EXPLORE 2023’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.
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 that meets or exceeds industry standards.
The successful completion of an accredited 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.
Accredited Sonography Schools in North Carolina in 2023
The following schools have received accreditation from CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of February 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
|
340 Victoria Road |
Associate of Science degree in ObGyn sonography, Abdominal-Extended sonography, and vascular sonography | Certain prerequisite courses in Biology, English, and Physics are required prior to application. | This is a selective admissions process. |
| Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute 2855 Hickory Blvd Hudson, NC 28638 | CCCTI offers an Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Students must submit official transcripts, attend a site-visit, and complete college-level prerequisite courses prior to application. | Begin the application process here. |
| Cape Fear Community College 411 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401 | Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | This is a selective-admissions program. Students must take the TEAS test prior to application. | Review the course catalog to learn more about the admissions process. |
|
1105 Kelly Drive Sanford, NC 27330 |
Associate of Science degree in ObGyn sonography or Abdominal-Extended sonography | Certain prerequisite courses in Biology, English, and Physics are required prior to application. | Attend an online information session to get started. |
| Forsyth Technical Community College 2100 Silas Creek Pky Winston-Salem, NC 27103 | FTCC offers an Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Students must submit official transcripts, TEAS score report, and MAR application. Forsyth admits 8 students each Fall. | Download the information packet to get started. |
| Johnston Community College 245 College Road PO Box 2350 Smithfield, NC 27577 | JCC offers an Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | This is a selective-admissions program. Submit official transcripts, TEAS score report, and TOEFL score. | Attend a Health Sciences Virtual Information Tour to learn more. Applications are due by March 1st of each year. |
| Pitt Community College 1986 Pitt Tech Road Winterville, NC 28590 | Associate degree in Adult-Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Submit official transcripts and test scores prior application. | Read the FAQ to learn more. |
| South College – Asheville Campus 140 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC 37214 | AAS in ObGyn/Abdominal-Extended sonography. | Submit official transcripts and testing scores. Complete a minimum of 5 documented hours in an ultrasound clinic. | Request information and apply on the school’s website. |
| South Piedmont Community College 4209 Old Charlotte Highway Monroe, NC 28110 | Associate degree in Abdominal-Extended, or ObGyn sonography. | Attend an information session, complete required coursework, and submit official transcrips. Students must also have completed a patient-care related course. | Start with a Phase 1 application packet. |
| Southwestern Community College 447 College Drive Sylva, NC 28779 | AAS in ObGyn/Abdominal-Extended sonography. | Submit official transcripts and testing scores and complete a pre-sonography online evaluation. | Find application instructions here. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
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.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Paying for college is understandably one of the bigger stressors for students and their families. Visit our financial aid portal for help understanding grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options.
Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those who qualify in N. Carolina:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 twice a year | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/ accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| College Foundation of N. Carolina | Dollar amount varies | The College Foundation of N. Carolina offers many scholarships for residents of N. Carolina who are pursuing their degree. | Begin by completing the FAFSA. |
| Glaxo Smith Kline Opportunity Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | The GSK Opportunity Scholarship provides annual scholarships to Triangle residents (Orange, Wake, Durham counties) who demonstrate the potential to succeed despite adversity and an exceptional desire to improve themselves through further education/training. | The scholarship is part of the Universal Online Application. For questions, email: scholarships@trianglecf.org |
| PFLAG Greensboro Chapter Carter Stroupe Memorial Scholarship | Up to $2,000 |
The Scholarship is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the continuing education for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ allied students who exhibit courage and leadership in their schools and communities. |
Complete an online application, complete a personal essay, and submit two letters of recommendation. |
| Couch Oil Cares Scholarship | $1,000 | Six annual scholarships for high school Seniors who reside in the Couch Oil service area. | Incoming first-year college students may submit an application online. |
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 widely accepted 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.
Additional Certification Information
Certification Overview
About the ARDMS
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 $72,050 as of 2021. Additionally, sonographers in the top 90th percentile made an average salary of $95,110 a year, while those working within the bottom 10th percentile earned up to $58,150. 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.
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 23% by 2030 (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.
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:
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
Other resources:
