
EXPLORE 2022’s SONOGRAPHY PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Medical imaging is a rapidly growing field within healthcare. It’s a popular career choice for many due to the opportunity to earn a high salary, the availability of jobs, and the relatively short educational and training period. Entrance to accredited sonography programs is limited, and earning a spot is a competitive process.
Build a Solid Foundation
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, use special equipment to take images of the inside of the body. They work closely alongside physicians to use the captured images to detect, diagnose, and treat disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a fetus.
A strong background in math and science will help prepare you to apply for one of the openings in an accredited sonography program in N. Carolina. Many programs have specific college-level course requirements prior to application, and in many cases these requirements can be met while still in high school or at a local community college.
Available positions for sonographers in North Carolina is expected to increase by 20% by 2028 (O*Net).
Continue reading and you will learn more about how to become a sonographer in NC, how much you might earn, and what the certification requirements are.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the primary accrediting body for sonography programs. A school becomes accredited once it 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. This confirms that the school is able to provide high quality education to their students so they’re prepared to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of a recognized North Carolina DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can qualify for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of these 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 North Carolina in 2022
The following schools have received accreditation from CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of July 2021:
9 Accredited Schools | Campus Location |
---|---|
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Asheville, NC |
Caldwell Community College | Hudson, NC |
Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington, NC |
Forsyth Technical Community College | Winston-Salem, NC |
Johnston Community College | Smithfield, NC |
Pitt Community College | Greenville, NC |
South College Asheville | Asheville, NC |
South Piedmont Community College | Monroe, NC |
Southwestern Community College – Sylva | Sylva, NC |
A Closer look at North Carolina’s Nine Accredited Sonography Training Programs
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Campus Information
Asheville-Buncombe College Sonography Program
340 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
Contact Information
Program Director: Chastity Coates Case MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT
Phone: (828) 398-7470
Email: chastitylcase@abtech.edu
Program offerings: Associate’s degree in Sonography
Program Cost: $76.00 per credit hour
Available ARDMS Registries: SP & I, Abdomen, ObGyn, and Vascular Technology
Clinical sites within NC: 16
Additional information about Asheville-Buncombe College’s Sonography Program can be found here: https://www.abtech.edu/medical-sonography/medical-sonography-overview
Caldwell Community College
Campus Information
Caldwell Community College
2855 Hickory Blvd
Hudson, NC 286381
Contact Information
Program Director: Robin Nichols BS, RDMS
Phone: (828) 726-2322
Email: rnichols@cccti.edu
Program offerings: Medical Sonography Associate Degree, Cardiovascular Sonography A.D., Cardiovascular Certificate, Echocardiography Certificate
Scholarships and Financial Aid available: Yes
Clinical sites within NC: 33
Full details about the Caldwell CC DMS program can be found here: https://www.cccti.edu/SON/Default.asp
Cape Fear Community College
Campus Information
Cape Fear Sonography Program
411 North Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Contact Information
Program Director: Kellee Stacks BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT
Phone: (910) 362-7482
Email: kstacks@cfcc.edu
Program offerings: General and Cardiac Sonography
Program Cost: $1295.00 for 15 credit hours
Research Cape Fear’s sonography program and find additional information here: https://cfcc.edu/medical-sonography/
Forsyth Technical Community College
Campus Information
Forsyth Technical Sonography Program
2100 Silas Creek Pky
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Contact Information
Program Director: David Wood BS, RDCS
Phone: (336) 757-3313
Email: dwood@forsythtech.edu
Program offerings: General and Cardiac Sonography
Program cost: $1140 for 15 credit hours
Clinical sites within NC: 23
Information about the Forsyth Technical Community College sonography training program can be found here: https://www.forsythtech.edu/courses-programs/degrees/programs-a-z/medical-sonography/
Johnston Community College
Campus Information
Johnston Community College Sonography Program
PO Box 2350 245 College Road
Smithfield, NC 27577
Contact Information
Program Director: Steven Penny MA, RDMS, RT(R)
Phone: (919) 209-2502
Email: smpenny@johnstoncc.edu
Program offerings: General, Cardiac, and Vascular Sonography
Program cost: $1248 for 15 credit hours
Additional information about Johnston Community College admissions process and DMS program requirements can be found here: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/programs/health-sciences/medical-sonography/
Pitt Community College
Campus Information
Pitt Community College Sonography Program
PO Drawer 7007
Greenville, NC 27835
Contact Information
Program Director: Heather Costanzo BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
Phone: (252) 493-7240
Email: hcostanzo@email.pittcc.edu
Accredited program offerings: General and Cardiac DMS
Program cost: $76 per credit hour
Available ARDMS Registries: ABD and ObGyn
Full details about Pitt Community College’s DMS program can be found here: https://pittcc.edu/academics/academic-programs/health-sciences-division/medical-sonography/
South College Asheville
Campus Information
South College Asheville Sonography Program
140 Sweeten Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28803-1526
Contact Information
Program Director: Kristy Michael BS, RDMS, RVT
Phone: (828) 398-2549
Email: kmichael@south.edu
Accredited program offerings: General Sonography
Explore more about South College’s General Sonography training here: https://www.south.edu/programs/health-science-diagnostic-imaging/associate-science-diagnostic-medical-sonography/
South Piedmont Community College
Campus Information
South Piedmont Sonography Program
4209 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
Contact Information
Program Director: Amy Dela Cruz MS, RDMS, RVT
Phone: (704) 290-5209
Email: adelacruz@spcc.edu
Accredited program offerings: General medical sonography
Estimated Program cost: $10,418.40
Additional Resources: 2020 Admission Requirement Booklet
Research South Piedmont’s DMS program here: https://spcc.edu/areas-of-study/health-sciences-and-nursing/imaging-options/medical-sonography/
Southwestern Community College – Sylva
Campus Information
Southwestern Community College – Sylva Sonography Program
447 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
Contact Information
Program Director: Debbie Eavenson BS, RDMS, RVT
Phone: (828) 339-4323
Email: d_eavenson@southwesterncc.edu
Accredited program offerings: General medical sonography
Program cost: $79 per credit hour
Explore Southwestern Community College – Sylva Sonography Program and learn about their admissions requirements here: https://www.southwesterncc.edu/health-sciences/medical-sonography
All tuition figures quoted are for in-state tuition, as stated on the schools’ websites. To determine if you qualify for in-state tuition, visit NC Residency Determination Service.
