Find Oklahoma’s Top Sonography Programs in 2021
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, play a vital role in the healthcare of their patients. While most people tend to think of ultrasound in terms of pregnancy, its use is far more widespread. Using sophisticated equipment, sonographers capture images of the internal organs, muscles, joint, and vascular systems of their patients. Physicians then use those images in order to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
Sonography is becoming increasingly popular because of the potential for a good salary, the relatively short education and training period, and the fact that job availability is expected to increase by 15.7% by 2026 in Oklahoma (CareerOneStop). We will go into each of these topics later, as well as connect you with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The most well known organization that accredits sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines. The school must also pass a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This makes sure that the students are receiving quality education that prepares them to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of an accredited Oklahoma DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can qualify to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as an exam in a specific area of study. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
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.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Oklahoma in 2021
The following schools offer diagnostic medical sonography programs accredited by CAAHEP as of December 2020:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moore Norman Technology Center 4701 12th Avenue Norman, OK 73069 |
Associate of Science Degree in General Diagnostic Medical Sonography | There are several prerequisite courses that must be passed with a grade of “C” or better. | Applications are submitted online |
| Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City 900 N Portland Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73107 |
Associate in Applied Science in Cardiovascular Sonography | Prerequisite courses with GPA of 2.5 or better. | Applications can be found here. |
| Tulsa Community College 6111 E Skelly Dr Tulsa, OK 74135 |
AAS in General Diagnostic Medical Sonography | College-level prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. | Applications must be submitted online by April 1st of each year. |
| University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 1200 N Stonewall AHB-3021 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Imaging with a specialty in General, Cardiac, or Vascular sonography | 64 college-level credit hours are required for application, with many being specific prerequisite courses | Instructions on the application process can be found here. |
Ultrasound Technologist Certification Requirements in Oklahoma
Oklahoma doesn’t currently require practicing diagnostic medical sonographers to possess certification. However, many employers prefer or require certification, and many states are considering mandating licensure, so it’s something to consider if you want to get ahead of other potential job candidates.
Receiving Your Certification in OK
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. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of two testing locations in Oklahoma:
- 5100 N Brookline Ave #282, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
- 3000 S Berry Rd Suite 200, Norman, OK 73072
The most direct and comprehensive way to qualify to sit for the ARDMS is to graduate from a program that has been accredited by the CAAHEP.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Oklahoma?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2019), sonographers in Oklahoma made a mean annual wage of $70,770, or $34.02 an hour. In addition, those at the top of their field in the 90th percentile made an average of $94,680 a year, while those in the bottom 10th percentile made a mean annual salary of $53,160. 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. For example, 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 ultrasound tech positions, while a Bachelor’s Degree can qualify you for higher paying positions.
Advice From the Experts
Chelsey Wright,BS-MIRS, RDCS (AE, PE), RDMS
Chelsey Wright is a graduate of the Sonography program at the University of Oklahoma and author of “Sonographic Evaluation of Interstitial (Cornual) Ectopic Pregnancy”, published in the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
In her interview, Chelsey shares with us why she is passionate about sonography and offers advice for those considering medical imaging as a career.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Oklahoma City
The sonography industry in Oklahoma City employs about 460 people who earn a mean annual salary of $73,350 or $35.26 an hour (BLS 2019). Conditions in your area may vary. In addition, job growth state wide is expected to increase by 15.7% within the next 6 years (CareerOneStop). If you’re considering completing a sonography program in Oklahoma City, there are 2 CAAHEP accredited institutions to choose from: Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Get started on a career as a sonographer and become a part of the booming healthcare industry by attending a school or program in the Oklahoma City area. Consider pursuing an education in one of the many allied health fields if a program isn’t available near you.
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in Oklahoma do?
Sonographers do much more than just image internal organs. They also work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients, and evaluate the images they capture. Learn more on our ultrasound technician career overview page. 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 as a medical sonographer in Oklahoma?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started a 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, which will allow you to earn an Associate’s Degree. You can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.
How do I know if sonography is right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Click here to find out about the qualities that make a great sonographer.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry other than diagnostic sonography, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
All salary job growth statistics, unless otherwise noted, are provided by:
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm
*Career OneStop, https://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=Overall&optstatus=111111111&jobfam=29&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=292032&menuMode=&stfips=40&x=53&y=12