Explore New York’s Top Sonography Programs in 2020
If you’ve been considering a new career as a diagnostic medical sonographer in New York, begin here with our free guide. We’ve done much of the necessary research for you, including providing you with a complete list of all of the CAAHEP accredited ultrasound tech programs in NY for 2020. You’ll also learn what the licensing and certification requirements are, where you might work, how much you can earn, and what the job entails.
Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in healthcare. Working closely with physicians, they use special equipment to image the inside of the body. Those images are used to diagnose and treat 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. It’s a vigorous course of study, but the payoff can be big.
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CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs in NY
The Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the most widely recognized accrediting body of DMS programs.
The successful completion of one of these recognized New York DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
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.
Accredited Sonography Schools in New York in 2020
The following schools have sonography degree or certificate programs that have been accredited by the CAAHEP, as of March 2020:
| 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 |
Linda Desnoyers MS, RT, RDMS, RDCS | 4/22/1999 |
| Hunter Business School | 3247 Route 112 Bldg # 3 Medford, NY 11763 |
Rosemarie P. Cann BS, RDMS, RDCS | 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
New York does not require certification to be an ultrasound technician. However, most employers require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in New York
The easiest way to qualify to sit for the ARDMS exam is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). If this doesn’t apply to your situation, review the downloadable PDF put out by the ARDMS to see what prerequisites you can meet. Request information from several ultrasound technician programs in New York, and do the research to make sure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
There are many locations throughout New York to take the exam, and you can find them on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs make in New York?
The median annual salary is $74,830. Those just entering the profession can expect to make about $26.00 an hour, and managers and administrators at the top of the salary range can earn around $99,000 per year.
As with any profession, salaries within the field of DMS can vary greatly. Level of education and responsibility, experience, personal skills, geographic location, and certification can all influence pay, as can the employer. Large medical imaging centers and hospitals employ the most sonographers, while outpatient care centers tend to pay the best.
Furthering your education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree can make you eligible for management level positions, where the top 10% can earn around $99,000 per year.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologist in New York
- The median annual salary is $74,830
- There are over 5,200 working ultrasound techs in NY
- Jobs for medical sonographers are expected to grow by 26% by 2026
- New York has the 3rd highest employment level for sonographers in the country
- The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area has the highest employment level in the nation
All statistics provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and by Career OneStop
Below you will see how much sonographers earn in the various metropolitan areas of New York:
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $76,750 |
| Syracuse, NY | $75,450 |
| Binghamton, NY | $74,310 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $73,700 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $71,850 |
All salary data provided by Career OneStop
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Born and Raised Scholarship | $2,500 | Applicant must be senior at one of NYC’s high schools, and planning on attending college within the city limits. | Jill Abenth 324 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 info@hawkinsonfoundation.org |
| Jimmy Rand Foundation Scholarship | Rewards vary | Needs based scholarship for well-rounded applicants with a clear path to goal 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 an educational program in diagnostic medical sonography or cardiovascular technology that is accredited by CAAHEP. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at 214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
| Excelsior Scholarship | Up to $5,500 | Allows eligible students, who have already completed the FASFA application, to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition free. | Visit the HESC website. |
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 twice per year | The Ultrasound Schools Info student scholarship is a semi-annual, non-renewable $1,000 scholarship awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography program, or a high school student who has been accepted to a program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 Email: scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
Medical Imaging Organizations for New York
Most professions have organizations and societies that you can belong to, and there are several that would be beneficial to sonographers. While New York doesn’t have a society specific just to ultrasound techs, there are several nationwide that would be worth consideration.
If you are currently working as, or considering becoming a medical sonographer, we suggest you get in touch with the Society for Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound (SDMS) if you haven’t done so already.
Membership comes with many benefits, including access to information regarding changes in the industry and practicing standards, networking with others in your line of work, and continuing medical education courses, which are required to maintain certification.
You will find information regarding many of these societies by visiting the websites 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
New York City has the 3rd highest level of employment for sonographers than any other metropolitan area in the country (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Attending sonography school in New York City is a wise choice as you have several accredited institutions to choose from, plus a positive employment outlook.
According to New York’s Department of Labor, the employment outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is “very favorable”, with approximately 30 annual openings on average.
There is also much to do in your spare time. You can dine on world-class cuisine, browse at the couture shops in Manhattan, or listen to the musicians in the NYC Subway system, who go through a competitive audition process in order to perform. There are almost an endless number of things to do in New York City, all while starting on your path to a rewarding career.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to complete a sonography training program in NY?
Most sonographers have an Associate’s in Science degree, which takes two years of full-time attendance. Some schools, like the Center for Allied Health Education in Brooklyn, offer 12-18 month certificate programs to individuals who already have an AS in a related field. Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in DMS should expect a 4-year program.
Are clinical internships expected?
Yes. All accredited institutions are going to have internship or externships as part of their training program, sometimes for as long as a year. Students need to be able to provide their own transportation to a variety of locations, sometimes up to 60 miles away. Students are not allowed to be paid for their work during these internships.
How do I know if a career in medical imaging is right for me?
Becoming a sonographer is hard work. There are very high expectations placed on the student for their academic achievement. There are also a variety of prerequisites that schools require students to meet before applying to the program. Students need to have a strong grasp of math, science, English, and biology. In order to be successful in the field, students will also need more than just the technical knowledge and skill. 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 allied health, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
All statistics from the following sources, unless otherwise noted:
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm
*Career One Stop: http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=Overall&optstatus=111111111&jobfam=29&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=292032&menuMode=&stfips=36&x=16&y=15