Find Missouri’s Sonography Programs for 2021
Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly trained individuals who play an important role in diagnosing and treating the diseases of their patients. Ultrasound techs use special equipment that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, which are then interpreted by physicians in order to prevent diseases or help a patient heal from one. Sonographers also perform ultrasounds that monitor the health of the fetus of an expecting mother.
Sonography is expected to witness above average job growth. O*Net predicts available jobs for ultrasound techs in Missouri will increase by 23% by 2028. This is partly because of the short education and training period, as well as the potential for a relatively high salary. We will explore each of these topics, as well as connect you with accredited schools where you can receive the quality education you need in order to begin your career.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The most widely recognized organization that accredits sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by the CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines. The school must also pass a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited sonography 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 Missouri in 2021
The schools listed below are CAAHEP accredited and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of January, 2021:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox College 1423 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802 |
Bachelor’s of Science in Diagnostic Imaging OR specialty tracks in CT or DMS Echocardiography | Prerequisites vary depending on educational path | Online application found here |
| St Louis Community College 5600 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 |
Certificate of Proficiency in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Associate Degree, prerequisite courses, and job shadow hours | Program Requirements Checklist |
| St Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City 4401 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64111 |
18-month, full-time, Diagnostic Medical Sonography training program | AAS degree from a JCERT or CAAHEP accredited allied health program | Full admission and application checklist |
| State Fair Community College 3201 W 16th Street Sedalia, MO 65301 |
Associate of Science in DMS with specialty tracks in General or Cardiac sonography | Certain prerequisite courses must be taken plus observation hours required | Request more information here |
| University of Missouri-Columbia 409 Lewis Hall Columbia, MO 65211 |
Bachelor or Master of Health Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Science | Prerequisite courses required to apply | Contact the program director at hdeibm@health.missouri.edu to begin the process of applying |
Certification Requirements in Missouri
There are currently no certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers working in Missouri. However, because many employers prefer or require certification, it’s something to consider if you want an advantage over other potential job candidates.
The most widely accepted certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you must meet one of their prerequisites,, which includes graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of the various testing locations in Missouri:
- 10805 Sunset Office Dr #402, St. Louis, MO 63127
- 1700 E Pointe Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
- 2833A Battlefield Rd #106, Springfield, MO 65804
- 901 S National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897
- 9200 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64114
- 2025 Craigshire Rd # 130, St. Louis, MO 63146
- 3221 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Missouri?
The mean annual salary for sonographers working in Missouri in 2020 was $74,270, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The salary you earn can depend on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, while larger imaging centers and hospitals typically offer competitive benefit programs as well as a base salary. Receiving an Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is required to become an entry level sonographer, while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can make you qualified for higher paying job positions.
Geographic location can also affect salary. The table below shows the mean annual salary for different areas in Missouri as of 2020:*
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $81,710 |
| Springfield, MO | $69,570 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $72,210 |
City Spotlight: Kansas City, Missouri
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Kansas City
According to the Kansas City Star, Kansas City is beginning to see an increase in economic growth, and is predicted to “grow slightly faster than the U.S. economy in … 2020.” In addition, many industries are growing in Kansas City, including healthcare. Jobs for sonographers are expected to increase by 23% by 2028 state wide (O*Net).
Get started on a career as a sonographer by attending one of the accredited programs in the Kansas City area, such as St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.
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