EXPLORE 2020’s TOP ACCREDITED SONOGRAPHY PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA.
The field of diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is growing. Connect with schools that offer this program near you. Below you will find the accredited sonography schools in Georgia for 2020.
Also referred to as ultrasound technicians, they operate specialty equipment that uses sound waves to create images of patients’ internal systems and organs. The vital role they play in hospitals and clinics across Georgia is paramount to successful diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many illnesses and disorders. In this career, you can expect to work closely with physicians and other colleagues in allied healthcare.
Pursuing your degree from one of the ultrasound technician schools in Georgia will put you on the path to joining this rapidly growing field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for diagnostic medical sonographers in Georgia is expected to grow by 26% by 2026 .
Source: Career OneStop
Getting Started as a Sonographer in Georgia
First things first.
High schools students who enjoy science and math tend to excel in healthcare related fields. Your first step in 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 before applying to their programs.
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.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
What schools in Georgia offer sonography programs?
Below you will find a directory of schools that offer sonography training in Georgia, as well as more information about state certification requirements, career outlook, and salary information.
Competitive Admissions
You will find many of the top sonography certification programs to be Selective or note that their programs have Competitive Admissions. Understanding your degree options and completing the required prerequisites can fast-forward your start to a rewarding career.
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. Some students do choose to relocate to another area of the state to peruse their degree, but this of course will require a additional level of planning and preparation.
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
What Is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter?
For a program or school to be accredited means that they satisfy the parameters set forth by an outside agency. For schools that offer sonography programs, the most widely accepted accreditation comes from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Each of these schools has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
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 (SPI) examination.
- 5 answered questions about getting started in Sonography
- Sonography schools in Atlanta, Georgia
- Learn about our Spring 2020 Sonography Student Scholarship
Accredited Sonography Schools in Georgia in 2020
There are currently nine accredited sonography training schools in Georgia. Each of these institutions has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs as of January 2020.
| 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
Georgia’s Medical Imaging Mentors
One of the best ways to learn about a career and find out if it could be a match for your skills and interests is to chat with, and ask questions of 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
Our 2020 review of state DMS licensing requirements showed that Georgia does not currently require licensure or certification to be an ultrasound technician. Many states are considering adding sonography to the list of occupations that require a state license, and most employers require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in Georgia
The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. There are many locations throughout Georgia to take the exam, and you can find them on the PearsonVue website.
The most direct way to qualify to sit for the exam is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Otherwise, you’ll need 12 months of full time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Georgia, and do the research to make sure 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 an average annual salary of $61,580.
The amount of education you have can have a direct impact on salary. An associate’s degree is required for most entry-level sonography positions, while bachelor degree holders have more opportunities available to them.
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 Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologists in Georgia
- Ultrasound techs earn $29.61 an hour on average.
- There are currently around 1,700 working sonographers in Georgia
- Jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 26% by 2026
This table shows the median annual salaries for the major metropolitan areas of Georgia:
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlanta-Clarke County | $66,020 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $62,300 |
| Savannah | $61,030 |
| Albany | $56,050 |
| Middle Georgia | $47,890 |
Georgia sonography salary information provided by Career OneStop.
City Spotlight: Atlanta, Georgia
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Greater Atlanta, Georgia
There are currently two accredited ultrasound schools that serve Atlanta. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology and Grady Health System both serve the greater Atlanta area.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology is actually 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.
If you would like to earn your diagnostic medical sonography degree while living in Atlanta, we suggest that you take a closer look at the these programs to better understand their admissions requirements, time commitments, and costs.
Is Atlanta a good place to study sonography?
Earning your sonography certification in Atlanta is certainly worth exploring. Like many metro areas across the country, cost of living, transportation, and housing are important topics to research. 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, states the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We suggest that you visit the schools you are interested in and compare each program so you can make an well informed choice.
How many sonographers work in Atlanta?
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, there were 220 sonographers working specifically in the City of Atlanta, with a projected increase of 48.20% more jobs by 2020.
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
Answers to 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the responsibilities of an ultrasound technician?
Answer: Working as an ultrasound technician comes with certain responsibilities and duties. Each day they are presented with a number of patient cases that range from routine to emergency life saving procedures. There’s much more to the job in addition to imaging internal organs. Providing quality care and compassion to those who may be ill, worried, or upset is all part of the job. Take a closer look at the ultrasound technician job description to learn more and find first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a sonographer.
How do I get started as an ultrasound tech in Georgia?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started any formal post-education program, all the way through finding a job and advancing in your career. Get Started Now.
How long do I have to go to school?
Most degree programs are completed within two years.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Here’s how you’ll know if you’ve got what it takes.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.