EXPLORE 2020’s TOP ACCREDITED SONOGRAPHY PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA.
The field of diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is rapidly growing because of the high salary, relatively short education and training period, and high job availability. Sonographers play a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients in hospitals and clinics across Georgia and nationwide. Ultrasound technicians can expect to work closely with physicians and other colleagues in allied healthcare.
Begin your career as an ultrasound technician by requesting information from a school you’re interested in, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to ensure they can help you meet your long-term career goals.
Below we will connect you with accredited schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
Pursuing your degree from one of the ultrasound technician schools in Georgia will serve as an entry point of entering the healthcare workforce.
According to CareerOneStop, employment for diagnostic medical sonographers in Georgia is expected to grow by 25.8% by 2026.
Getting Started as a Sonographer in Georgia
The first step to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer in Georgia is to earn your high school diploma or GED. This is required by most DMS training programs across the country.
DMS program class sizes tend to be smaller with limited enrollments. Plan ahead and carefully review your degree options. If possible visit and interview with more than one schools. You may find you connect more closely with one program or location more than another. Apply early and learn about financial aid and scholarships for sonographers.
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
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 recognized Georgia DMS programs 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 semi-annual $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Georgia in 2020
Each of the nine Georgia schools below have been accredited by CAAHEP as of January 2020 and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography.
| 9 Accredited Schools | Campus Location |
|---|---|
| Albany State University | Albany, GA |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta, GA |
| Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – Atlanta | Atlanta, GA |
| Columbus Technical College | Columbus, GA |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) | Rome, GA |
| Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus | Savannah, GA |
| Grady Health System | Atlanta, GA |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville, GA |
| Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro, GA |
A Closer Look at Georgia’s Nine CAAHEP Accredited DMS Programs
Albany State University
Campus Location: 2400 Gillionville Rd Albany, GA 31707
Programs Offered: Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
ASU Quick Facts
- Albany State University is located in Albany, Georgia.
- 2-year degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography offered through the Darton College of Health Professions.
- The ASU DMS program was awarded their initial JRC-DMS accreditation in March of 2017.
- Along with program specific clinical training and classes, such as Human Anatomy and Physiology for the Health Care Professional, Physics of Ultrasound, students can expect to complete their required general education courses as they earn their degree.
Program Director: Kacey Davis BSRS, RDMS
ASU DMS Program Information & Statistics
| Class Size | 14 |
| Application deadline | June 1st |
| Minimum G.P.A. requirement | 2.5 |
| Credits to earn degree | 72 |
| 2019 Cost Per Credit | $92.67 * |
| 2018 Graduating Class Graduation Rate | 87% |
| 2018 Graduating Class Employment Rate | 100% |
Additional information about the ASU DMS program can be found here: https://www.asurams.edu/academic-affairs/dchealthprof/health/dms/index.php
* Tuition and fees data was provided by: https://www.asurams.edu/docs/business-services/2018-2019.pdf
Augusta Technical College
Campus Location: 3200 Augusta Tech Drive – EMS Building, Office 111 – Augusta, GA 30906
Programs Offered: Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Associate of Applied Science Degree
ATC Quick Facts
- DMS programs offered at the Augusta Campus.
- A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to the program.
- Program covers multiple modalities including: abdomen, small parts, obstetrics, gynecology, invasive procedures, and an introduction to vascular sonography.
Program Director: Kristi Flowers BS, RDMS
DMS Program Information & Statistics
| Class Size | 10 |
| Entrance Date | Fall |
| Credit Hours required for Graduation | 78 |
| Minimum G.P.A. requirement | 2.75 |
| Length of Program | Six Terms |
| 2019 Cost Per Credit | $516 * |
| 2018 Graduating Class Graduation Rate | 100% |
| 2019 Graduating Class Placement Rate | 90% |
More about this program can be found here: http://augustatech.smartcatalogiq.com/2020/Semester-Catalog/Programs-of-Study/Allied-Health-Sciences-and-Nursing/Diagnostic-Medical-Sonography-Associates-of-Applied-Science-Degree
* Additional information about tuition and fees can be found here: http://augustatech.smartcatalogiq.com/2020/Semester-Catalog/Financial-Information
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – Atlanta
Campus Location: Located in: Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Address: 5669 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30342
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Quick Facts from CCHT
- Programs offered at Atlanta, Delray, Orlando campuses.
- Cutting-edge ultrasound technology training labs.
