Explore New York’s Top Sonography Programs in 2020
Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in healthcare. Working closely with physicians, they use special equipment to image the inside of the body. The produced images are used to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a developing fetus.
Medical imaging is a popular career choice for many due to the rewarding nature of the work and the relatively short educational training period. Sonographers also earn a high salary, and jobs are predicted to increase by 26.9% 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.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs in NY
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the most well known accrediting body for sonography programs. A school receives accreditation from 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 New York 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 New York in 2020
The following schools have been accredited by CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center for Allied Health Education | 1401 Kings Highway Brooklyn, NY 11229 |
Chana Bitton-Friedman BS, RDMS(OB) | 5/20/2011 |
| Hudson Valley Community College | 80 Vandenburgh Ave BRN 026 Troy, NY 12180 |
Sandra Gepfert BA, RDMS, RT(R) | 5/19/1994 |
| Hunter Business School | 3247 Route 112 Bldg # 3 Medford, NY 11763 |
Kim Dalton BS, RDMS | 7/18/2013 |
| Long Island University | One University Plaza HS 247 Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
Kerry Weinberg PhD, MA, MPA, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, FSDMS | 7/28/1982 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 153 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623 |
Hamad Ghazle EdD, APS, RDMS | 1/17/1986 |
| SUNY Downstate Medical Center | 450 Clarkson Avenue Box 1192 Brooklyn, NY 11203 |
Yosefa Pessin MS, BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 1/26/1984 |
| Western Suffolk BOCES | 152 Laurel Hill Road Northport, NY 11768 |
John Thomas MS, BSEd, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT | 5/19/1994 |
A Closer Look at New York’s 7 CAAHEP Sonography Programs
The CAHE has been offering a CAAHEP accredited general medical sonography program since 2011, and added the specialty tracts of Vascular and Cardiac in September, 2019. Students who enter the program without a degree will earn an Associate in Science degree from SUNY, as well as a certificate from CAHE. Students who already have an AAS from an accredited institution will receive a Certificate of Completion in DMS. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ARDMS exams pertaining to their degree of completion.
Length of program: Two years of full-time attendance is required.
Program cost: $51,800, with financial aid available
Program website: https://www.cahe.edu/school-diagnostic-medical-sonography/section-program-overview
For over 16 years, HVCC has been offering two accredited sonography tracks: General and Cardiac. Successful students will earn a Certificate in DMS, and the program runs for one full year, from August to August. Applicants must have 40 hours of observation in a licensed sonography department. If you are applying for both general and cardiac sonography, you must have 80 hours; 40 in each. There are also core clinical skills that each applicant must have.
Admission guidelines: https://www.hvcc.edu/programs/all/health/pdfs/eco-msc-admission.pdf
Program information: https://www.hvcc.edu/programs/all/health/diagnostic-medical-sonography-certificate/index.html
The Medford Campus of HBC offers a 23-month, fulltime DMS program to prepare students for entry-level sonography jobs. The accredited specialty tracks include General and Cardiac Sonography. Applicants to the program at HBC must have an Associate’s Degree or an equivalent number of course credits. There are also certain college-level courses that have been taken and passed with a grade of “C” or better. It is also recommended that students have spent at least 8 hours observing in a sonography department.
Program cost: $38,680
Program website: https://www.hunterbusinessschool.edu/programs-offered/diagnostic-medical-sonography-program/#gohere6
LIU has one of the longest-running CAAHEP accredited programs in NY. Their General Sonography program received accreditation in 1982, and the Cardiac Sonography program was added in 1992. Graduates of this Bachelor’s Degree program are eligible to sit for the ARDMS exams in Adult Echocardiography, Abdopminal and ObGyn Sonography, and the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SP&I). Students at LIU must take all 3 specialties as part of their BS degree.
Admission guidelines: This is a two-step process, consisting of GPA and SAT requirements and an application from students who are entering their 3rd year in the DMS program. For more information visit LIU.edu.
Students at RIT will earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This is a 4-year intensive course that includes a one-year clinical internship. Graduates will be prepared not only for positions as a sonography, but in administrative and supervisory positions as well. It is also a viable pre-med degree for those who wish to go on to pursue medicine or dentistry. RIT also offers certificates in General Sonograpy and Echocardiography, which are 18 month programs and require a prior degree for admittance.
Bachelor’s degree overview: https://www.rit.edu/healthsciences/study/diagnostic-medical-sonography-ultrasound-bs#overview
Certificate overview: https://www.rit.edu/study/diagnostic-medical-sonography-ultrasound-certificate
SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn offers a 2-year, full time program where students will earn a Bachelor’s in Science degree upon graduation. The specialty training includes instruction in Ob/Gyn, Abdomen, Echocardiography, and small parts. Applicants must have completed at least 60 credits at an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A minimum of 20 hours of direct patient care in a medical setting is required prior to admittance.
