Find Texas’ Top Sonography Programs in 2020
Diagnostic medical imaging is a rapidly growing field within healthcare. It’s a popular career choice for many reasons, including the relatively short educational and training period required for entry-level positions. Sonographers in Texas are in high demand, and the state ranks 5th nation-wide in percent growth for jobs.
The technology has progressed from scans used during pregnancy to aiding in diagnosing and treating illness and disease, and the technical and personal skill of the sonographer is paramount. It’s a rigorous course of study, but a very rewarding field to be a part of.
Getting Started as a Sonographer in Texas
Build a Solid Foundation
A strong foundation in science, math, and English will help prepare you for the rigorous course of study ahead. Many programs have course prerequisites that must be passed with an acceptable grade (typically C or better) prior to application. In many cases these course requirements can be met while still in high school or while attending a local community college.
12-24 Month Degree Options
We are frequently asked by prospective students how long it will take to complete a sonography degree. The answer depends on the type of degree you are pursuing, as well as the amount of education you have already received.
One year certificate options are available from many programs for students who currently hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Other sonography programs offer AAS or BS degrees that require two to four years of full time attendance.
Get Started Today
If you’ve been considering a career in healthcare and you’re interested in applying to one of the ultrasound technician schools in Texas, we’ll help you get started. Below we will provide you with the resources you’ll need to research the field of medical imaging, learn about the licensing and certification requirements in Texas, as well as connect you with accredited programs in your area.
“Do your research and professional observations before you get started. This is an important decision and healthcare is a great profession, but it’s not for everyone, so do everything in your power to make sure this is the right field for you.”
Jessica L. Murphy
Program Director of Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography
Alvin College, Alvin, Texas
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
For a school or program to be accredited means that they have undergone a rigorous review from an outside agency. As you look at schools you will see that there are many ways in which they can be accredited. In sonography, however, the most important accreditation for a program to have is the one offered by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). If the program that you’re researching has this accreditation, that is a clear testament to the quality of education that you’ll be receiving.
Additionally, the successful completion of one of these recognized Texas sonography programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
Cost, entrance requirements, job placement percentages, and proximity are all important things to think about when researching programs, just be sure that accreditation is at the top of the priority list.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Texas in 2020
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. They are all in compliance and accredited as of March, 2020.
| Institution Name | Location | Program Director | Initial Accreditation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin Community College | 3110 Mustang Rd Alvin, TX 77511 | Suzanne Poston BS, RDCS, RVS, RCS, RCCS, FASE | 11/18/2005 |
| Angelina College | 3500 South First Street Lufkin, TX 75902 | Casey Davis RT(R), RDMS, RVT | 9/17/2010 |
| Austin Community College | 4400 College Park Drive Bldg 3000 Room 3228 Round Rock, TX 78665 | Janet Barlow AAS, RDCS, RVTG | 10/17/1997 |
| Del Mar College | 101 Baldwin Blvd West Campus Corpus Christi, TX 78404 | Christin Vega MS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R) | 5/2/1991 |
| El Centro College | 801 Main Street Dallas, TX 75202 | Lynn Schluns BS, RDMS, RVT | 7/22/1987 |
| El Paso Community College | PO Box 20500 El Paso, TX 79998 | Nora M Balderas BS, RT(R), RDMS | 5/2/1991 |
| Harris Health System | 9250 Kirby Dr. Suite 1800 Houston, TX 77054 | Georgette Shepherd BHSc, RDMS, RT(R)(M) | 11/17/2010 |
| Houston Community College | 1900 Pressler Street Houston, TX 77030 | Elizabeth Ho BHs, RDMS, RT(R) | 1/26/2007 |
| Houston International College | 12135 Bissonnet Suite E Houston, TX 77099 | Joan Douglas MS, RDCS, RCS | 11/18/2016 |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | 855 East Lavaca Beaumont, TX 77705 | Judy Tinsley RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R) | 9/17/2004 |
| Lone Star College | 9191 Barker Cypress Road Cypress, TX 77433 | Jeremi Martin BA, RDMS, RVT | 3/11/2005 |
| Midland College | 3600 North Garfield Midland, TX 79705 | Brandi Havner BAAS, RDMS | 9/17/2004 |
| Parker University | 2540 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, TX 75229 | Ashley Ragsdale BAS, RDMS, RVT | 1/16/2020 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 10201 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77024 | Sarah Carmona-Alaniz MEd, RDMS | 1/11/2018 |
