Diagnostic medical sonographers are highly trained individuals who play an important role in diagnosing and treating the diseases of their patients. Ultrasound techs use specialized equipment that emits 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 expectant parent.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Missouri
- Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program and Apply. Do your research and ask questions to make sure the program you are attending has been accredited, preferably by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Missouri has 5 ultrasound degree or certificate programs that have received this recognition. You’ll also want to learn about the clinical rotation opportunities and the full cost of the program.
- Earn Your Degree. Most schools offer an Associate of Applied Science in medical sonography, which is the minimum required to be a sonographer. There are accelerated certificate programs available at some schools for students who meet the prerequisites, as well as Bachelor’s degrees.
- Pass the Certification Exam. Prospective employers will likely require you to be certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited sonography program will prepare you to sit for their exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
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 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 $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Missouri in 2026
The schools listed below are CAAHEP accredited and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of May, 2025:
Cox College
Location:
1423 North Jefferson Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802
Programs Offered: Bachelor’s degree in Vascular, Adult Cardiac, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Abdominal Extended
Prerequisites: Prerequisites vary depending on educational path
How to Apply: Complete the online application.
Concord Career College
Location:
930 Carondelet Dr
Kansas City, MO 64114
Programs Offered: Associate degree in Abdominal-Extended or Adult Cardiac Sonography
Prerequisites: There are certain college-level courses that must be completed prior to application
How to Apply: Complete program requirements and application information can be found on school’s website.
St Louis Community College
Location:
5600 Oakland Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
Programs Offered: Certificate of Proficiency in Adult Cardiac, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Abdominal-Extended
Prerequisites: Associate Degree, prerequisite courses, and job shadow hours
How to Apply: Complete the Program Requirements Checklist and apply online.
St Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Location:
901 E 104th St
Mailstop 3000 South
Kansas City, MO 64131
Programs Offered: Certificate in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Abdominal-Extended, or Adult Cardiac
Prerequisites: AAS degree from a JCERT or CAAHEP accredited allied health program
How to Apply: Full admission and application checklist.
State Fair Community College
Location:
3201 W 16th Street
Sedalia, MO 65301
Programs Offered: Associate of Science in DMS with specialty tracks in Adult Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or Obstetrics and Gynecology
Prerequisites: Observation hours, prerequisites vary by area of study
How to Apply: Begin by creating an account.
University of Missouri-Columbia
Location:
409 Lewis Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Programs Offered: Bachelor or Master of Health Science in Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or Obstetrics and Gynecology
Prerequisites: Varies by area of study and degree
How to Apply: Varies, see online application options.
Ask an Expert
Lynn Nguyen, sonographer and co-host of “Sonographers in the Cities” podcast
Q: What made you decide to pursue sonography as your second career?
A: “I had considered other careers such as PA, like my teenage self had wanted, and nursing. However, I am now older and knew what I definitely wanted in my future career. After some late-nights thinking and researching, I knew DMS would be the right career for me. I wanted a profession where I can excel at a role while simultaneously helping others.”
Learn more about why Lynn chose medical sonography in her recent article.
Help Paying for Your Sonography Program
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs are available to many students who meet the qualifications. Visit our Financial Aid center to learn about the various programs and ensure you’re protected as you go through the process.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those students in Missouri who qualify:
Ultrasound Schools Info
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program.
How to Apply:
Ultrasound Schools InfoAttn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 3026, Bellingham, WA 98227
scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Award: Varies
Eligibility: A variety of grants, loans, and scholarships are available to students.
How to Apply: Begin by completing the FAFSA, and then apply with the state agency.
Black Community Scholarship Fund
Award: $5,000
Eligibility: Student must be of African American descent and residing in the greater Kansas City area.
How to Apply: Submit required documents to the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.
Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship
Award: $5,000
Eligibility: Active
ASRT
member registered with the ARRT.
How to Apply:
ASRT Foundation15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 USA
foundation@asrt.org
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Missouri?
The mean annual salary for sonographers working in Missouri in 2023 was $85,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Sonography is expected to witness above average job growth. O*Net predicts available jobs for ultrasound techs in Missouri will increase by 14% by 2030.
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 2022:
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $90,880 |
| Springfield, MO | $76,920 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $86,840 |
Certification Requirements in Missouri
Certification or credentialing of allied health professionals is a common practice and demonstrates the education and knowledge of the individual.
In sonography, the most common type of credential is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their credential is by taking and passing the Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty 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
Other resources:
