Using the power of sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers perform ultrasound imaging procedures to capture photos of patients’ internal organs, tissues, and vascular system. Referring physicians use these images to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions as well as monitor the growth of a fetus.
Sonography is gaining momentum as a career due to the potentially high salary, relatively short education and training period, and strong job growth. 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.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Mississippi
- Choose Your Program and Apply. Ultrasound programs are offered at Community Colleges and Universities, and it’s important to do your research before you apply. Pay particular attention to the accreditation of the program, and if possible, select one accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Get Your Degree. Sonographers must have at least an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in DMS. Some schools offer accelerated certificate programs for those who qualify.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Any prospective employer will likely require certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will qualify you to sit for their exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
When a school or program becomes accredited, it means that it has been reviewed by an outside agency for quality. 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 meet the educational standards needed to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of an accredited Mississippi DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the 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 hereto learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Mississippi in 2023
There is only one school in Mississippi that is CAAHEP accredited and offers certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of January 2023:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinds Community College 1750 Chadwick Drive Jackson, MS 39204 |
Obstetrics and Gynecology or Abdominal-Extended | Meet the minimum ACT score or complete 3 credit hours of English and 3 credit hours of math. | Download 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. | |||
Scholarships, Grants, and Awards
Figuring out how to pay for school is understandably one of the more stressful and confusing aspects for students and their families. It’s important to understand the difference between a financial gift and a loan, as well as the red flags to look out for. Visit our Financial Aid Portal to learn more.
Below are just a few of the scholarships and awards available to students who qualify in Mississippi:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 twice a year | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| Mississippi Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP) | Tuition and fees | Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and enrollment in a full-time degree program at a higher institution. | Complete the FASFA and the online application. |
| The Alan D. Waggoner Sonographer Student Scholarship Award | $1,000 | Students attending a CAAHEP accredited program with an interest in echocardiography and leadership | American Society of Echocardiography The Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals 2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 450 Durham, NC 27713 919.861.5574 |
| Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Scholarship | $2,500 | Awarded to students enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited sonography or cardiovascular technology program. | Complete the online application. |
| Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid | Varies | The state of Mississippi offers millions of dollars in financial aid to a variety of students attending state colleges. | Complete the online application and submit documents. |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Mississippi?
The mean annual salary for sonographers in Mississippi was $63,900, or $30.72 per hour in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Conditions in your area may vary. Those in the top of their field in the 90th percentile earned a mean annual wage of $78,670, while those just starting out earned up to $47,690 a year. Job availability in Mississippi is expected to increase by 15% by 2031 (O*Net).
Where you work, your level of education, whether or not you received certification from the ARDMS, and more play a role in how much you can earn. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, though hospitals have the highest employment numbers. In addition, diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an Associate of Science Degree, and earning a Bachelor’s Degree may open you up to higher paying positions as well.
Certification Requirements in Mississippi
There are currently no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Mississippi. However, many states are considering moving toward required certification, so it’s a smart thing to consider as you search for jobs. In addition, most employers prefer or require certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. Below are two testing locations in Mississippi where you can take the exam once you meet the required ARDMS prerequisites:
- 431 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804
- 6360 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd #250, Jackson, MS 39211
Graduating from a certificate or degree program accredited by the CAAHEP will automatically qualify you to sit for the ARDMS certification exam.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, along with Boston, MA, tied for first place in the 2015 City Livability Awards Program. Known for its Southern Hospitality, Hattiesburg has seen a lot of positive growth over the past decade, and the city has been putting resources into continuing to improve education and employment. The healthcare industry accounts for roughly 17% of the area’s economy, and jobs are predicted to grow by 5% by 2028.
Consider attending a sonography program in Hattiesburg and become part of the growing field. If you don’t see a program in your area, consider pursuing a certificate or degree in one of the many allied health fields, most of which are predicted to have strong job growth.
Other resources: