Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Kansas. Explore medical imaging educational and career opportunities near you.
The role of a sonographer (also called an ultrasound technician) is vital in today’s medical care. Working closely alongside physicians, ultrasound techs use special 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.
Sonography is becoming a widely popular career choice. This is because of the short educational and training period and high salary. Job outlook for sonographers in Kansas is expected to increase by 15.4% by 2026 (CareerOneStop), making it another great career choice. We will go into each of these topics later, as well as connect you with accredited schools where you can complete the education you need to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
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 DMS 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 as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of a recognized Kansas DMS 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 semi-annual $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Kansas
The following Kansas schools have been accredited by CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of August 2020:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labette Community College | 200 S 14th St Parsons, KS 67357 |
Brian Vediz RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R) | 3/15/2013 |
| University of Kansas Medical Center | 3901 Rainbow Blvd, G-600 MS 4032 Kansas City, KS 66160 |
Candace Spalding BA, RDMS, RVT, RT(R) | 9/16/2005 |
| Washburn University | 1700 SW College Ave. Topeka, KS 66621 |
Keith Farwell MHSc, RDCS, CPTA | 9/15/2006 |
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).
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. There are two locations where you can take the exam in Kansas:
- 7701 E Kellogg Dr #750, Wichita, KS 67207
- 8700 Indian Creek Pkwy, Overland Park, KS 66210
In order to be eligible to take the ARDMS exam, you must first meet their prerequisites.
Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Kansas and do the research to make sure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for. You may even want to talk to prospective employers about the certification and educational requirements they have.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Kansas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage in Kansas in 2019 was $76,670,* or $36.86 an hour. This is just above the national average of $75,780. Those in the 90th percentile in Kansas earned a mean wage of $98,520* a year, while those at the bottom 10th percentile made an average annual salary of $57,250.*
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. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, though hospitals have the highest employment numbers. In addition, diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an Associate’s Degree, and it’s growing at a rapid pace. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree will open you up to higher paying positions as well.
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 1,296 sonographers in 2019, who earned an average weekly wage of $907.* In addition, job availability for sonographers in Kansas statewide is predicted to increase by 15.4% by 2026 (CareerOneStop). 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’s Degree. You can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will 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.
*Conditions in your area may vary.