Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in New Mexico. Explore medical imaging educational and career opportunities near you.
Below you find a complete listing of all of the schools that offer degree or certificate programs in Sonography in New Mexico in 2019. It’s a great time to get started, since growth in the field is expected to be a whopping 29%. Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in healthcare. By using special equipment, they take images of the inside of the body. They work closely with physicians, who use those images to detect, diagnose, and treat disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a fetus inside an expectant mother.
We’ll tell you about the options you have for school, as well as the job outlook and salary expectations for sonographers and related careers in New Mexico.
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CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
Each of these schools has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these recognized New Mexico DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in New Mexico in 2019
The following schools have sonography programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as of March 2019:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 525 Buena Vista Dr SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
Saul Carrasco RDMS, RDCS, RT(R) | 10/17/2003 |
| Dona Ana Community College | 3400 S Espina St MSC 3DA PO Box30001 Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
Darla Matthew BAS, RT(R)(S), RDMS | 9/16/2005 |
New Mexico Healthcare Career Resources
As of May, 2015, diagnostic medical sonographers earned a median salary of $65,300. Predicted growth in the field is expected to be much higher than average, with a 29% increase in employment expected in the decade spanning 2014 through 2024. Ultrasound techs typically work in surgical or general medical hospitals in New Mexico, but employment can also be found at physicians’ offices and private diagnostic medical imaging centers throughout the state.
Median salary is $65,300 for sonographers in New Mexico.
Employment is expected to increase by 29% by 2024.
Is a job in healthcare the right one for you?
Certification Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico is one of only four states (the others are Oregon, N. Dakota, and most recently New Hampshire) to require a license to practice sonography. The license is granted by the State of New Mexico, and the state charges a maximum of $100.00 to obtain the license, which is good for two years (as of Dec 2014). You can read more about New Mexico’s requirements at https://www.env.nm.gov/nmrcb/radtech.html. Licensure is different than certification, which many employers will require as an addition to the state license.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the primary organization offering certification for sonographers, and the only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. According to the ARDMS website, there is only one testing center in the state to take the exam, although there are several in neighboring states. Find the locations and contact information on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
In order to take the ARDMS exam, one of their prerequisites must be met. Probably the most common way to meet their requirements is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), but this is certainly not the only way. Read through the requirements on the ARDMS website, and determine which will be the easiest one for you to meet.
Additional Certification Information
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician do?
There’s much more than just imaging internal organs. Learn more at: ultrasounddchoolsinfo.com/ultrasound-technician. Get a complete job description, as well as first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a sonographer.
How do I get started?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started any formal post-education program, all the way through finding a job and advancing in your career. Get Started Now.
How long do I have to go to school?
Most degree programs are completed within two years.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Here’s how you’ll know if you’ve got what it takes.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Albuquerque
In a July, 2015 report released by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, job growth in education and health services was reported to outpace every other industry in June, adding over 7,700 jobs. In Albuquerque, available jobs has increased steadily from a low in 2012. Job growth is steady not only for sonographers, but for other fields in allied health. Diagnostic medical sonographers have been ranked #80 in the list of the top 100 highest paying jobs in the city.
If you’re lucky enough to attend a sonography program in Albuquerque, you’ll find much to do in your time off from your studies. One of the most popular events in the city is the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held each October. The famous balloon festival is said to be the most photographed event in the world. You can also go hiking on dormant volcanoes, mountain biking, golfing, or relaxing by a pool with a cold beer.
All salary and job growth statistics, unless otherwise noted, are provided by:
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm
*Career One Stop, sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. http://www.careerinfonet.org/Occ_Intro.asp?id=1&nodeid=1