Find Ohio’s Sonography Programs in 2025
When most people think of ultrasound, the image of a pregnant woman comes to mind. However, diagnostic imaging is much more than that. Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in the care of their patients. Working closely alongside physicians, ultrasound techs use special equipment that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. These images are then used by physicians to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as monitor the health of the fetus of an expectant mother.
The healthcare sector has been an employment standout, with consistent growth across the board over the past few years. Medical imaging is expected to witness above average job growth. O*Net predicts that available jobs for ultrasound techs may increase by 16% by 2030 in Ohio. This, in addition to the relatively short education and training period as well as the potential for high salary, makes medical imaging a popular career choice.
We will explore each of these topics below, as well as connect you with accredited schools where you can receive the quality education you need in order to start your career as a sonographer.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Ohio
- Choose an accredited program. It’s important to research the accreditation of both the school and the program that you’re applying to. If possible, select one that has received programmatic recognition from the CAAHEP. This will ensure that the education you are receiving meets or exceeds industry standards. Ohio has 15 programs that have received this accreditation.
- Get your degree. Sonographers must have at least an Associate of Science degree in medical sonography. Some programs offer accelerated certificates that can be completed in 12-18 months if you can meet the educational and experiential prerequisites. There are also Bachelor’s degree programs offered at some Universities.
- Receive your credentials. Prospective employers will most certainly require you to have your RDMS credential, which you receive after passing exams given by the ARDMS. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited college, or having your Bachelor’s degree in sonography, will qualify you to sit for the exams.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
The most widely recognized organization that accredits sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school receives accreditation from CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines. The school also has to pass 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 for certification and ultimately to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of an accredited Ohio DMS program is the fastest and most straightforward way that students can become eligible for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. You need to pass both of these tests in order to receive a professional license in sonography.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Ohio in 2025
The schools listed below offer CAAHEP accredited sonography degree or certificate programs as of May 2025:
Bowling Green State University Firelands College
Location: One University Drive, Huron, OH 44839
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: Completion of prerequisite courses, plus 4–8 hours observation in a clinical ultrasound setting
How to Apply: Apply with the program director after being admitted to BGSU
Central Ohio Technical College
Location: 1179 University Drive, Newark, OH 43055
Program: AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology – General, Cardiovascular, or specialty modalities
Prerequisites: Prerequisite coursework, 16 hours clinical observation, and completion of TEAS exam
How to Apply: Applications due by May 15th each year
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Location: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Program: AAS in General Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: Required prerequisite coursework and TEAS exam
How to Apply: Apply after completing Semester 2 of Year 1
Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Location: 2139 Auburn Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Program: AAS in Adult Cardiac or Vascular Sonography
Prerequisites: Completion of prerequisites and observation or healthcare interview
How to Apply: Apply online through the school’s website
Clark State College
Location: 570 East Leffel Lane, Springfield, OH 45505
Program: AAS in Abdominal-Extended, ObGyn, and Vascular Sonography
Prerequisites: Prerequisite coursework and clinic observation or healthcare interview
How to Apply: Application deadline: February 2nd annually
Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital
Location: 1320 Mercy Drive NW, Canton, OH 44708
Program: 12-month hospital-based ultrasound diploma
Prerequisites: Associate degree in patient-care field or bachelor’s degree with prerequisites
How to Apply: Downloadable application available online
Cuyahoga Community College
Location: 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, Parma, OH 44130
Program: Associate Degree in General or Cardiovascular Sonography
Prerequisites: Coursework plus 8–16 hours observation with ARDMS-certified sonographer
How to Apply: Application packet available here
Collins Career Center – Chesapeake
Location: 11627 State Route 243, Chesapeake, OH 45619
Program: AAS in General or Cardiac Sonography
Prerequisites: Required coursework, essay, and job shadowing
How to Apply: Applications due in May each year
Kettering College
Location: 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429
Program: Bachelor of Science in DMS with concentrations in abdominal, vascular, Ob/Gyn, or echocardiography
Prerequisites: Academic performance considered; preference given to current Kettering students
How to Apply: Applications due by May 25th annually
Student Perspective from Kettering College
S. Bishop, Kettering College
A Fall 2020 Ultrasound Schools Info scholarship finalist, S. Bishop shared what makes Kettering’s DMS program stand out.