| San Jacinto College | 8060 Spencer Highway Pasadena, TX 77505 | Samisha Davis BS, RDMS | 5/15/2015 |
| St Phillips College | 1801 Martin Luther King Drive San Antonio, TX 78203 | Yvette Senovsky MD, RDMS | 5/17/2019 |
| Tarrant County College | 245 East Belknap Fort Worth, TX 76102 | Jacqueline Bennett-Scamardo MS, RDMS, RVS, RVT, RT(R,CT) | 11/16/2018 |
| Temple College | 2600 South First Street Temple, TX 76504 | Felix Guzman DM, DMD, MBA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 3/18/2011 |
| Texas Southmost College | 80 Fort Brown Brownsville, TX 78520 | Ariel Villanueva MD, RDMS | 5/20/2005 |
| Tyler Junior College | P.O. Box 9020 Tyler, TX 75711 | Wesley Speake BS, RDMS, RVT | 4/17/1997 |
| Weatherford College | 225 College Park Dr Weatherford, TX 76086 | Peter Klimo MD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT | 1/19/2012 |
A Closer Look at Texas’ 21 Accredited Sonography Programs
Alvin Community College
ACC offers students two pathways to choose from. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a two-year program with specializations available in adult echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography, and vascular sonography. Those who already have a degree in a related healthcare field can pursue a condensed degree and graduate with an Advanced Technical Certificate in DMS. Students interested in attending must attend an admission session with the college and take the Ultrasound Student Assessment exam.
Jessica L. Murphy, Program Director of Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography at Alvin College in Texas, recommends getting your feet a little wet before making any major decisions. “Do your research and professional observations before you get started,” she says. “This is an important decision and healthcare is a great profession, but it’s not for everyone, so do everything in your power to make sure this is the right field for you.”
Available programs: A.A.S. in DMS or an accelerated certificate
Program costs: A.A.S. in-district, $4,479. Advanced Tech Certificate in-district, $2,552.
Application deadline: Applications accepted anytime.
Program website. http://www.alvincollege.edu/DCVS/
Angelina College
Applicants for the DMS program at Angelina College are ranked using a points-based system. Points are based on cumulative GPA, sonography lab hours, and an interview, among others. Bonus points are given to applicants who already hold a degree.
More information can be found at their website at http://www.angelina.edu/health-careers/
Austin Community College
ACC received their first CAAHEP accreditation for General sonography in 1990. They offer a competitive program for students, preparing them for entry level sonography positions in general, cardiac, or vascular sonography. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the ARDMS SP&I exam. Admission is based on a points system using the Sonography Programs Applicant Ranking Worksheet.
Available programs: Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography and Diagnostic Medical-Vascular Sonography
Prerequisites: Certified Nurse Aid Training (CNA) is required to apply, as well as several college-level math and science courses.
Program cost: Find tuition information at https://www.austincc.edu/students/tuition-and-payments/tuition-table
School website: http://sites.austincc.edu/health/sono/
Del Mar College
Students at Del Mar can pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree at the West Campus of Del Mar, with specialties available in general or cardiac sonography. Graduates will be eligible for entry level sonography positions and will be prepared to sit for the ARDMS exam.
Application deadline: December 1st of each year
Prerequisites: Students must have completed a Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) certificate program or show proof of exemption.
Program website: https://www.delmar.edu/degrees/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
El Centro College
ECC offers students two different pathways to beginning their education as a sonographer. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S. is a five-semester degree program for individuals without an educational background in the medical field. For students who already hold an associate in science degree in a designated allied health field or a B.S. with a major in science, there is an Advanced Technical Certificate available.
Program cost: A.A.S. is $3,835 in tuition. Tuition for the Advanced Certificate is $2,478. Information on financial aid can be found here
Program website: https://www.elcentrocollege.edu/cd/credit/diagnostic-medical-sonography/ecc/pages/default.aspx
El Paso Community College
Students at EPCC have the opportunity to pursue one of two sonography programs. For those who already have completed an associate’s degree in a patient-care related allied health program at an accredited institution there is a one-year certificate program. Without prior program completion, there is a two-year Associate’s in Science degree in DMS. Both options will prepare students to sit for the ARDMS exam and make them eligible for an entry-level position at a hospital, physician’s office, or imaging clinic.