- Multiple program options.
- Partial online learning environment – “flex program” for some programs.
Program Director: Cheryl Bandoo MEd, BSDMS, RDMS, RVS
Atlanta Campus Program Information & Statistics
| Class Size | Not provided |
| Credit Hours required for Graduation | Not provided |
| Minimum G.P.A. requirement | Not provided |
| Length of Program | 28 months |
| 2020 Cost Per Credit | Not provided * |
| July 1 – June 30, 2019 Retention Rate | 85% |
| July 1 – June 30, 2019 Placement Rate | 64% ** |
More about Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology’s DMS program can be found here: https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/program/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
* More about program outcomes can be found here: https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/program-outcomes/
** Additional information about admissions process can be found here: https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/admissions/admissions-process/
Columbus Technical College
Campus Location: 928 Manchester Expressway
Columbus, GA 31904
Programs Offered: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate of Applied Science – DMS3
Quick Facts from CTC
- Programs offered at Columbus, GA campus.
- CTC DMS program combines formal education and extensive clinical training to prepare you to function as a sonographer.
- All pre-requisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better.
Program Director: Regina Ridgley BA, RDMS, RVT
Columbus Campus Program Information & Statistics
| Class Size | Not provided |
| Credit Hours required for Graduation | 78 |
| Minimum overall GPA | 2.5 |
More about program course requirements and outcomes can be found here: https://columbustech.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2019-2020/2019-20-Catalog-and-Student-Handbook/Division-of-Health-Sciences-and-Nursing/Diagnostic-Medical-Sonography-Associate-of-Applied-Science-DMS3
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC)
Campus Location: Administrative Campus
1 Maurice Culberson Drive
Rome, GA 30161
Programs Offered:
- Adult Echocardiography (EC33) Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS3) Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Vascular (VA13) Associate of Applied Science Degree
Quick Facts from GNTC
- Sonography program offered at the Floyd County Campus, with other programs available at the Walker County, Polk County, Catoosa County, Whitfield Murray, and Gordon County, GA campuses.
- Competitive admissions, with waiting lists for some programs.
- Beginning of any semester for prerequisite courses, fall semester for occupational curriculum.
Program Director: Nina Madden BS, RDMS
Program Information & Statistics
| Class Size | Not provided |
| Credit Hours required for Graduation | 78 |
| Minimum overall GPA | “C” or better |
| Tuition & Fees | Standard tuition for degree, diploma, and certificate programs is $100 per credit hour. ** |
| Age for entrance into Health Technology pre-occupational curriculum | 17 years |
| Age for entrance into Health Technology programs | 18 years |
| 2018 Job Placement Rate (General, Vascular, Cardiac combined.) | 100% * |
| 2018 Graduating Class ARDMS Credentials Success Rate | 100% * |
* More about program requirements and outcomes can be found here: http://www.gntc.edu/academics/department-websites/ultrasound/
** Additional details about GNTC tuition and fees can be found here: http://www.gntc.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
. . . I am very excited for this field to grow enormously in the coming years.”
Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus
Campus Location: Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences Dept # 4901
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Programs Offered:
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Radiologic Sciences
- Respiratory Therapy
- Advanced Imaging Certificate
- Radiation Therapy Certificate
- Nuclear Medicine Certificate
Quick Facts from Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus
- Number of Clinical sites: 20 including distant sites in various states (variable depending on the number of available sites).
- Number of Students accepted: 20 (variable depending on the number of available sites)
Program Director: Myka Bussey-Campbell MEd, RDMS, RT(R)
* Additional details about GSU’s sonography degree, program outcomes, tuition and fees can be found here: https://chp.georgiasouthern.edu/diagnostic/undergraduate-majors-and-certificates/radiologic-sciences/radiologic-sciences-sonography/
Grady Health Systems
Campus Location: 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Programs Offered:
- Course of study in General Concentration awards a certificate from Grady Health System upon graduation.
Quick Facts from Grady Health Systems
- Advanced-level program is a full-time, daytime program lasting 18 months.
- 13 students may be accepted every 18 months.
- Prepares the graduate for a rewarding career in diagnostic medical sonography in the areas of Abdomen and OB/GYN.
