Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Missouri. Explore medical imaging educational and career opportunities near you.
Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in diagnosing and treating the diseases of their patients. Ultrasound techs along with physicians use special equipment that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, which are then interpreted in order to prevent diseases or help a patient heal from one. The images also monitor the health of the fetus of an expecting mother.
Sonography is expected to witness above average job growth. CareerOneStop predicts available jobs for ultrasound techs will increase by 17.7% by 2026 in Missouri. This is partly because of the short education and training period, as well as the high salary. We will continue to dive into each of these topics, as well as connect you with accredited schools where you can receive the quality education you need in order to start your career as a sonographer.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The most well known 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. This makes sure that the students are receiving quality education that prepares them to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of a recognized Missouri 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 Missouri in 2020
The schools listed below are CAAHEP accredited and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of August 2020:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox College | 1423 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802 |
Michelle Masengill MEd, RDMS, RVT | 10/19/2001 |
| St Louis Community College | 5600 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 |
Patti Rudick MEd, RDMS, RT(R) | 1/17/1986 |
| St Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City | 4401 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64111 |
Tiffany A Johnson BA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT | 11/21/2008 |
| State Fair Community College | 3201 W 16th Street Sedalia, MO 65301 |
Alice Townsend MBA, RDMS, RVT | 3/16/2018 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | 409 Lewis Hall Columbia, MO 65211 |
Moses Hdeib MD, PhD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 1/26/2007 |
Certification Requirements in Missouri
There are currently no certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers living 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 highly regarded 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 their prerequisites. 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
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 Missouri?
The mean annual salary for sonographers working in Missouri is $72,790,* according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of 2019. This is just below the national average of $75,780.
The salary you earn depends on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience, and more. 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. Additionally, receiving an Associate’s Degree 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 also affects salary. The table below states the mean salary for different areas in Missouri as of 2019:*
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Salary |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $78,640 |
| Springfield, MO | $69,710 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $70,310 |
City Spotlight: Kansas City, Missouri
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Kansas City
According to 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 17.% by 2026 state wide (CareerOneStop).
Get started on a career as a sonographer by attending one of the programs in the Kansas City area, such as St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City.
Other resources:
- Getting started
- Sonographer overview
- Degrees
- What makes a great sonographer
- Careers & education
- Other jobs in healthcare
*Conditions in your area may vary.