Available programs: 1-year certificate or 2-year A.A.S. Degree
Admission: EPCC admits students each year
Cost of program: $9,812
Harris Health System
The goal of the sonography program at HHS is to prepare the next generation of sonographers for entry level positions in nearby hospitals and clinics. Students receive training in abdominal and Ob/Gyn sonography. Clinical labs and rotations are assigned at one or more of these locations: Ben Taub Hospital, LBJ Hospital, and Smith Clinic. Applicants must have already completed a program in a healthcare field or hold an Associate’s degree. The program begins in July of each year.
Tuition and Fees: $800 in-district, $850 out of district, plus a $150 administrative fee
Program website: https://www.harrishealth.org/about-us-hh/Pages/sonography-program.aspx
Houston Community College
HCC offers an Advanced Technical Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonograpy. This is a full-time, four-semester program. Students are required to have already completed an Associate’s degree in allied health or a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Estimated tuition cost: $5,985.50
Admissions: Around 24 students are admitted each year.
Program website: https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
Houston International College
The CardioTech Ultrasound School offers an Associates in Applied Science degree in diagnostic medical and vascular ultrasound, though these two program have not been accredited by the CAAHEP. The accredited program offered is for the echocardiogram technician. This is a certificate program that offers students the preparation needed to work in an entry-level position in Echocardiology labs in Cardiac non-invasive departments.
Program length: 73 semester hours over a five-semester period.
Program website: http://cardiotech.org/programs/
Lamar Institute of Technology
Successful students at LIT will earn an Associate of Applied Science in DMS, with accredited specialization in either general or cardiac sonography. This is a 65-credit program, with 50 lecture hours and 90 laboratory hours. The program is full-time with most clinical hours occurring during the daytime hours. A minimum of a 2.5 GPA must be maintained during the entire program.
Application deadline: April 1st of each year
Admissions: A max of 12 students are accepted to the medical sonography program, and 10 to the cardiac program.
Prerequisites: Full list can be found on this downloadable document https://www.lit.edu/pdf/5072/dms.pdf
Program website: https://www.lit.edu/programs/healthcare-and-sciences/sonography/associate-of-applied-science-aas-dms
Lone Star College
Lone Star College offers an accredited Associate Degree program in general sonography or echocardiography. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam. There is a mandatory information session that all interested students must attend in order for application to be accepted. There are several college math, English, and science courses that must be completed prior to application.
Program cost: Approximately $14,000 in-district
Length of program: 4 consecutive semesters
Admittance: Up to 15 students annually Program website: http://www.lonestar.edu/diagnostic-medical-sonography-dept.htm
Midland College
Students may apply to enter the A.A.S. sonography degree program after successfully completing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). This is a 61-semester credit hour, full-time program that must be taken consecutively. After the successful completion of the program students are eligible to sit for the ARDMS SP&I exam.
Prerequisites: http://catalog.midland.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=12&ent_oid=1051&returnto=2160
Program website: http://catalog.midland.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=12&poid=1566
Parker University
Parker University has an accredited Associate of Applied Science degree program in general sonography. Admittance to the program is competitive and a limited number of students are accepted each year.
Admittance: Up to 15 students annually
Program length: Total of 75 credit hours (27 credit hours of prerequisites, 48 hours of major core courses).
Application due date: July 1st of each year
Pima Medical Institute
Pima has an accredited general sonography program at both the Houston and El Paso campuses. Both locations offer an Associate’s in Applied Science degree over a 6 semester time period.
Program website: https://pmi.edu/programs/associate/diagnostic-medical-sonography
Application: Form submission on the Pima website https://pmi.edu/admissions/how-do-i-apply
San Jacinto College
Students at SJC can pursue an A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This is a general sonography course with training in examination of the breast, abdomen, female and male reproductive systems, and more. Students must be able to attend full-time between the hours of 8 and 5:30 PM, including a Summer term. There are 15 facilities in the area where clinicals are done.