- Program Costs *$13,480
Program Director: Jessi Clark, BS, R.T.(R), RDMS
* Additional details about GHU’s sonography degree, program outcomes, tuition and fees can be found here: https://www.gradyhealth.org/resources/gedt3/
** Full program details can be found here: https://www.gradyhealth.org/education-training/schools-of-imaging-technologies/the-school-of-diagnostic-medical-sonography/#program-information
Gwinnett Technical College
Campus Location: Gwinnett Tech Admissions Office
100 Building
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Programs Offered:
- Associate Degree – Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AAS
Quick Facts from Grady Health Systems
- Typically 16 students per class.
- DMS Program is five consecutive semesters, about 21 months.
- Coursework includes: sonographic physics, sonographic identification of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology of the abdomen, pelvis, and small parts of the adult, pediatric and fetal patient, clinical application courses, interventional sonography, journal and case study review, and comprehensive registry reviews.
Program Director: Kimberly Strong BA, RDMS, RVT
* Additional details about Gwinnett Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, including tuition and fees can be found here: https://www.gwinnetttech.edu/diagnosticmedicalsonography/
* Full details about DMS program goals and outcomes can be found here: https://www.gwinnetttech.edu/fullpanel/uploads/files/dms%20goals%20and%20outcomes71618.pdf
Ogeechee Technical College
Campus Location: One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd., Statesboro, GA 30458 USA
Programs Offered:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Degree
- Echocardiography AAS Degree
- Health Care Science Certificate (Sonography Track)
Quick Facts from Ogeechee Technical College
- Sonography program at Ogeechee Tech is a competitive, highly structured program that equips students with the skills they need to achieve educational and career goals in the field of sonography.
- 2018 Job Placement: General Sonography 100% and 92% for Echocardiography.
- Prepare graduates to function as safe and competent practitioners in Sonography.
Program Director: Tina Welch, MA, RDMS, RVT, RCS, RT, (R)
Echocardiography Instructor: Capre Mitchell
* Additional details about Ogeechee Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, program goals and outcomes, including tuition and fees can be found here: http://www.ogeecheetech.edu/sonography-program-info
* Ogeechee Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program flyer: http://www.ogeecheetech.edu/docs/d_Programs/ProgramFlyers/ProgramFlyer_Sonography.pdf
If a school in your community does not offer a DMS program, you may consider exploring one of the related programs in medical imaging or other careers in allied healthcare.
Georgia’s Medical Imaging Mentors
One of the best ways to learn about a career and find out if it matches your skills and interests is to talk to someone who is currently working as a sonographer.
Yonella Demars, MSRS RDMS (Ab, Ob/Gyn, PS) RVT
We’ve been lucky enough to interview many leaders in sonography, including sonographer, author and Program Director Yonella Demars, MSRS RDMS (Ab, Ob/Gyn, PS) RVT, who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Sciences: Diagnostic Medical Sonography from Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA.
Certification Requirements in Georgia
Georgia does not currently require sonographers to obtain licensure or certification. Many states are considering mandating licensure, and most employers prefer or require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
In order to be eligible to take the ARDMS exam, you must meet their prerequisites.
The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. There are several locations throughout Georgia where you can take the exam:
- 239 Village Center Pkwy, Stockbridge, GA 30281
- 6055 Lakeside Commons Dr #110, Macon, GA 31210
- 1279 Kennestone Cir, Marietta, GA 30066
- 1117 Perimeter Center W, Dunwoody, GA 30346
- 2 Corporate Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
- 1117 Perimeter Center W e311, Atlanta, GA 30338
- 1838 Old Norcross Rd STE 100, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Besides graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school, the second easiest way to qualify for the exam is 12 months of full-time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Georgia to ensure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
Additional Certification Information
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Georgia?
Sonographers in Georgia earn a mean annual salary of $60,750*, according the to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The amount of education you have can directly impact your salary. An Associate’s 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 25.8% by 2026 (CareerOneStop).
This table shows the median annual mean salaries for the major metropolitan areas of Georgia:*
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County | $69,750 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $65,250 |
| Savannah | $74,870 |
| Albany | $57,570 |
| Middle Georgia | $49,340 |
City Spotlight: Atlanta, Georgia
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Greater Atlanta, Georgia
There are currently two 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.
Is Atlanta a good place to study sonography?
Attending one of Atlanta’s ultrasound training programs could lead to future employment in the area, as the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta region is among the country’s top ten metropolitan areas for employing diagnostic medical sonographers, according to the BLS.
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
Other resources:
- Getting started
- Sonographer overview
- Degrees
- What makes a great sonographer
- Careers & education
- Other jobs in healthcare
*Conditions in your area may vary.