Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Oklahoma. Explore medical imaging educational and career opportunities near you.
Diagnostic medical sonographers, otherwise known as ultrasound technicians, play a vital role in the healthcare of their patients. Using sophisticated equipment, they capture images of the internal organs and vascular systems of their patients. They then work closely with physicians in order to use those images to prevent and treat disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a fetus.
Sonography is becoming increasingly popular because of the high salary, 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 2020
The following schools offer diagnostic medical sonography programs accredited by CAAHEP as of September 2020:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moore Norman Technology Center | 4701 12th Avenue Norman, OK 73069 |
Shawna Herell BS, RDMS, RVT | 11/18/2005 |
| Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City | 900 N Portland Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73107 |
Christina Stewart BSRT, RDMS, RDCS | 9/17/2010 |
| Tulsa Community College | 6111 E Skelly Dr Tulsa, OK 74135 |
Aimee Francois MS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 1/21/2016 |
| University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | 1200 N Stonewall AHB-3021 Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1215 |
Kari Boyce PhD, RDMS, RDCS | 1/26/1984 |
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.
The most highly regarded 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 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
Besides graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school, the second easiest way to qualify for the ARDMS exam is 12 months of full-time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in [state] to ensure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for. You may even want to talk to prospective employers about the certification and educational requirements they have.
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. This is just below the national average of $75,780. 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.
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). 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 several institutions to choose from, including 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.
*Conditions in your area may vary.
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