Student checklist, including prerequisites: https://www.sanjac.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Sonography%20Checklist%20Fall%202020.pdf
Program costs: In-district cost is $6780. Out-of-district, $10,371
Program website: https://www.sanjac.edu/program/diagnostic-medical-sonography
St. Philip’s College
The A.A.S. degree offered by St. Philip’s College will provide graduates with the education and skills necessary to be eligible for entry-level sonographer positions. There are several math and science prerequisite courses that must have been completed within the past 5 years with a grade of “C” of better. Applications must be mailed, and postmarked by June 1st of each year. Additionally, all applicants must participate in a minimum of 40 hours volunteer work in a healthcare setting.
Program website: https://www.alamo.edu/spc/sonography/
Downloadable application: https://www.alamo.edu/siteassets/spc/academics/find-your-program/health-and-biosciences/health-sciences-application.pdf
Tarrant County College
The Trinity River Campus East offers two pathways for individuals wishing to pursue an education in medical sonography. The Associate’s degree is open to students who meet the prerequisite courses in college-level math, English and science. The Advanced Technical Certificate is also a degree program available to individuals who already hold a registry with the ARRT in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy.
Program website. https://www.tccd.edu/academics/courses-and-programs/programs-a-z/credit/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
Program cost: Approximately $5,363 for Tarrant County residents
Temple College
Temple college has three different CAAHEP accredited degree options to pursue: An Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, an ATC in Non-Invasive Vascular Technology, or an AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The ATC programs are accelerated and you must meet the educational and training prerequisites. The AAS is a full-time, two-year program.
Program website: http://www.templejc.edu/programs/health-professions/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
Texas Southmost College
The AAS degree program at Texas Southmost prepares students for entry-level positions at physician’s offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers, among others. It has a requirement of 60 credit hours, with all classes needing a grade of “C” or better for graduation. Admission is competitive and there are a variety of prerequisites that must be met.
Downloadable student handbook: http://www.tsc.edu/images/Academics/Student_Handbook_UPDATED_9.9.19_JH.pdf
Program website: http://www.tsc.edu/index.php/academics/-division-of-health-care-career-and-technical-education/diagnostic-medical-sonography.html
The College of Healthcare Professions Fort Worth
This is a 96-week, full time program for students to pursue an A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the ARDMS exam and apply for work as an entry-level sonographer. CHP offers DMS sonography degrees at several locations; be sure that the one you’re considering has been accredited by the CAAHEP.
Program website: https://www.chcp.edu/degrees-certificates/on-campus/diagnostic-medical-sonography-aas-degree
Tyler Junior College
TJC has been offering an accredited AAS degree program in DMS since 1997. It is a 16-month, full-time program that will prepared graduates to sit for the ARDMS exam in general physics, abdominal, and Ob/Gyn. Sonography. All coursework must be met with a grade of “C” or better in order to progress in the program.
Pamela Brower, the Department Chair of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Tyler Junior College in Texas says that sonographers need to be committed and to prioritize patient care. “I would encourage all aspiring sonographers to be ‘all-in’. This is about patient care… We are commissioned to be the best each time we pick up the transducer regardless the ethnicity, the time of day or the type of scan. It’s about the patient!”, Brower says.
Downloadable application packet: file:///Users/wendyfanello/Downloads/Diagnostic_Medical_Sonography_Program.pdf
Program website: https://www.tjc.edu/directory_record/2/
Weatherford College
Weatherford offers a 22-month, full-time AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography to those who are interested in preparing for entry-level positions in sonography. They also offer an Adult Echocardiography Certificate or a Vascular Certificate to graduates of a DMS program who are looking to expand their skill set. Both of these are 2-semester programs with a total of 24 semester credit hours.
Program website: https://www.wc.edu/sonography
“I would encourage all aspiring sonographers to be ‘all-in’. This is about patient care… we are commissioned to be the best each time we pick up the transducer regardless the ethnicity, the time of day or the type of scan. It’s about the patient!”
Pamela Brower
Department Chair of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Tyler Junior College, Tyler Texas
Certification Requirements in Texas
Is certification required to be a sonographer in Texas?
Certification is not required by the state of Texas. However, possessing certification in your field is a way of showing expertise and dedication to your craft, and is worth pursuing. Most employers require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Earn your ARDMS certification
The only way to earn certification by the ARDMS is by taking and passing their exam.
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 to meet one of their other requirements, such as 12 months of full time clinical experience prior to taking their test. The ARDMS publishes a full list of possible prerequisites on their downloadable PDF.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Texas?
