Using the power of sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers perform ultrasound procedures on patients, which allows them to capture images of their internal organs, tissues, 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 as a career is becoming increasingly popular in part because of the relatively high salary, short educational and training period, and the strong job market. 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.
How to Become a Sonographer in Michigan in 2026
- Apply to an Accredited Ultrasound Program. The accreditation of the program you are interested in is one of the most important factors to consider, and it’s best to find one accredited by the CAAHEP. Michigan has 13 schools that offer CAAHEP accredited DMS and cardiovascular sonography programs.
- Get Your Degree. Sonographers must have a minimum of an Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Depending on your previous education and experience, you may qualify for an accelerated certificate program, or you may wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Certification, typically by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), is required by almost every prospective employer. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited sonography program will qualify you to sit for their exam.
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
Accreditation by an outside agency is the process that a school or program goes through that provides an independent assessment of the quality of education that they provide. 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.
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.
Accredited Sonography Programs in Michigan in 2026
The following programs have been accredited by the CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in DMS as of May 2025:
Ascension Providence Hospital
Location:
16001 W. Nine Mile
Southfield, MI 48075
Programs Offered: 21-month Certificate program in Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography
Prerequisites: Completion of 2-year Allied-Health program or enrollment in Concordia’s DMS Bachelor’s program
How to Apply: Applications due by December 16th
Baker College of Owosso
Location:
1020 S Washington St
Owosso, MI 48867
Programs Offered: AAS in Sonography with tracks in Adult Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn
Prerequisites: Direct admission program for high-performing high school seniors
How to Apply: Apply by December 15
Student Reflections from Baker College of Owosso
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Haylee B., Baker College of Owosso
Haylee was a 2020 Ultrasound Schools Info scholarship finalist and a student in the sonography program at BCO.
“I am so grateful for this program at Baker College Owosso. I have met wonderful lifelong friends. I have learned things about myself that I didn’t know about. I have also challenged myself more than ever.”
See more reflections from past scholarship recipients.
Carnegie Institute School of Allied Health
Location:
550 Stephenson Highway
Troy, MI 48083
Programs Offered: Diplomas in Invasive Cardiovascular Tech, Adult Echo, and Vascular Study
Prerequisites: Associate degree plus Allied Health training and clinical experience
How to Apply: See admission info
Delta College
Location:
1961 Delta Rd
University Center, MI 48710
Programs Offered: Degree or Certificate in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended sonography
Prerequisites: Graduation from Allied Health program or completion of prerequisite courses
How to Apply: Request info
Ferris State University
Location:
1201 S. State Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Programs Offered: AS degree with concentrations in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography
Prerequisites: Completion of required prerequisite courses
How to Apply: Apply between Feb 1–15
Grand Valley State University
Location:
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401
Programs Offered: Bachelor’s degree with multiple sonography concentrations
Prerequisites: Selective admission for students who’ve completed 2 years of prerequisites
How to Apply: Visit Admissions
Inside the GVSU Sonography Program

Erica Wiencek, Grand Valley State University
Erica was named the Fall 2022 recipient of the Ultrasound Schools Info Student Scholarship. As a student in GVSU’s rigorous DMS program, she is preparing for multiple ARDMS registries and gaining hands-on experience across diverse clinical sites.
“Every day I spend at Grand Valley pursuing my degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography further solidifies in my mind that I chose the right program.”
Read Erica’s full scholarship essay for a student’s perspective on the GVSU sonography experience.
Henry Ford Hospital
Location:
2799 West Grand Blvd
Detroit, MI 48202
Programs Offered: Certificate in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended sonography
Prerequisites: Prior education and 40 hours documented patient care experience
How to Apply: Call (800) 436-7936 for details
Jackson College
Location:
2111 Emmons Rd
Jackson, MI 49272
Programs Offered: AAS in General Sonography with four specialties
Prerequisites: Successful completion of required courses
How to Apply: Request info
Kirtland Community College
Location:
4800 W 4 Mile Road
Grayling, MI 49738
Programs Offered: AAS in Cardiac Sonography
Prerequisites: Completion of required courses
How to Apply: Apply here
Lake Michigan College
Location:
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Programs Offered: AAS in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn Sonography
Prerequisites: Completion of required courses
How to Apply: View application process
Lansing Community College
Location:
600 N. Grand Avenue
Lansing, MI
Programs Offered: AAS in DMS or Certificate in Vascular Technology
Prerequisites: Selective-admission program with point-based evaluation
How to Apply: Download advising PDF
Oakland Community College
Location:
2480 Opdyke Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Programs Offered: 18-month AAS in DMS
Prerequisites: Required courses and HESI admission assessment
How to Apply: Create account to apply
Schoolcraft College
Location:
18600 Haggerty Rd
Livonia, MI 48152
Programs Offered: AAS in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn Sonography
Prerequisites: Limited-enrollment program with required coursework
How to Apply: Apply to college first
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs are available to many students who meet the qualifications.
Visit our Financial Aid center to learn about the various programs and ensure you’re protected as you go through the process.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those students who qualify in Michigan:
Ultrasound Schools Info
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program.
How to Apply:
Ultrasound Schools InfoAttn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 3026, Bellingham, WA 98227
scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com
Gerber Foundation
Award: Varies
Eligibility: Academically competitive students from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, or Oceana Counties.
How to Apply: Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on February 28th of each year. Create an account and apply.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Award: Variety of scholarships available
Eligibility: The Kent County Foundation offers a variety of needs-based scholarships.
How to Apply: Applications are accepted between December 1st and March 1st. Students need only submit one application to apply for several scholarships.
Flegenheimer Family Scholarship
Award: Varies
Eligibility: Students must reside in Saginaw County.
How to Apply: Visit the Saginaw Community Foundation scholarship website to learn more.
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 $74,770, or $35.95 per hour. Conditions in your area may vary.
The salary you earn depends on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience, and the area in which you work. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, and larger imaging centers and hospitals offer competitive benefit programs in addition to the base salary.
Certification Requirements in Michigan
Michigan does not require practicing ultrasound technicians to receive certification. However, most employers prefer or require professional credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you must meet their one of their prerequisites. Students who obtain their degree at a CAAHEP accredited institution will automatically qualify to sit for their exam, often in the last semester of school.
Additional Certification Information
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.

