The role of a sonographer is vital in today’s medical care. Working closely alongside physicians, ultrasound techs use specialized equipment that produces sound waves in order to capture images of the inside of the body. Those images are used by physicians to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a fetus.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Kansas
- Choose an Accredited Program. When researching schools, look for accreditation from the CAAHEP. This will attest to the quality of the education you will receive. Kansas has 3 colleges that have received this accreditation.
- Get Your Degree. Ultrasound Techs must have a minimum of an Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. There are certificate programs for those who meet the entrance requirements, as well as Bachelor’s programs from some Universities.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will prepare and qualify you to sit for the certification exam administered by the ARDMS. It’s almost certain that any prospective employer will require this certification.
Connect With Educational Programs Near You
Why Choose an Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
The primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by the CAAHEP once it has met their Accreditation Standards and Guidelines as well as passed a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This ensures that the school can provide a high quality education to their students.
The successful completion of an accredited ultrasound program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam.
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 Ultrasound Technician Schools in Kansas
The following Kansas schools have been accredited by the CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of October 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labette Community College 200 S 14th St Parsons, KS 67357 |
AS degree in General or Vascular sonography | Associate or Bachelor’s degree with a medical component. | Download the application and submit by July of each year. |
| University of Kansas Medical Center 3901 Rainbow Blvd, G-600 MS 4032 Kansas City, KS 66160 |
18-month certificate program in General or Vascular sonography | Applicant must have completed or be currently enrolled in a radiologic technology program. Certain course requirements also apply. | Application period opens in September for start date the following Fall |
| Washburn University 1700 SW College Ave. Topeka, KS 66621 |
Online program with specialization available in General, Cardiac, or Vascular sonography | Minimum of an Associate Degree in a healthcare program with hands-on patient care clinical rotations. | Applications must be submitted by February 1st. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Meet an Inspiring Student
Jessica Dondlinger from Washburn University was the winner of the Spring 2022 Ultrasound Schools Info scholarship! Read her winning essay to learn what drives her to be the best.
Kansas Student Scholarships and Awards
How to finance an eduction can be one of the more pressing issues for students and families. Understanding the grants, loans, and scholarships available to students is important, as is knowing how to spot a scam. Visit our financial aid portal to learn more.
Below are some of the scholarships that are available in Kansas to those students who qualify. Visit each scholarship for more information and to apply.
| 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 |
| Kansas Comprehensive Grant | $100-$3,500 | Provides assistance to full-time Kansas residents who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled in a participating institution. | Complete the FASFA. |
| Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program | Average of $1,500 | Students enrolled in a higher education institution who demonstrate high academic achievement. | Todd Brown Iowa State Department of Education 515-725-3450 todd.brown@iowa.gov |
| Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship | Up to $1,850 annually | Ethnic minorities who possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, academic strength, and complete the required curriculum. | Complete the FASFA and the application. |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Kansas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage in Kansas in 2022 was $81,920, or $39.87 an hour. Those in the top earning 10th percentile in Kansas earned a wage of $99,270 a year, while those at the bottom 10th percentile made up to about $64,000. Conditions in your area may vary.
Where you work, amount of education, whether or not you received certification from the ARDMS, and more play a role in how much you can earn. Diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an Associate Degree, and it’s growing at a rapid pace. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree can open you up to higher paying positions as well.
Certification Requirements in Kansas
There are currently no specific licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Kansas. However, many states are discussing making the move toward required licensure, so you may want to consider it if you want to stand out amongst other potential job candidates. The most common and highly regarded certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam, and you must first meet one of their prerequisites.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Andy Johnson and Abby Wagle, Hawks for Health
There are many benefits to volunteering while pursuing your degree. Just take it from Andy Johnson and Abby Wagle, the 2015-2016 Program Coordinators of Hawks for Health at the University of Kansas (KU). Hawks for Health connects KU students with volunteer opportunities on campus and in the Lawrence, Kansas community. It’s just one of many programs at KU’s Center for Community Outreach (CCO).
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Wichita
The economy in Wichita is growing strongly, making it a great place to go to school for sonography. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that Wichita employed 160 sonographers in 2021, who earned a mean annual salary of $76,720. In addition, job availability for sonographers in Kansas statewide is predicted to increase by 17% by 2030 (O*Net). To be part of this growing industry, consider attending an ultrasound technician program in Wichita, or a program in one of the related allied healthcare fields.
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in Kansas do?
Sonographers do much more than just image internal organs. They also work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients, and evaluate the images they capture. Learn more on our ultrasound technician career overview page. Get a complete job description, as well as first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a sonographer.
How do I get started as a medical sonographer in Kansas?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started a 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, which will allow you to earn an Associate Degree, though program lengths may vary depending on particular program requirements. You can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which may allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.
How do I know if sonography is right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Click here to find out about the qualities that make a great sonographer.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry other than diagnostic sonography, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
