Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Tennessee. Explore medical imaging education and career opportunities near you.
Below you will find all of the ultrasound technician schools in Tennessee that offer degrees or certificates in Sonography in 2019. According to a report generated by the University of Tennessee, the prediction is for a strong economic outlook into 2018, with positive job growth predicted for the Health Services sector. In fact, Tennessee is ranked 17th in the nation in terms of concentration of sonography jobs.
Graduating with an associate’s or a certificate in sonography will help you gain employment in a state that’s expected to sustain career growth of 52%. If you don’t see a sonography program in your area, you may want to consider exploring one of the related careers listed below.
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CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
Each of these schools has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these recognized Tennessee DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Tennessee in 2019
Of the many factors to consider when choosing your program, accreditation should be towards the top. The following schools have programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as of March, 2019:
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Memorial College of Health Science | 1003 Monroe Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
Connie Willis MS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 10/23/1994 |
| Chattanooga State Community College | 4501 Amnicola HIghway CBIH-124 Chattanooga, TN 37406 |
Jody Love EdD, RDMS, RVT, RT(R) | 10/21/1995 |
| Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare | 1265 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
Tamera Ghelichkhani AS, RDMS, RT(R)(M) | 5/14/2004 |
| South College Nashville Learning Site | 616 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214 |
Jennifer Carroll BA, RDMS, RVT | 3/15/2019 |
| South College – Knoxville | 3904 Lonas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909 |
Louise Groth DHs, RDMS, RT(R) | 7/16/2015 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | 1161 21st Avenue S MCN-RR1215 Nashville, TN 37232 |
Jill Webb BS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT | 11/19/2004 |
| Volunteer State Community College | 1480 Nashville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066-3188 |
Edward Carlton BS, RDMS, RVT | 9/17/2004 |
Tennessee Healthcare Career Resources
Overall, the education level of residents of Tennessee is below that of the rest of the county, and this could be key to how well the economy in Tennessee rebounds. Pursuing a certificate or a degree in medical imaging should put you ahead of the curve in terms of employment opportunities.
The median annual salary in 2015 was $59,400.
Job growth is expected to be strong, with an 52% increase expected for diagnostic medical sonographers over the next few years.
Career Resources
Is a job in healthcare the right one for you?
Certification Requirements in Tennessee
The state of Tennessee does not require licensure or certification to be an ultrasound technician. However, many employers do require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam. There are many locations throughout Tennessee to take the exam, and you can find them on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
The easiest way to qualify to sit for the exam is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Otherwise, you’ll need 12 months of full time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Tennessee, and do the research to make sure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
Additional Certification Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ultrasound technician do?
There’s much more than just imaging internal organs. Learn more at: ultrasounddchoolsinfo.com/ultrasound-technician. 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?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started any 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.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Here’s how you’ll know if you’ve got what it takes.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
Caring for Patients Who Are Limited English Proficient
With a 55.5% growth rate, Tennessee is 5th in the nation for the rate in which the Hispanic population is increasing. This puts a unique demand on both the health care and the educational system, and creates new job opportunities for graduates who are bilingual or multi-lingual.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee downtown skyline
It’s a great time to pursue a career as a sonographer in Nashville, as strong growth is expected in the medical imaging field, as well as in other allied health careers. Nashville is one of the fastest growing job markets in the country, and health care workers represent one in every eight jobs, creating over 13 billion in personal income each year. The median annual salary for ultrasound technicians in Nashville in 2015 was $64,300.
Pursuing your diagnostic medical imaging degree in Nashville will put you in the middle of a growing field in a city with strong economic ties; and there are several sonography schools or allied health programs to choose from, in the city or nearby. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, however, is the only CAAHEP accredited sonography program in Nashville.
How Much do Sonographers Make in Tennessee?
The following table compares the median salaries for the major metropolitan areas, as of May, 2015.
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $61,300 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | $54,000 |
| Knoxville, TN | $58,200 |
| Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN | $64,300 |
All job growth and salary statistics, unless otherwise noted, were provided by:
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015-16 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=47&x=54&y=9