Admittance: Between 25 and 27 students are admitted to the program each year.
Tuition: Residents are charged $3,535 per semester.
Application Instructions: https://sls.downstate.edu/admissions/_documents/application_instructions/app_instructions_sohp.pdf
Program website: https://www.downstate.edu/health-professions/dmi/index.html
The course of study at Western Soffolk is a two-year, full-time program, including Summer. The school has CAAHEP accredited tracks in General, Vascular, and Cardiac Sonography. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for their respective ARDMS exams. Western Soffolk BOCES also has a job placement program that offers lifetime placement assistance. There are several college-level courses that must have been taken prior to application, as well as successfully passing an entrance exam.
Tuition: $43,050
Program website: https://www.wsboces.org/fulltime/diagnostic-medical-sonography/general-information-sonography/
Here’s what she had to say about the sonography program at CAHE: “We are accredited in General (abdomen and OB/Gyn), Echo and Vascular ultrasound. Students graduate having completed coursework both in studies and skill training in ALL 4 areas. This makes our graduates super marketable as they are prepared and able to scan and get jobs in multiple specialties“.
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in New York
Currently, there are no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in New York. However, receiving an ultrasound tech license in New York can put you ahead of other job candidates because many employers prefer or require certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This organization provides the most highly regarded certification to sonographers.
The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. Once you have met the their specific prerequisites, there are several testing locations where you can take the exam in New York:
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- 2 Teleport Dr #100, Staten Island, NY 10311
- 19 W 44th St #306, New York, NY 10036
- 31 W 34th St #1001, New York, NY 10001
- 355 Lexington Ave 20th floor, New York, NY 10017
- 100 William St #1200, New York, NY 10038
- 2 Hanson Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217
- 419 Eldert St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
- 118-35 Queens Blvd #1260, Queens, NY 11375
- 1979 Marcus Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11042
- 176 N Village Ave #2c, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs make in New York?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers working in New York is $77,060, or $37.05* an hour in 2019. This is right around the national mean of $75,780.
The salary you can earn depends on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience, and more. For example, receiving an Associate’s Degree is required to become an entry level sonographer, while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can qualify you for higher paying positions. Additionally, 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
Geographic location also affects a sonographer’s salary. The table below lists the mean annual wage for sonographers working in different areas of New York:*
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $78,680 |
| Syracuse, NY | $73,380 |
| Binghamton, NY | $80,570 |
| Rochester, NY | $72,800 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $77,810 |
New York Sonography Scholarships
Earn a financial reward for your hard work and academic achievement! Residents of New York have the opportunity to apply for medical imaging scholarships to help them with the cost of their education tuition and fees.
Some scholarships have the requirement that you are either from New York, or are planning to attend an accredited school in the state. Visit each scholarship’s website to research the requirements and get the application. Take your time when filling it out so you’re sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | Semi-annual, non-renewable scholarship awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 Email: scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
|
| Jimmy Rand Foundation Scholarship | Rewards vary | Needs-based scholarship for well-rounded applicants with a clear path to achievement. | International Scholarship and Tuition Services, (855) 670-ISTS Email: contactus@applyists.com. |
| SDMS Foundation Sonography Student Scholarship Program | $2,500 | Deserving sonography student who has been accepted or is currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology program. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at 214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
| Excelsior Scholarship | Up to $5,500 | Allows students who have already completed the FASFA application to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. | Visit the HESC website or email excelsior@hesc.ny.gov |
| New York Born and Raised Scholarship | $2,500 | Applicant must be a senior at an NYC high school and plan on attending college within city limits. | Jill Abenth 324 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 info@hawkinsonfoundation.org |
Medical Imaging Organizations for New York
Most professions, including medical imaging, have organizations and societies that you can join. As a sonographer, the benefits of becoming a member include access to information regarding changes in the industry and practicing standards, networking with others professionals, and continuing medical education courses, which are required to maintain certification.
While New York doesn’t have a society specific to ultrasound techs, there are several nationwide organizations that would be worth consideration. Some examples are listed below:
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- New York State Radiologic Society
- Medical Society of the State of New York
- Health Professions Network
Ultrasound Technician Schools in NYC
For sonographers, the state of New York has the 2sd highest employment level and the 4th highest concentration of jobs and location quotients in the country (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Attending a sonography school in New York City is a wise choice because of the states high ranks, several accredited institutions in the area to choose from, and a positive employment outlook. Jobs are predicted to increase by 26.9% within the next 6 years (CareerOneStop).
Other resources:
- Getting started
- Sonographer overview
- Degrees
- What makes a great sonographer
- Careers & education
- Other jobs in healthcare
*Conditions in your area may vary.