Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Minnesota. Explore medical imaging education and career opportunities in the land of 10,000 lakes.
Minnesota is 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 one of their surveys. Compared to all states, Minnesota ranks especially well in access to care, care affordability, and care coordination.
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 20.5% by 2026 in Minnesota (CareerOneStop). We will go into each of these topics later, as well as connect you with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The main organization that accredits sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school receives accreditation from 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 a recognized Minnesota 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 Minnesota in 2020
The following schools offer sonography programs that have been accredited by CAAHEP as of August 2020:
| 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 | 1245 15th Street North 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
Currently, there are no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Minnesota. However, receiving an ultrasound tech license in Minnesota can put you ahead of other job candidates because many 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 in Minnesota:
- 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
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Minnesota?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Minnesota is $81,130,* which is higher than the national mean of $75,780. In addition, ultrasound techs working in Minnesota earned approximately $39.01 an hour.* Those at the top of their field in the 90th percentile earned an annual mean wage of $100,640,* while those in the bottom 10th percentile earned a mean salary of $65,830* a year.
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.
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
Financial Assistance for Sonographers in MN
Minnesota residents have the opportunity to apply for medical imaging 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 |
| 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 | Jill Abenth 324 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 info@hawkinsonfoundation.org |
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:
- Getting started
- Sonographer overview
- Degrees
- What makes a great sonographer
- Careers & education
- Other jobs in healthcare
*Conditions in your area may vary.