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Ultrasound Technician Schools in Ohio

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?

Ad for book available on AmazonThe 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

Flat-style icon of a female ultrasound student with ponytail, holding an ultrasound probe, wearing blue scrubs with a medical cross emblem and student ID badge — close-up chest-up view on light background.
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 Info
Attn: 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

City Spotlight: Columbus

Ultrasound Technician Schools in Columbus

Columbus, OH

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.

Other resources:

Explore Accredited Ultrasound Schools in Other States

Use the dropdown below to discover accredited options and admissions info from other states.

Future earnings, employment data and other statistical information unless otherwise noted, are provided by:

* In some cases, salary and employment figures are based on a national average and may vary by location. Conditions in your area may vary.
* Unless otherwise noted, entry-level salary figures have been used for each respective vocation.
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