Find Mississippi’s Sonography Schools in 2021
Using the power of sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers perform ultrasound imaging procedures on patients, which allows them to capture photos of their internal organs or 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 seeing lots of momentum because of the potential for a high salary, relatively short education and training period, and that fact that job availability in Mississippi is expected to increase by 6% by 2028 (O*Net). 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 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 provide a high quality education to their students as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of a recognized Mississippi 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 Mississippi in 2021
There is only one school in Mississippi that is CAAHEP accredited and offers certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of August 2020:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinds Community College 1750 Chadwick Drive Jackson, MS 39204 |
12-month Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Applicants must be graduates of a JCERT Radiologic Technology Program.
Minimum ACT Composite score of 19. |
Download application. |
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 licensure, 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
How Much do Ultrasound Techs make in Mississippi?
The mean annual salary for sonographers in Mississippi in 2020 is $62,600, or $30.10 per hour, 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 $81,500, while those in the bottom 10th percentile earned up to $44,470 a year.
Where you work, amount 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 will open you up to higher paying positions as well.
Mississippi Scholarships and Awards
Below are just a few of the scholarships and awards available to those 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. |
| Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program | $1,500 on average | Academically talented high school graduates accepted to a higher education program. | Todd Brown Iowa State Department of Education 515-725-3450 todd.brown@iowa.gov |
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 improving 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.
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