EXPLORE 2020’s TOP SONOGRAPHY PROGRAMS IN N.CAROLINA
Take the first step towards becoming an ultrasound technician in North Carolina with our free guide. Below, we connect you with all of the top CAAHEP accredited sonography schools in North Carolina in 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
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the primary accrediting body for 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 January 2020:
| 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.
Find other accredited programs with the free search tool provided by the CAAHEP.
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.
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in N. Carolina
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.
In order to take the ARDMS exam, one of their prerequisites must be met. The most comprehensive and straight forward way to meet their requirements is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Read through the prerequisite requirements on the ARDMS website, and determine which will be the easiest one for you to meet.
Tests for the ARDMS are administered by Pearson Vue, and there are numerous testing centers within N.C. Visit their website to schedule your exam as well as find prep materials and a demo of the computerized test. Schools will often help facilitate the taking of the initial Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam.
Additional Certification Information
Certification Overview
About the ARDMS
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in North Carolina?
Diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median annual salary of $66,930 in N.C. For a starting salary, techs just entering the market can expect to earn just over $51,000 per year, or $24.70 per hour. Sonographers in managerial positions or with years of experience who are at the top of the earning curve can earn over $85,000 per year.
How much you can earn depends on a variety of factors, including the type of employer you work for. General and Surgical hospitals employ the most sonographers, but outpatient care centers tend to pay the best.
Predicted growth in the field is expected to be much higher than average, with a 27% increase in jobs by 2026. This ranks North Carolina 12th in the nation in terms of job growth for sonographers.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologists in N. Carolina
- The median annual salary for sonographers in N.C. is $66,930
- In 2016, there were 1,780 working sonographers in the state. There are expected to be 150 job openings per year.
- Most of those employed in the field have at least an associate degree, and ARDMS certification is required by most employers.
Top paying areas of North Carolina
Where you work can help determine how much you earn. Below we’ve ranked the top paying areas of N. Carolina for sonographers.
| Metropolitan Area | 2018 Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Winston-Salem | $72,530 |
| Greensboro- High Point | $72,520 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $71,240 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk | $68,600 |
| Raleigh, NC | $65,520 |
Top Healthcare Employers in the State
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 that of the standard healthcare provider. Those recognized as providing exceptional career growth and opportunity in N.C. are:
- 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. 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.
Sonography City Spotlight: Charlotte, NC
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 $68,480 in 2018, 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.
Financial Assistance for Sonographers in NC
Earn a financial reward for your hard work and academic achievement! Residents of N. Carolina have the opportunity to apply for medical imaging scholarships to help them with the cost of their education tuition and fees.
Eligibility requirements vary by individual scholarship. You’ll find more information regarding available medical imaging and related healthcare scholarships below. Most colleges and universities also offer scholarships, so be sure and check with the program you’re planning on attending. Please contact each individual scholarship for their specific application requirements.
For further information regarding scholarships, financial aid, and student loans, visit our Sonography Financial Aid center.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Jones Scholarship Fund | 4 annual scholarships totaling $5,500 | Applicant must be enrolled in 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 |
| Ultrasound Schools Info | Two $1000 scholarships each year | Applicant must be enrolled in or accepted to a CAAHEP accredited sonography program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| SDMS Foundation Sonography Student Scholarship Program | $2,500 | Muyst be accepted or currently enrolled in an educational program in DMS or cardiovascular technology that is accredited by CAAHEP. | Contact the SDMS Foundation at +1-214-473-8057 or scholarship@sdmsfoundation.org |
| Answer Scholarship | Varies | Variety of scholarships available to Moms wanting to return to school in N.C. | 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 N.C. residents seeking a degree in healthcare. | 751 West Fourth Street, Suite 200 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 StudentAid@wsfoundation.org |
DMS Associations and Organizations in N. Carolina
Membership in an organization within your field provides many perks. Networking, staying current on changing technology, continuing medical education opportunites, and remaining competitive in the workplace are some of the reasons why you might consider joining. 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
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All salary and job growth data provided by: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Career OneStop.