Find Tennessee’s Sonography Programs in 2023
Ultrasound technologists play an important role in healthcare today. They work closely with physicians, using specialized equipment to image internal organs and tissues within the body. Those images are then used by referring physicians to diagnose and treat illness and disease, as well as monitor the growth and development of an embryo.
Sonography is a career in which you can truly make a difference in the lives of your patients, and choosing Tennessee as the state in which to pursue that career is a wise move. Tennessee is ranked 15th in the nation in terms of concentration of sonography jobs, and jobs are expected to increase by 28% by 2030.
Graduating with an associate’s or a certificate in sonography will help you gain an entry level position at one of the state’s hospitals or imaging centers. If you don’t see a sonography program in your area, you may want to consider exploring one of the related careers listed below.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Tennessee
- Choose the Right Program. It’s important to select a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This will ensure that the program meets industry standards.
- Get Your Degree. Sonographers must have at least an Associate of Science Degree in DMS in order to be eligible for entry-level positions. Some schools offer Accelerated Certificate programs to those who already hold a degree.
- Pass the Certification Exam. You will need to get your credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which means you’ll have to pass their Principals and Instrumentation exam and a specialty exam. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will automatically qualify you to sit for the tests.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
Choosing an accredited program is one of the most important steps when considering which school to attend. Being accredited means that the program or institution has undergone a rigorous program review by an unaffiliated outside party. For sonography and other medical imaging and technician programs, the gold standard of accreditation is from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
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 ultrasound technician programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Tennessee in 2023
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 February 2023:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health Sciences University 1003 Monroe Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
Bachelor of Health Sciences with DMS Major | 24 hours or pre-program coursework, cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better | Application period is 3/1 – 6/1 each year. Get started here. |
| Chattanooga State Community College 4501 Amnicola Hwy CBIH-124 Chattanooga, TN 37406 |
12-month certificate in:
|
Minimum AAS degree in patient-care related field, plus certification in that field | See the application checklist. All app materials due by March 15th of each year. |
| Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare 1265 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
15-month General Sonography or 15-month Cardiac Sonography Program | Applicant must have AA degree in patient-care related field, or a Bachelor’s degree. Job shadowing in DMS dept. preferred | Application due by October 15th of each year. Download packet here. |
| South College Nashville Learning Site 616 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214 |
Associate of Science in General DMS | Certain course prerequisites must be met with a GPA of 2.75+. Must also have 5 documented hours observation in an ultrasound clinic. | Applications are accepted throughout the year. |
| South College – Knoxville 3904 Lonas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909 |
Associate of Science in General DMS | Certain course prerequisites must be met, and a minimum of 5 documented hours observation in an ultrasound clinic. | Applications are accepted throughout the year. |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center 1161 21st Avenue S MCN-RR1215 Nashville, TN 37232 |
18-month certificate program in General Sonography | AAS in direct patient-care field or a Bachelor’s degree. Certain course requirements must also be met with a grade of “C” or better. | Applications are due by March of each year. |
| Volunteer State Community College 1480 Nashville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066 |
Certificate in General Medical Sonography | AAS in direct patient-care related field, a Bachelor’s degree, or a 3+1 pre-DMS degree from Middle TN State University | Application packet can be found here. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
What Are “Clinicals”?
Clinical experiences (commonly called clinical) are courses that take place in the clinical environment. This could include hospitals, outpatient imaging departments, and standalone imaging centers. Instead of being seated in a classroom, you will be actively involved with clinical staff and patients. Clinical instructors or preceptors are two terms often used to describe someone who is in charge of student teaching for clinical assignments. This person also serves as the liaison between you and the clinical coordinator.
The clinical coordinator is a faculty member in your sonography program that carries out administrative tasks related to the clinical experiences of students. It is important to note, you will likely work with several different sonographers and other healthcare professionals. Your education will benefit from a diverse range of sonographers. Everybody has something to offer!
Learn more about the education and training required to be an ultrasound tech in the new book “Diagnostic Medical Sonography – The Definitive Guide to Planning Your Career“ by Samantha Callis, MHA, ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT. Available now on Amazon.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Tennessee
The state of Tennessee does not require licensure or certification to be an ultrasound technician. However, gaining certification can put you ahead of the rest when it comes to searching for a job as many employers do require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Obtaining Your Credentials
The ARDMS is the primary licensing and certification agency for sonographers. The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam.
The ARDMS has a list of prerequisites that are required in order to sit for the exam. Graduating from a program accredited by the CAAHEP is probably the most common, though there are several others.
There are numerous testing centers throughout Tennessee. Coordination to sit for the exam is typically facilitated by the school you’re attending. Testing centers can be located on the website of the administrator, PearsonVue.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in TN?
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Tennessee made an annual mean wage of $65,750 in 2020, or $31.61 per hour. Starting salaries for an entry level sonographer were up to $49,000 per year. Conditions in your particular area may vary.
How much you make is influenced by many factors, including the type of facility you work for. Most sonographers in Tennessee work at hospitals or imaging centers. Larger facilities might offer better job perks such as insurance, while smaller facilities might have more job flexibility.
Growth in the industry is expected to be strong, with a 28% increase in jobs expected by 2030.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologist in Tennessee
- Mean diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Tennessee is $65,750
- In 2018, there were 1,580 sonographers employed in TN
- That figure is expected to grow by 25% by 2028
Highest Paying Areas for Ultrasound Techs in Tennessee in 2023
| Location | Median Salary Data in 2020 |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $61,590 |
| Nashville | $71,410 |
| Chattanooga | $66,750 |
| Jackson | $63,520 |
| Knoxville | $63,770 |
Medical Imaging Membership Associations
Most lines of work have membership associations that professionals can belong to. Benefits can include networking opportunities, continuing education, and career and leadership development, to name a few. Dues are typically required, though membership is most often optional. Below are some member organizations and associations in Tennessee that offer similar opportunites.
Tennessee Radiological Society
Tennessee Hospital Association
Tennessee Medical Association
Nashville Academy of Medicine
Caring for Patients Who Are Limited English Proficient
Tennessee has a growing population of individuals who speak English as a second language. 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 2021 was $71,410.
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.
- South College
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ultrasound technician do?
There’s much more than just imaging internal organs. Learn more at: ultrasoundschoolsinfo.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, though program lengths may vary depending on particular program requirements.
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.
