Find Texas’ Accredited Sonography Programs in 2024
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. 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
- Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program. There are 26 schools in Texas that have CAAHEP accredited programs in Sonography or Cardiac Sonography. 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.
- Get Your Degree. You’ll need at least an Associate of Science degree in medical sonography to be eligible for entry-level positions. Some schools offer Bachelor’s degrees, and there are some Certificate programs for those who qualify.
- Receive Your Credentials. Passing the exams conducted by the ARDMS will give you the necessary RDMS credential that almost all employers will require. If you graduate from a CAAHEP accredited program you will automatically qualify to sit for their exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
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.
CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Programs in Texas in 2024
The following colleges in Texas all offer sonography certificate or degree programs that have been accredited by the CAAHEP, as of August, 2023:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin College 3110 Mustang Rd. Alvin, TX, 77511 | Alvin offers an AAS degree or a certificate in adult cardiac, pediatric cardiac, or vascular sonography | There are prerequisite course requirements for the Associate degree, and degree requirements for the accelerated certificate program. | Applications are accepted from March 15 through May 15th of each year. |
| Angelina College 3500 South First Street Lufkin, TX 75901 |
Associate of Science degree with concentrations in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography | College-level prerequisite courses and must be Texas Success Initiative (TSI) complete | Attend a mandatory information session to learn more. |
| Austin Community College 6101 Highland Campus Drive Austin, Texas 78752 |
Austin offers Associate degree programs in Adult-Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, and ObGyn sonography. | This is a special admissions program with limited availability. | Review the FAQ to understand the entrance requirements. |
| Baylor Scorr & White Hospital 301 N. Washington Ave., Dallas, TX 75246 | Advanced Certificate in Adult Echocardiography | Certain prerequisite courses plus a two-year Associate Health degree from an accredited institution. | Online applications are accepted March 1st through June 1st. |
| Collin College 3452 Spur 399 – McKinney, Texas 75069 | Associate degree in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography. | Prerequisite courses and testing requirements. Admission is limited. | Connect with the Advising department to get started. |
| Dallas College – El Centro 1601 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215 | Associate degree and certificate programs offered in Adult Echocardiography, Vascular Sonography, Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, and Abdominal-Extended/ObGyn Sonography | Prerequisites vary depending on program chosen. | View the requirements here. |
| Del Mar College 101 Baldwin Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78404 | AAS degree in Adult-Cardiac or Abdominal-Extended Sonography. | Certain college-level course prerequisites are required with GPA of at least 2.5 | Applications are due by December 1st of each year. |
| El Paso Community College 100 West Rio Grande Ave. El Paso, TX 79902 | Associate Degree and Certificate available in Abdominal-Extended and ObGyn sonography | Prerequisites differ for the AAS degree and the Advanced Certificate. | Visit the school’s website to learn more. |
| Galveston College 4015 Ave Q, Galveston, TX 77550 | Associate Degree in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended sonography | Course prerequisites | Click here for more information on prerequisites and the application process. |
| Harris Health System 4800 Fournace Place Bellaire, TX 77401 |
Certificate program in ObGyn and Abdominal-Extended sonography | Applicants must hold an Associate Degree from an accredited college, plus certain prerequisite courses. | Detailed information can be found on the school’s website. |
| Hill College 112 Lamar Hillsboro, Texas 76645 | Associate degree in Cardiovascular Technology | Applicants must hold an AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. | Download the PDF to learn more. |
| Houston Community College System 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002 | Associate degree or Advanced Certificate program in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography | Prerequisites vary depending on whether you are applying to the degree or the certificate program. | Start by attending an online information session. |
| Lamar Institute of Technology 855 East Lavaca Beaumont,TX 77705 | Lamar offers Associate Degree and Certificate programs in Adult Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, and ObGyn sonography. | Applicant must supply official transcripts, current CPR card, documentation of 24 hours of observation in an ultrasound clinic, and background check. | Applications are due the last day of February. |
| Lone Star College – Cy Fair 5000 Research Forest Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77381 |
Associate of Science degree in Adult Cardiac, Abdominal-Extended, and ObGyn sonography, and a Certificate in Vascular sonography. | Prerequisites vary depending on program. | Attend a mandatory information session to learn more. |
| Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) 3176 CLP Johnson Road JBSA Ft. Sam Houston, TX. 78234 | Certificate program for Invasive Cardiovascular Technology | Program is designed for military personnel as part of their Biomedical Equipment Technician Training. | Visit program’s website to learn more. |
| Midland College 3600 N. Garfield Midland, TX 79705 |
Associate Degree in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography | There are a variety of course prerequisites and testing requirements that must be met prior to application. | Start the application here. |
| Parker University
2540 Walnut Hill Ln Dallas, TX 75229 |
Associate degree in Abdominal-Extended or ObGyn sonography. | Prerequisite courses and testing requirements. Admission is limited. | Applications are due by July 1st. |
| Pima Medical Institute – El Paso and Houston campuses | Associate degree in Abdominal-Extended/ObGyn Sonography | There are certain course requirements | Visit the school’s website to learn more. |
| San Jacinto College 4624 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena, TX | AAS degree in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended Sonography. | Applicants must be a graduate of patient-related Allied Healthcare program at an accredited college. Certain college-level course prerequisites are required with GPA of at least 2.5 | Learn more here. |
| St Philip’s College 800 Quintana Rd San Antonio, TX 78211 |
Associate Degree in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, ObGyn, or Abdominal-Extended Sonography | There are college-level course and testing requirements. | Applications are accepted from January 1st through March 31st for a Fall start. |
| Tarrant County College 4015 Ave Q, Galveston, TX 77550 | Associate Degree and Certificate programs in Vascular, Abdominal-Extended, and ObGyn sonography | Prerequisites vary depending on the program. 12 students are accepted each Fall. | Click here for more information on prerequisites and the application process. |
| Temple College 2600 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76504 | Advanced certificates and Associate Degree available in Vascular, ObGyn, and Abdominal-Extended sonography. | College-level prerequisite courses are required. | Begin with a mandatory information session. |
| Texas Southmost College 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, Texas 78520 | Associate Degree available ObGyn and Abdominal-Extended sonography | College-level course and testing requirements. Limited entry program. | Apply here. |
| The College of Health Care Professions– Fort Worth, Austin Campuses | Associate degrees in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended sonography | There are certain college-level course prerequisites. | Apply here. |
| Tyler Junior College 1530 S SW Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701 | Associate degrees in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended sonography | Point-based, selective admission process. | Download the PDF here. |
| Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX 76086 |
Associate degrees in ObGyn, Vascular, or Abdominal-Extended sonography | Prerequisite courses are required. | Visit the school’s website to learn more. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Ask an Expert
“What advice would you give someone who is wanting to become a sonographer?” “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. Go to the college you are interested in, take a tour and do observations in their labs to make sure you find a school that you fit well with.” – Jessica Murphy, BS, RRT-NPS, RDCS, RVT, RCS, CCT. Cardiovascular Sonography Program Director at Alvin Community College
Certification Requirements in Texas
Is certification required to be a sonographer in Texas?
Certification is not required by the state of Texas. However, possessing RDMS credentials is a way of showing expertise and dedication to your craft, and will likely be required by your employer.
Earn your ARDMS credentials
The only way to earn certification by the ARDMS is by taking and passing their exam. If you receive your degree from a school that has DMS program accreditation from the CAAHEP, you’ll automatically qualify to sit for the exam, and will likely take it during your last semester. Learn about other ways to meet the testing requirements in their downloadable PDF.
Additional Information
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Texas?
Medical sonographers in Texas earned a mean salary of $74,630 in 2021. For those just entering the workforce, you can expect to earn up to about $50,000 per year, while those at the top of the pay scale earn over $100,000 per year. Conditions in your particular area may vary.
In 2020, there were over 5,300 sonographers in Texas, and that number is expected to increase by 29% by 2030.
Additionally the US Bureau of Labor Statistics declared that Texas had the 2nd 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. Ultrasound techs working in Texas have a minimum of an Associate 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
- Mean annual salary for ultrasound techs in Texas was $74,630 in 2021
- In 2020 there were over 5,300 working sonographers in the state
- The Dallas-Fort Worth area has the 4th highest level of employment in the country
- Job growth is expected to be at 29% by 2030
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 for those who qualify.
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 those who qualify 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 | 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 |
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
Additional Resources:
Career OneStop
Career OneStop Toolkit
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Dallas Morning News