Medical sonographers in Texas earned a median salary of $71,550. For those just entering the workforce, you can expect to earn around $52,000 per year, while those at the top of the pay scale earn over $100,000 per year.
Texas is the 2nd most populated state in the country with over 23 million residents. It boasts three of the top ten most populous cities in the nation (Houston, Dallas and San Antonio), and has a diverse multicultural ethnic make-up. In 2016, there were over 5,200 sonographers in Texas, and that number is expected to increase by 35% by 2026.
In 2017 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics declared that Texas had the 4th highest employment level in the nation for medical sonographers. The Texas Workforce Commission is predicting strong growth in the healthcare industry throughout the state.
There are a lot of factors that can affect how much you earn, from the type of employer you work for, to your education and geographic location. Most of the ultrasound techs working in Texas have an Associate’s in Science degree and find employment at hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities. Furthering your education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree can make you eligible for more senior positions, which will typically come with a higher salary. Job growth is expected to be strong in the state, so it’s a great time to launch a new career in medical imaging.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologist in Texas
- Median salary for ultrasound techs in Texas was $71,800 in 2017
- In 2016 there were over 5,200 working sonographers in the state
- The Houston area has the 4th highest level of employment in the country
- Job growth is expected to be at 35% by 2026
BLS and Career OneStop
Texas Sonography Scholarships
Investing in your education is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make, and it can be costly. Student loans are one way to pay for your education, and there are many scholarships that go un-awarded every year. Most schools have needs or merit-based scholarships available, and there are countless clubs, organizations, and businesses that offer scholarships as well.
Most needs-based scholarships require that you apply for the FASFA first, which is a federal financial aid program, before they’ll accept your application. Make sure that whatever you apply for, that there is no fee for application. That is a red-flag that what is being offered is a scam. Learn more about financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, and financial aid for undocumented students by visiting our financial aid center.
Below you will find just a few of the scholarship opportunities for program applicants in Texas.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Urban Scholarship | $2,000 | Needs based scholarship for students who are from certain counties within the state. | Scholarship Committee 1140 Empire Central Suite 550 Dallas, TX 75247 info@txadc.org 214-630-2511 |
| Texas Educational Opportunity Grant | Amount varies | Applicant must demonstrate financial need and attend a public school or university in Texas. | Student Financial Aid Programs PO Box 12788 Austin, TX 78711 888-311-8881 |
| George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Scholarship | $18,000 | Applicant must be a high school senior from one of the Houston area counties. | 3336 Richmond Suite 310 Houston, TX 77098 HammanFdn@aol.com 713-521-4601 |
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000, twice per year | The Ultrasound Schools Info student scholarship is a semi-annual, non-renewable $1,000 scholarship awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited diagnostic medical sonography program, or a high school student who has been accepted to a program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 Email: scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
Sonography City Spotlight: Houston, TX
Houston has the 5th largest level of employment for sonographers of any metropolitan area in the country, it’s ranked 4th in overall job growth in the nation, and The Texas Medical Center in Southwest Houston is the largest medical center in the world, employing more than 61,000 individuals.
There are great job opportunities for sonographers and other healthcare technicians in Houston, and health technician programs in the city serve to educate and train those interested in becoming part of such a robust local economy.
There are 4 Accredited Sonography Schools in Houston
- Harris Health System
- Houston Community College
- Houston International College
- Pima Medical Institute
Sonography Jobs in Houston
The Houston Article, in a November, 2014 article, named sonography as one of the “Top 25 High Paying Jobs for People Who Hate Math”, stating “We combed through the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of occupations, to find positions with a median annual salary of over $65,000 that don’t require heavy math skills.”
For those of you who have completed your sonography or health technician program, check out the Chronicle chron.com/jobs for great career advice and posted jobs.
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
Limited English Proficient (LEP) Individuals
According to the US Department of Education, limited English proficient (LEP) learners were the fastest growing population in the country. It is estimated that 34% of adults in Texas speak a non-English language. The healthcare industry is concerned that Texans as a result may not be receiving optimal health care.
The over 3 million citizens in Texas who speak English as a 2nd or even 3rd language, can have difficulty understanding the information presented to them by their physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who speak a second language can have increased job opportunities available to them, especially in Texas, which has historically been a destination-state for immigrants.
Resources:
Career OneStop
Career OneStop Toolkit
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Dallas Morning News