“I love attending Kettering College because they know the goal of their students is to get in the hospital and start working as soon as possible. All of the labs look exactly like the hospital does with the same equipment.”
See more reflections from USI scholarship finalists.
Lorain County Community College
Location: 1005 North Abbe Road, HS 223, Elyria, OH 44035
Program: Associate of Applied Science in General Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: Prerequisite coursework completed with a grade of “C” or better
How to Apply: Application deadline: January 5th each year
Marion Technical College
Location: 1467 Mt Vernon Ave, Marion, OH 43302
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: Required courses plus 32 observation hours at three different ultrasound clinics
How to Apply: Online application due by June 1st
Ohio State University
Location: 453 West 10th Avenue, Atwell Hall, Columbus, OH 43210
Program: Bachelor of Science in Sonography
Prerequisites: Minimum 2.5 GPA in required coursework; 8 hours direct patient contact in a sonography department
How to Apply: Apply online here
Owens Community College
Location: PO Box 10000, 30335 Oregon Road, Toledo, OH 43699
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Prerequisites: All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to applying
How to Apply: Visit the website for application overview
Stautzenberger College – Brecksville
Location: 8001 Katherine Blvd, Brecksville, OH 44141
Program: AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (partial online coursework available)
Prerequisites: Unspecified
How to Apply: Submit your application online
University of Findlay
Location: 1000 North Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840
Program: Bachelor’s, Associate, and Certificate programs available
Prerequisites: Varies based on program path
How to Apply: Access application materials here
University of Rio Grande / Rio Grande Community College
Location: 218 North College Street, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, OH 45674
Program: Associate Degree in General or Cardiovascular Sonography with pathway to Bachelor’s degree
Prerequisites: Course and ACT requirements vary by degree level
How to Apply: Application deadline: April 1st annually
Ohio’s Sonography Student Scholarships and Awards
Below are some of the scholarships and awards available to students who qualify:
Sonography Student Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program.
How to Apply:
Ultrasound Schools InfoAttn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 3026, Bellingham, WA 98227
Email: scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com
State of Ohio Scholarships and Grants
Award: Varies
Eligibility: The state of Ohio offers a wide range of scholarships and grants to residents attending a public institution in the state.
How to Apply:
Visit the State of Ohio website to learn more and apply.
Cleveland Foundation Scholarships
Award: Varies
Eligibility: A variety of needs-based and merit-based scholarships for students attending a higher education institution in the Cleveland area.
How to Apply:
Visit the Cleveland Foundation website and use the search tool to determine eligibility and apply.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Ohio
Currently, Ohio doesn’t require practicing sonographers to receive professional certification or licensure. However, as many employers do prefer or require certification, it’s a smart thing to consider if you want to have an advantage over other potential job candidates. Many states are considering mandating certification as well.
Receive your ARDMS certification in Ohio
The most widely accepted certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you first have to meet one of their prerequisites. The most comprehensive and direct way to meet one of their prereq’s is to graduate from a CAAHEP accredited sonography program.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Tips on Passing the SPI
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Ohio?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023) states that the mean annual salary for sonographers in Ohio is $78,780 ($37.87 an hour). Sonographers who are at the top of the earnings curve made an average wage of $97,540 a year, while those just starting out earned up to about $62,000 per year. Conditions in your area may vary.
Where you work, amount of education, whether or not you received certification from the ARDMS, and more can play a role in how much you earn as a sonographer. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree can open you up to higher paying positions as well.
Geographic location can also affect a sonographer’s salary. The table below displays the mean salaries for different areas of Ohio:
| Metro Area | 2024 Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Akron, OH | $76,340 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $72,370 |
| Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH | $77,720 |
| Columbus, OH | $80,110 |
| Dayton, OH | $87,620 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $78,410 |
| Lima, OH | $69,640 |
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Columbus
Ohio State University has a CAAHEP accredited sonography degree program located in the Columbus area. U.S. News and World Report ranked OSU 17th out of 209 in terms of top public schools, making it a great place where you can work towards you degree.
In 2022, there were 530 working sonographers in Columbus, Ohio who made an a mean annual wage of $80,110 or $38.51 an hour (BLS). In addition, job growth is expected to increase by 16% by 2030 state wide (O*Net). Job earnings and expectations may vary in your area.
Get started on a career as a sonographer and become a part of the booming healthcare industry by attending an accredited school or program in the Ohio area.
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