Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in N. Carolina. Explore medical imaging educational and career opportunities near you.
Below, we connect you with all of the CAAHEP accredited sonography schools in North Carolina for 2020. If you’re considering attending one of these programs, we have provided you with information necessary to research the field, learn the job requirements, and discover the potential salary available to you.
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, who use those images to detect, diagnose, and treat disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a fetus. Medical imaging is a popular career choice due to the rewarding nature of the work, combined with a good salary and relatively short educational and training period.
Get started today by requesting information from ultrasound technician schools in North Carolina. If you don’t see a program in your area, check out one of the related programs listed below. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with a representative to have your questions answered, so come prepared with a list of things you want to discuss.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
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 N. Carolina 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 North Carolina for 2020
There are many factors to consider when choosing a sonography program, from cost and proximity to job placement scores, but one of the most important is accreditation.
The following schools have 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College | 340 Victoria Road Asheville, NC 28801 |
Chastity Coates Case MA, RT(R), RDMS, RVT | 10/18/2002 |
| Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | 2855 Hickory Blvd Hudson, NC 28638 |
Robin Nichols BS, RDMS | 7/17/1986 |
| Cape Fear Community College | 411 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 |
Kellee Stacks BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT | 1/26/2007 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | 2100 Silas Creek Pky Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
David Wood BS, RDCS | 9/18/2009 |
| Johnston Community College | PO Box 2350 245 College Road Smithfield, NC 27577 |
Steven Penny MA, RDMS, RT(R) | 4/19/2002 |
| Pitt Community College | PO Drawer 7007 Greenville, NC 27835 |
Heather Costanzo BS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 10/17/1990 |
| South College Asheville Learning Site | 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC 28803-1526 |
Kristy Michael BS, RDMS, RVT | 11/17/2017 |
| South Piedmont Community College | 4209 Old Charlotte Highway Monroe, NC 28110 |
Amy Dela Cruz MS, RDMS, RVT | 7/23/2004 |
| Southwestern Community College-Sylvia | 447 College Drive Sylva, NC 28779 |
Debbie Eavenson BS, RDMS, RVT | 1/18/2008 |
North Carolina Healthcare Career Resources
Ultrasound techs typically work in surgical or general medical hospitals in North Carolina, but employment can also be found at physicians’ offices and private diagnostic medical imaging centers throughout the state. Learn more about becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer.
In 2015, diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina earned a median salary of $64,400.
Predicted growth in the field is expected to be much higher than average, with a 34% increase in employment in the decade spanning 2014 through 2024. This places North Carolina 11th in the nation in terms of job growth for sonographers.
Career Resources
Is a job in healthcare the right one for you?
Certification Requirements in North Carolina
Most states, including North Carolina, do not require professional certification or licensure to practice sonography. However, legislation requiring a license is being proposed in several states, and most employers require certification, so it’s a smart thing to consider as you plan for your education and training.
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. There are plenty of testing locations to choose from, with 11 being located within North Carolina, plus many more in neighboring states. Find the locations nearest you and their 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 Charlotte
Charlotte, NC is often referred to as the “Crown Jewel of the South”, and it’s the largest city in North Carolina. According to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, 11% of workers in the area are employed by the healthcare industry, with over 11 billion paid out in annual salaries, wages, and bonuses. There are several sonography programs in the surrounding area from which to pursue your education. The median annual salary for sonographers in Charlotte was $63,700 in 2015, which is comparable to the salary earned across the state.
State-wide, as well as in Charlotte, job growth for sonographers and other healthcare technicians is expected to be strong. Most sonographers in Charlotte work in hospitals and surgical centers, but a growing number are finding employment in private diagnostic centers.
Get started in a career in healthcare by researching programs in your area.
What do Sonographers Earn in North Carolina?
Table 1 gives you the median annual salary for ultrasound technicians in the major metropolitan areas of North Carolina.
| Metropolitan Area | 2015 Median Salary |
| Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC | $63,700 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $69,300 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $60,300 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $66,400 |
| Greenville, NC | $64,000 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $56,100 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $65,200 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $65,500 |
| Wilmington, NC | $61,700 |