26189
Atlanta, GA 30303
Programs Offered: 18-month Certificate in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography
Prerequisites: College coursework with C or better; SAT or ACT scores required
How to Apply: Start Application
Gwinnett Technical College
Location:
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Programs Offered: AAS degree in Abdomen-Extended and ObGyn sonography
Prerequisites: TEAS exam and coursework; volunteer hours add bonus
How to Apply: Apply by June 8
Program Graduate: Candice Marie Sellers, B.S., RDMS
Candice is a diagnostic medical sonographer and registered RDMS in Abdomen. She holds an associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Gwinnett Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from Marian University with a minor in Healthcare Administration.
Her career in sonography began in 2014, following over a decade as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Candice was inspired to pursue ultrasound after experiencing its impact during her own pregnancy.
In her profile, Candice encourages future sonographers to “Strive for excellence and always keep learning!” Her passion for patient care and real-time imaging makes her an invaluable voice in the field.
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Location:
560 Pinehill Road
Dublin, GA 31021
Programs Offered: AAS in ObGyn and Abdomen-Extended Sonography
Prerequisites: Submit high school transcripts and entrance exam
How to Apply: Apply online
Ogeechee Technical College
Location:
One Joseph E Kennedy Blvd
Statesboro, GA 30458
Programs Offered: Associate degree in Adult Cardiac, ObGyn, or Abdominal-Extended Sonography
Prerequisites: Complete coursework, Competitive Admission Workshop, and TEAS
How to Apply: Read full info here
South College – Atlanta
Location:
2600 Century Parkway NE
Atlanta, GA 30345
Programs Offered: BS in Health Science with DMS Concentration
Prerequisites: GPA 2.5 minimum
How to Apply: Learn more
Georgia’s Sonography Student Scholarships and Awards
Below are some of the scholarships and awards available to students who qualify:
Sonography Student Scholarship
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
Georgia Hope Scholarship
Award: Varies
Eligibility: Graduate from a Georgia high school with a 3.0 GPA and enroll in a public or private Georgia university.
How to Apply: Complete the FAFSA and the GSFAPPS.
Georgia Hope Grant Program
Award: Varies
Eligibility: For students working towards a BA who meet enrollment requirements and academic achievement standards.
How to Apply: Complete the FAFSA and the GSFAPPS.
Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE)
Award: Varies
Eligibility: Offers three nursing scholarships for students enrolled in Georgia’s nursing programs. These include the Lucy Willard Scholarship, the Sarah Helen Killgore Scholarship, and the Spillman-Bischoff Scholarship.
How to Apply: Complete an application.
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Georgia?
Sonographers in Georgia earned a mean annual salary of $78,080 in 2023, or $37.54 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Conditions in your area may vary.
The amount of education you have can directly impact your salary and future earning power. An Associate of Science Degree is required for most entry-level sonography positions, while those with Bachelor’s Degree have more opportunities available. Similarly, those possessing ARDMS certification have higher earnings potential than those who do not. Visit our degree center to learn more about the various degrees and certificates available within DMS.
Job availability is expected to increase by 32% by 2030 (O*Net).
This table shows the median annual mean salaries for the major metropolitan areas of Georgia. Conditions in your area may vary.
| Metropolitan Area | 2023 Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County | $73,090 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $71,900 |
| Savannah | $76,130 |
| Albany | $58,920 |
| Middle Georgia | $72,660 |
Yonella Demars, PhD, RDMS (Ab, Ob/Gyn, PS) RVT. Program Director of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography bachelor program
Q: What suggestion would you give aspiring sonographers to best prepare for future trends?
A: “Inherit best practices to scanning techniques, increase proper utilization of ergonomic equipment, attend conferences or subscribe to ultrasound journals that would keep them informed of current trends in sonography like fusion imaging, elastography, and ultrasound contrast imaging.”
Certification Requirements
Georgia does not currently require sonographers to obtain licensure or certification. Many states are considering mandating licensure, and it’s almost certain that any potential employer will require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
If you are getting your certificate or degree at a CAAHEP accredited institution, you are automatically qualified to sit for the exam. Your school will most likely coordinate the taking of the exam with the final quarters or semester of your program. If you did not graduate from a CAAHEP program, there are other ways to meet one of their prerequisites.
Additional Certification Information
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Greater Atlanta, Georgia
There are currently three accredited ultrasound schools in Atlanta. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology and Grady Health System both serve the greater Atlanta area.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology is located in near-by Sandy Springs, Georgia, on the campus of Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. This location is part of the larger Emory Healthcare system, which is home to more than 2,800 doctors, and boasts that it is “Atlanta’s longest-serving hospital”.
Grady Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is part of Grady Memorial Hospital, one of the region’s largest healthcare systems. Grady is also home to one of the countries busiest Level I trauma centers.
