Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Minnesota. Explore medical imaging education and career opportunities in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Listed below are all of the accredited Sonography schools in Minnesota in 2020. You can be part of the rapidly growing field of Sonography by obtaining your degree at one of the ultrasound technician schools in Minnesota.
If there are no sonography programs located in your area, consider one of the many related careers in healthcare. Nation-wide, job growth is expected across the healthcare industry. Read on for information on job outlook, salaries, and more.
Minnesota has long been known as a worldwide leader in the health care industry. In fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, rates the state as “strong” in their most recent survey. Compared to all states, Minnesota ranks especially well in Access to Care, Care Affordability, and Care Coordination.
It’s home to the world’s best known medical facility, the Mayo Clinic, where people from around the world travel for their medical care. As the overall population of Minnesota continues to age, employment in the healthcare industry is expected to grow dramatically. Not only does an aging population need more medical care, but it also leaves gaps in the workforce.
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CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
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 Minnesota DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Minnesota in 2020
The following schools have sonography programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) as of March 2019.
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic – College of Medicine & Science | 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905 |
Rebecca Madery MEd, RDMS, RVT | 05/2/1991 |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | 1540 Northway Drive St. Cloud, MN 56303 |
Jeff Gunderson MS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R) | 05/20/2005 |
| St. Catherine University | 2004 Randolph Ave Fontbonne 15 St. Paul, MN 55105 |
Susan Trelstad MAEd, RDMS, RT(R) | 10/23/1994 |
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Minnesota
As of March, 2019, there are no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) in Minnesota. However, gaining ultrasound technician certification in Minnesota can put you ahead of the rest when it comes to searching for a job, and many states are discussing making the move toward required licensure, so it’s something you’re going to want to consider as you explore your educational options.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in Minnesota
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the primary organization offering certification for sonographers. The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam.
There are currently seven locations in Minnesota to take the exam, plus numerous testing centers in surrounding areas. Find the locations and contact information on the ARDMS website, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
The ARDMS has a list of prerequisites that it requires in order to take their test. Graduating from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is probably one of the most common, but there are others as well, which are detailed on the ARDMS Application Checklist. Read through them, and see which one will be the easiest for you to meet. When possible, request information from several ultrasound tech schools in Minnesota, and do the research to make sure that they meet the cost, academic, and certification requirements you’re looking for.
Additional Certification Information
Ultrasound Tech Certification Overview
About the ARDMS Certification
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Minnesota?
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Minnesota made an annual mean wage of $81,130 in May of 2019 (conditions in your area may vary). This income level is higher than the national mean for the career of $75,780/year.
Your annual income can be affected by the size of the imaging department you choose to work in. Larger facilities might offer job perks and employment benefits, while smaller centers may offer more flexibility. The majority of ultrasound techs in Minnesota work in general and surgical hospitals, while others work in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.
Growth in the industry for Minnesota is expected to be much higher than average, with a 21% increase in employment predicted in the decade spanning 2016 to 2026.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologists in Minnesota
- Median Minnesota Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary was $81,130 in May, 2019 (conditions in your area may vary).
- Minneapolis-St.Paul and Bloomington area ultrasound techs earned an hourly mean wage of $39.01.
- Job growth for sonographers in MN is expected to grow by 21% by 2026.
- In 2019, there were 1,190 working sonographers in Minnesota.
Medical Imaging Organizations for Minnesota
Healthcare workers in the state have access to a vast network of societies and organizations to support them in their education and professional career endeavors.
If you are currently working as, or considering becoming a sonographer in Minnesota, we suggest that you contact the MIDWEST Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound to connect with other local professionals in the field.
Formerly called the Minnesota Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound (MSDU), this nonprofit, nonpolitical and nonsectarian society has a mission to “promote, advance and educate its members and the medical community in the science of diagnostic medical sonography”.
You will find their contact information, along with several other state specific resources for MN medical imagers and healthcare workers below.
- Midwest Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Minnesota Radiological Society
- Minnesota Medical Association
- Minnesota Hospital Association
- Minnesota Hospital Jobs
Financial Assistance for Sonographers in MN
Earn a financial reward for your hard work and academic achievement! Residents of Minnesota have the opportunity to apply for medical imaging scholarships to help them with the cost of their education tuition and fees.
For some awards, scholarship finalists must secure enrollment with an accredited program in Minnesota, complete an application, and be available for a personal interview. Eligibility requirements vary by individual scholarship. You’ll find more information regarding available medical imaging and related healthcare scholarships below. Please contact each individual scholarship for their specific application requirements.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation Scholarship | $1,000 | Applicant must be a resident of (or currently attending school in) Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin | Jill Abenth 324 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 info@hawkinsonfoundation.org |
| St. Catherine University – Deans Scholarship | $10,000 – $17,000 | Awarded to St. Catherine University students based on academic achievement or potential as signified by ACT or SAT scores, high school GPA and class rank. | Office of Admission Saint Catherine University 2004 Randolph Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105 (800) 656-5283 admissions@stkate.edu |
| SDMS Foundation Sonography Student Scholarship Program | $2,500 | Deserving sonography student who has been accepted or is currently enrolled in an educational program in diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology that is accredited by CAAHEP. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at +1-214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
| Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship | $5,000 | Scholarship to assist medical imaging professionals who are earning their Bachelor’s Degree Graduate Degree, and seeking to enhance their clinical practice skills and provide excellent patient care. | American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research 15000 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 foundation@asrt.org |
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | A semi-annual, non-renewable $1,000 scholarship awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography program, or a high school student who has been accepted to a program. | Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 Email: scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in Minnesota do?
There’s much more than just imaging internal organs. 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 in Minnesota.
How do I get started as Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Minnesota?
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 ultrasound degree programs in Minnesota 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.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Minneapolis
The Twin Cities are booming. Unemployment is the lowest in the nation amongst large metropolitan areas, and the healthcare market is surging. The University of Minnesota Medical School is one of the top research universities in the country, and Minneapolis consistently ranks as one of the healthiest cities in the nation.
Now is the perfect time to attend a sonography program in Minneapolis and be part of this growing job market. If you don’t see a program in your area, consider one of the many fields within allied health.