Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Texas. Explore medical imaging education and career opportunities in the lone star state.
Diagnostic medical sonography is far more than conducting an ultrasound on an expectant mother. Medical imaging has progressed to aiding in diagnosing, and even treating, illness and disease, and the technical and personal skill of the technician is paramount. The field is growing, as is the demand for the individuals trained to perform the scans.
If you’ve been considering attending one of the ultrasound technician schools in Texas, now is a great time to get started. Texas is expecting very strong job growth within sonography, as well as across the healthcare industry. Our guide starts with providing you with the resources you’ll need to research the field of medical imaging, as well as connecting you with programs in your area.
Below you will find all of the CAAHEP accredited Sonography schools in Texas, updated for 2020.
There are many schools in Texas to help you get started in one of these careers, with programs that offer an associates degree, a one-year certificate, or a bachelor’s degree. If you don’t see a sonography program in your area, consider one of the related programs listed below. Choose between a campus based and an online program that meets your needs. Request information and you’ll have the opportunity to speak with an admissions representative to have your questions answered.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
There are many factors to consider when selecting a program to attend. Cost, entrance requirements, and proximity are all important, but when considering a career in medical imaging, accreditation is one of the most important things to research. 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 Texas DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Texas in 2020
The following diagnostic medical sonography schools in Texas have programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as of April 2019:
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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’,” she says. “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!”
Certification Requirements in Texas
Possessing certification in your field is a way of showing expertise and dedication to your craft, and is worth pursuing. Most states, including Texas, do not require licensure or certification to practice as a sonographer. However, most employers prefer or even require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Requirements for Ultrasound Technician Certification in Texas
The only way to earn certification by the ARDMS is by taking and passing their exam. There are many locations throughout Texas to take the exam, and you can find them on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the test administrator group 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 to meet one of their other requirements, such as 12 months of full time clinical experience prior to taking their test. Request information from several sonography schools in Texas, and do the research to make sure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
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 $71,800. 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, to your education and geographic location. Most of the ultrasound techs working in Texas have an Associate’s 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.
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 |
| Siemens Clinical Advancement Scholarship | $5,000 | Scholarship to assist medical imaging professionals who are earning their Bachelor’s Degree Graduate Degree, and seeking to enhance their clinical practice skills and provide excellent patient care. | American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research 15000 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909 foundation@asrt.org |
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician do?
Ultrasound technicians, also called medical sonographers, use special equipment that emits sound waves to image internal organs, tissues, and unborn babies. They play an essential role in the healthcare team. Learn more by visiting our ultrasound technician overview page.
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 sonographers hold a two-year associates degree, with one-year certificates and bachelors degrees available depending on your previous education and career goals. Visit our degree center to learn which options are right for you.
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.
You can also learn first hand what it’s like to be a sonographer by reading one of the many interviews we’ve conducted with professionals and teachers in the industry.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Houston
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.
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.
Health Sciences College, namesake of Dr. John B Coleman
Dr. John B. Coleman (1929-1994) was a Houston, Texas-based physician, businessman and humanitarian. HCC Coleman College in Houston was named in honor of Dr. Coleman. HCC Coleman is a health sciences college and one of the member institutions of the world-famous Texas Medical Center.
“The School, named for Dr. Coleman, has grown to be the leading health science community college in the nation and the only one of its kind residing in the world-renown Texas Medical Center,” states the College’s website. “Degrees and certification programs in some of the fastest-growing careers in medicine are offered and the school’s outstanding faculty are acknowledged by their peers for leadership and vision.”
Learn more about the Health Sciences College, and Dr. John B. Coleman, in our recent article.
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.
Additional information and page resources:
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey and Career OneStop
* https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm