Ultrasound Technician Schools in Pennsylvania

Explore Accredited Sonography Programs in Pennsylvania in 2025

Pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician in Pennsylvania offers a pathway to a stable and rewarding profession in healthcare. The field of diagnostic medical sonography continues to grow across the state, with rising demand in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. Sonographers are critical members of the healthcare team, using advanced imaging technology to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating patients.

With competitive salaries and a relatively short education period – typically requiring just an Associate Degree – sonography provides an accessible and high-demand career option. Whether you’re just starting your education or considering a career change, Pennsylvania offers numerous accredited programs designed to prepare you for success. Below, we will explore these opportunities and connect you with schools that provide the training you need to become a certified sonographer.

How to Become an Ultrasound Technologist in PA

• Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program. Accreditation of the program itself, and not just the school, is one of the most important factors to consider when applying. If possible, select a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This will ensure that the education they provide will meet or exceed industry standards. Pennsylvania has 12 programs that have received this recognition.
• Get Your Degree. Sonographers must have a minimum of an Associate of Science degree in medical sonography. Some schools offer Accelerated Certificate programs to students who already hold a degree, and there are also Bachelor’s Degree programs available.
• Receive Your Credentials. Your potential employer will want you to have your RDMS credential, which is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). If you graduate from a CAAHEP accredited program you will automatically qualify to sit for their exams.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs Across Pennsylvania

Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?

For a program to be accredited means that it has been reviewed by an outside agency for the purpose of verifying the quality of the education and training.

The primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited Pennsylvania school is the most comprehensive and direct way students can qualify to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. 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 $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.

Accredited Sonography Schools in Pennsylvania in 2025

The following schools all have degree or certificate programs in medical sonography, as of May 2025:

Pennsylvania Sonography Student Scholarships

Pursuing your education can be an expensive endeavor, and scholarships can help offset some of the costs for those who qualify. Along with potential financial aid, scholarships can be used to help pay for tuition, books, and sometimes living expenses. Learn more by visiting our Financial Aid center.

A few of the scholarships that are available to students who qualify are listed below. The application and other details can be found by visiting the individual scholarship’s website that you’re interested in pursuing.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania

Currently, there are no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pennsylvania. However, it is almost certain that prospective employers will require that you get your RDMS credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The ARDMS is an organization that provides the most highly regarded certification to sonographers. The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. Once you have met the ARDMS’ prerequisites, there are many testing locations where you can take the exam in Pennsylvania.

Additional Certification Information

DMS Certification Overview
Learn More About the ARDMS

Advice From the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Emily Long, part of the communications team at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, enjoys writing about current trends in health care and helping students get the information they need to land a job in their desired career field. “Applying for your first job as a sonographer can seem daunting. But there are lots of great ways to start enhancing your resume before you even graduate.”

How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Pennsylvania?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Pennsylvania is $82,760. In addition, those in the top 90th percentile made a mean annual salary of up to $102,560, while those in the bottom 10th percentile earned up to $63,000 a year. Conditions in your area may vary.  In Pennsylvania, job growth is predicted to increase by 17% by 2030 (O*Net).

Medical Imaging Organizations in Pennsylvania

Belonging to a society or organization within your chosen field has many benefits. Networking with your peers, staying up to date on new technologies and procedures, and remaining current with continuing medical education (CME) requirements can all come from membership with these organizations.

Some examples of medical imaging societies in Pennsylvania are listed below:

• Pennsylvania Radiological Society
• Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists
• The Hospital Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Click here for more information regarding ultrasound societies and organizations.

City Spotlight: Philadelphia, PA

In 2014, Thomas Jefferson University was awarded “Best Radiologic Technologist Training Program” by the RSNA. The Jefferson School of Health Professions Department offers a Bachelor’s and Master’s program in Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences where students can choose from a variety of modalities to specialize in, such as nucelar medicine, cardiac, vascular, and general sonography. TJU is just one of several schools in Philadelphia that offers training to aspiring ultrasound technicians and other medical imagers.

There were around 1,730 sonographers working in Philadelphia in 2022 who made an average of $81,250 a year. In addition, job growth state wide is predicted to increase by 17% by 2030 (O*Net).