Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Michigan. Explore medical imaging education and career opportunities across the Lower Peninsula.
Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Michigan.
Ultrasound technician schools in Michigan in 2021 are equipped to give you the quality education and training you need to secure a job in this competitive and growing market.
Getting Started as a Sonographer in Michigan
Using the power of sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) perform ultrasound imaging procedures on patients, which allows them to capture photos of their internal organs or vascular system. Medical teams use these images to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, as well as monitor the growth of a fetus.
Sonography is becoming increasingly popular because of the high salary, short education and training period, and the fact that job availability is expected to increase by 19.2% by 2026 in Michigan (CareerOneStop). We will go into each of these topics further, as well as connect you with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
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 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 Michigan 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. 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 Michigan in 2021
The Michigan schools listed below have been accredited by CAAHEP and offer degrees or certificates in medical imaging as of August 2020:
10 Accredited Schools | Campus Location |
---|---|
Ascension Providence Hospital/Madonna University | Southfield, MI |
Baker College | Auburn Hills, MI |
Delta College | University Center, MI |
Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI |
Grand Valley State University | Grand Rapids, MI |
Henry Ford Hospital | Detroit, MI |
Jackson College | Jackson, MI |
Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor, MI |
Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI |
Oakland Community College | Southfield, MI |
A Closer Look at Michigan’s Ten CAAHEP Accredited DMS Programs
Ascension Providence Hospital/Madonna University
📍 Campus Location
Ascension Providence Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Madonna University Sonography Proram
16001 West Nine Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48075
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Tracey Olldashi BA,RDMS, RVT
Initial Accreditation Date: 4/27/1996
Program Website: Providence Hospital/Madonna University
Baker College
📍 Campus Location
Baker College SonographyProgram
1500 University Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Kathleen Groesbeck-Moran BS, MS, RDCS
Initial Accreditation Date: 9/19/2008
Program Website: Baker College
Delta College
📍 Campus Location
Delta College Sonography Program
1961 Delta Rd
University Center, MI 48710
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Kim Boldt BS, RDMS, RVT, RDCS
Initial Accreditation Date: 4/19/2002
Program Website: Delta College
Ferris State University
📍 Campus Location
Ferris State University Sonography Program
200 Ferris Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Michelle Weemaes MS, RDMS, RVT
Initial Accreditation Date: 11/21/2008
Program Website: Ferris State University
Grand Valley State University
📍Campus Location
Grand Valley State University Sonography Program
301 Michigan Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Tatyana Beaves MD, RDMS, RDCS
Initial Accreditation Date: 5/16/2008
Program Website: Grand Valley State University
Henry Ford Hospital
📍Campus Location
Henry Ford Hospital Sonography Program
2799 West Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI 48202
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Elena Gainey MD, RDMS
Initial Accreditation Date: 1/26/1984
Program Website: Henry Ford Hospital
Jackson College
📍Campus Location
Jackson College Sonography Program
2111 Emmons Rd
Jackson, MI 49201
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Heather Ruttkofsky MA, RVT
Initial Accreditation Date: 10/20/2000
Program Website: Jackson College
Lake Michigan College
📍Campus Location
Lake Michigan College Sonography Program
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022-1899
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Elizabeth Zak MS, RDMS, RVT
Initial Accreditation Date: 5/16/2014
Program Website: Lake Michigan College
Lansing Community College
📍Campus Location
Lansing Community College Sonography Proram
515 North Washington Square HHS-108
Lansing, MI 48933
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Jamia Dunckel MBA, RT(R), RDMS
Initial Accreditation Date: 4/23/2004
Program Website: Lansing Community College
Oakland Community College
📍Campus Location
Oakland Community College Sonography Proram
22322 Rutland Drive
Southfield, MI 48075
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Kelly Warren BS, RDMS, RVT
Initial Accreditation Date: 10/24/1984
Program Website: Oakland Community College
What do the Students Have to Say?
“I am so grateful for this program at Baker College Owosso. I have met wonderful lifelong friend. I have learned things about myself that I didn’t know about. I have also challenged myself more than ever.” Haylee B., 2020 USI scholarship finalist and student at BCO.
Certification Requirements in Michigan
Michigan does not require practicing ultrasound technicians to receive certification or licensure. However, most employers prefer or require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), which provides the most highly regarded certification to sonographers.
The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you must meet their prerequisites. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of four testing locations in Michigan:
- 161 Ottawa Ave NW STE 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- 1595 W Lake Lansing Rd #230, East Lansing, MI 48823
- 26555 Evergreen Rd STE 125, Southfield, MI 48076
- 325 E Eisenhower Pkwy # 3A, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
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 Michigan to ensure 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
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Michigan?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Michigan is $62,990,* which is a bit lower than the national mean of $75,780.
The salary you earn depends on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience, and more. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, and larger imaging centers and hospitals also tend to offer competitive benefit programs in addition to the base salary. Additionally, receiving an Associate’s Degree is required to become an entry level sonographer, while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can open you up to higher paying job positions.
The following table compares the average annual salaries for sonographers across the major metropolitan areas of Michigan:*
Michigan city or metro area | Mean Salary |
---|---|
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $65,780 |
Flint, MI | $53,900 |
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $60,960 |
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
City Spotlight: Detroit, Michigan
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Detroit
According to the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, more than half of all healthcare related businesses in Michigan is conducted in Detroit. In addition, the healthcare industry contributes approximately $36 billion to Detroit’s economy each year. The industry is also predicted to increase jobs by 19.2% by 2026 across Michigan.
Professional ultrasound technicians and other allied health personnel are being sought after in Detroit. Get started on a career as a sonographer by attending one of the programs in the Detroit area, such as those offered by Henry Ford Hospital.
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in Michigan 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 Michigan?
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.