Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Mississippi. Explore medical imaging educational and career opportunities near you.
Using the power of sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) perform ultrasound imaging procedures on patients, which allows them to capture photos of their internal organs or vascular system. Medical teams 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 high salary, short education and training period, and that fact that job availability is expected to increase by 14.7% by 2026 (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.
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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 2020
There is only one school in Mississippi that is CAAHEP accredited and offers certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of August 2020:
Hinds Community College – Jackson Campus
1750 Chadwick Drive
Jackson, MS 39204
(601) 376-4821
Program Director: Lesa Wilson MSHS, RDMS, RT(M)
Email: lbwilson@hindscc.edu
HCC obtained accreditation in in 2006 for their General Medical Sonography program.
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
Besides graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school, the second easiest way to qualify for the exam is 12 months of full-time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in [state] to ensure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for. You may even want to talk to prospective employers about the certification and educational requirements they have.
Additional Certification Information
How Much do Ultrasound Techs make in Mississippi?
The mean annual salary for sonographers in Mississippi is $61,480,* according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is a bit lower than the national median of $75,780. In addition, sonographers in Mississippi earned approximately $29.59.* Those in the top of their field in the 90th percentile earned an average annual wage of $59,970,* while those in the bottom 10th percentile earned a mean salary of $43,710* a year, as of May 2019.
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’s Degree, and earning a Bachelor’s Degree will open you up to higher paying positions as well.
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 14.7% by 2026.
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:
- Getting started
- Sonographer overview
- Degrees
- What makes a great sonographer
- Careers & education
- Other jobs in healthcare
*Conditions in your area may vary.