Certification Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina doesn’t currently require licensure or certification for practicing diagnostic medical sonographers. However, as many employers do prefer or require certification, it’s a smart thing 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 receive certification is by taking and passing their exam. You must meet their prerequisites in order to qualify. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of several testing locations in North Carolina:
- 1 Town Square Blvd # 350, Asheville, NC 28803
- 4601 Charlotte Park Dr # 340, Charlotte, NC 28217
- 7520 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227
- 514 S Stratford Rd #100, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
- 2520 Meridian Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713
- 8024 Glenwood Ave # 107, Raleigh, NC 27612
- 2801 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
- 1130 Situs Ct Suite 150, Raleigh, NC 27606
- 1105 Corporate Dr # B, Greenville, NC 27858
- 2709 Market St # 206, Wilmington, NC 28403
Besides graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school, the second easiest way to qualify for the ARDMS exam is 12 months of full-time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in North Carolina 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
Certification Overview
About the ARDMS
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in North Carolina?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers is $70,960 as of 2020. Additionally, sonographers in the top 90th percentile made an average salary of $92,690 a year, while those working within the bottom 10th percentile earned up to $54,010. Conditions in your area may vary.
How much you can earn depends on a variety of factors, including the type of employer you work for and level of education. General and surgical hospitals employ the most sonographers, but outpatient care centers tend to pay the best. In addition, an Associate’s Degree is required for entry level sonography positions, while a Bachelor’s Degree can qualify you for higher paying positions.
Geographic location can also determine how much you earn. The table below displays the mean annual salary for different areas of North Carolina:*
Metropolitan Area | 2020 Mean Salary |
---|---|
Winston-Salem | $75,430 |
Greensboro-High Point | $74,230 |
Durham-Chapel Hill | $73,070 |
Fayetteville, NC | $66,090 |
Raleigh, NC | $69,670 |
Top Healthcare Employers in North Carolina
7 healthcare employers in North Carolina were among the top 150 best places to work in healthcare in 2019, according to a study released by Becker’s Hospital Review. The list highlights employers who provide employment benefits and opportunities for professional growth beyond what standard healthcare providers offer. Those recognized as providing exceptional career growth and opportunity in N.C. are listed below:
- Atrium Healthcare (Charlotte, N.C.)
- New Hanover Regional Medical Center (Wilmington, N.C.)
- Novant Health, Winston (Salem, N.C.)
- Pinehurst Medical Clinic (across the state)
- UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
- Ensemble Health Parthers (Huntersville, N.C.)
- Lenovo (Morrisville, N.C.)
In addition, UNC Medical Center was ranked the #1 healthcare employer on Forbes’ Best Employers Ranking list in 2019. UNC offers a comprehensive internship program in ultrasound, which includes training on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). Interns have the opportunity to perform over 100 scans during their first year, which is great practice for a future career.

Sonography City Spotlight: Charlotte, NC
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and is often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the South”. According to the BLS, 570 sonographers worked in Charlotte in 2020, and they earned a mean annual salary of $74,520. Conditions in your area may vary. Job growth is also expected to increase by 20% within the next 6 years (O*Net).
Attending a school in the Charlotte area and becoming a part of the booming healthcare industry can be a great start to pursuing your career as a sonographer.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Sonographers in NC
Residents of North Carolina have the opportunity to apply for medical imaging scholarships to help them with the cost of their tuition and fees.
Most colleges and universities offer scholarships, so be sure and check with the program you’re planning on attending to see what’s available for those who qualify. Please contact each individual scholarship for their specific application requirements.
A few North Carolina scholarships are listed below:
Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
---|---|---|---|
Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | Semi-annual nonrenewable scholarship awarded to a student attending or accepted to a CAAHEP accredited sonography program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98225 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
Anne Jones Scholarship Fund | 4 annual scholarships totaling $5,500 | Must be enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited program. | Society for Vascular Ultrasound c/o Anne Jones Scholarship Program 4601 Presidents Drive, Suite 260 Lanham, MD 20706-4831 tedwards@svunet.org |
SDMS Foundation Sonography Student Scholarship Program | $2,500 | Must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited DMS or cardiovascular educational program. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at +1-214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
Answer Scholarship | Varies | Variety of scholarships available to mothers wanting to return to school in NC. | 6420 Rea Rd, Suite 112 Charlotte, NC 2827 info@answerscholarship.org |
Oliver Joel and Ellen Pell Denny Healthcare Scholarship | Up to $1,500 | Open to NC residents seeking a degree in healthcare. | 751 West Fourth Street, Suite 200 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 StudentAid@wsfoundation.org |
For further information regarding scholarships, financial aid, and student loans, visit our Sonography Financial Aid center.
DMS Associations and Organizations in N. Carolina
Enrolling in a society or organization within your field can be very beneficial. Networking, staying current on changing technology, continuing medical education opportunites, and remaining competitive in the workplace are a few reasons why you may want to join. Most of the organizations are non-profit, though some have annual membership dues. Below are a few worth considering:
- North Carolina Ultrasound Society
- The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- North Carolina Healthcare Association
- Find more…
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
Other resources: