Diagnostic medical sonographers play an integral role in the healthcare of Minnesota’s residents. Using the technology of sound waves, ultrasound technologists perform procedures that image the inner workings of the body. Extending beyond obstetrics, these images are used by physicians to identify and diagnose disease within the muscular and vascular systems.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Minnesota
- Choose Your School and Apply. It’s important to find a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and Minnesota has 4, which you will find below. For help understanding the application process visit our 3-part article series by sonographer Adrienne Hardy.
- Get Your Degree. Sonographers need to have at least an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. For those with previous work or educational experience, an accelerated certificate program may be appropriate.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Your prospective employer will likely require certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Make sure the program you’re applying to will prepare you to sit for their exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
The most widely-accepted organization that accredits sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school receives accreditation from the CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines. The school also has to pass a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This makes sure that the school is able to provide a high quality education to their students so they’re prepared to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of an accredited Minnesota 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. 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 Minnesota in 2023
The following schools offer sonography degree or certificate programs that have been accredited by the CAAHEP as of January 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University 1282 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104 |
2-year Applied Science degree in DMS, with concentrations offered in General or Echocardiography Sonography | Certain course prerequisite must be completed prior to application. TEAS minimum score of 62. | Applications are accepted twice per year, due July 1st or November 1st. |
| Mayo Clinic – College of Medicine & Science 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905 |
21-month program offered in MN and Jacksonville, FL. Includes training in abdominal, ObGyn, and vascular sonography | There are course prerequisites as well as patient-care certification requirements. | Application instructions |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College 1245 15th Street North St. Cloud, MN 56303 |
64-credit Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Generalist program | College-level course requirements with a 3.0 minimum GPA | Online application plus complete instructions |
| St. Catherine University 2004 Randolph Ave Fontbonne 15 St. Paul, MN 55105 |
Bachelor’s of Science in Sonography | Applicants must submit their high school or college transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, and essay or personal statement. | Link to begin the online application |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Financial Assistance for Sonography Students in MN
Minnesota residents have the opportunity to apply for scholarships to help them with the cost of their education, tuition, and fees. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | Awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently accepted to or enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 Email: scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| 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 |
| Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship | Varies | For students who have demonstrated outstanding ability, achievement, and potential in one of several subjects: English or creative writing, fine arts, foreign language, math, science, or social science. | Apply directly with participating colleges. |
| SDMS Foundation Sonography Student Scholarship Program | $2,500 | Awarded to a sonography student currently accepted to or enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited DMS or cardiovascular technology program. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at +1-214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
| Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship | $5,000 | Awarded to those who are earning their Bachelor’s Degree Graduate Degree and are seeking to enhance their clinical practice skills. | American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research 15000 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 foundation@asrt.org |
| 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 and demonstrate a commitment to peace and justice. | Jill Abenth 324 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 info@hawkinsonfoundation.org |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Minnesota?
Job growth across the healthcare industry is strong, and sonographers in Minnesota can expect open positions to grow by 15% by 2031. It is a rigorous but rewarding field, and admission to a degree program is competitive. The potential for a strong salary and a relatively short educational and training period has made medical imaging a popular career choice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Minnesota in 2021 was $85,370. Those in the top 90 percent of their field earned an annual mean wage of over $101,000, while those just entering the field could earn up to $73,000 a year. Conditions in your area may vary.
Annual income can be affected by the size of the imaging department where you work. 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.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Minnesota
Currently, there are no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Minnesota. However, virtually all employers prefer or require certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This organization provides the most highly regarded certification to sonographers.
The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. Once you have met the ARDMS’ prerequisites, there are several locations where you can take the exam:
- 7101 Northland Cir N # 102, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
- 792 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379
- 5905 Golden Valley Rd Suite 2, Golden Valley, MN 55422
- 1544 Greenview Dr SW # 1, Rochester, MN 55902
- 2610 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55114
- 5601 Green Valley Dr #150, Bloomington, MN 55437
- 3459 Washington Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Additional Certification Information
Ultrasound Tech Certification Overview
About the ARDMS Certification
Medical Imaging Organizations for Minnesota
Healthcare workers in Minnesota have access to a vast network of societies and organizations that can 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”.
Resources for Minnesota medical imagers and healthcare workers are listed below:
- Minnesota Radiological Society
- Minnesota Medical Association
- Minnesota Hospital Association
- Minnesota Hospital Jobs
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Minneapolis
Unemployment is the lowest in the nation amongst large metropolitan areas such as Minneapolis, 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 become a part of this growing job market. If you don’t see a program in your area, consider one of the many related healthcare fields.
Other resources: