Find Utah’s Sonography Programs in 2023
Ultrasound technologists play an important role in healthcare today. They partner with referring physicians and use sophisticated equipment to image the inside of the body. The images that are produced are then used to detect, diagnose, and treat disease, as well as monitor the health and growth of a developing fetus. The educational period is relatively short (entry level positions usually require a two-year A.A.S. degree), but it is rigorous. Program lengths may vary depending on specific program requirements. A strong background in math or science is helpful, and a desire to be of service is important.
There is significant job growth for sonographers expected both locally and nation-wide. Become part of this growing field by requesting information from an ultrasound technician school in Utah today. Below you will find information on accredited sonography programs, plus the certification requirements necessary to work in the state of Utah. If you don’t see a program near you, you might want to explore some of the other careers within healthcare. Nation-wide, job growth is expected across the industry.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Utah
- Choose the Right Program. There are many factors to consider when researching schools, and the accreditation of the program needs to be at the top. If possible, select one that has been accredited by CAAHEP so that you’ll know it meets or exceeds industry standards.
- Get Your Degree. A minimum of a two-year Associate of Science in DMS degree is required for entry-level positions. Some schools offer accelerated Certificate programs for those who meet the educational and experiential prerequisites.
- Obtain Your Credentials. Potential employers will likely require you to become certified through the ARDMS. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will meet the prerequisite to sit for the exams.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose an Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
Receiving a quality education and participating in a clinicals program is very important to the training of a sonographer. The best way to ensure that you are receiving the level of education that you deserve is by researching the accreditation of the program and the institution. In medical sonography, the primary accrediting body is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Unfortunately, Utah does not have any CAAHEP accredited sonography programs. There are, however, other allied health programs that have received their accreditation. There are also certificate programs available to future sonographers who have achieved the necessary prerequisite degrees. Some of these options will be discussed below.
Accredited Medical Imaging Programs in Utah in 2023
Below are some of the CAAHEP and/or ARRT accredited programs available within the field of allied health and medical imaging.
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixie State University 225 South 700 East St. George, UT 84770 |
AAS in surgical technology | Open to current DSU students. Prereq courses in math, science, and English are required | Application period opens in January. Visit the admissions page for DSU to learn more. |
| Weber State University 2301 Ashton Blvd Lehi, UT 84043 |
AAS in Radiography | There are prerequisite courses in Anatomy, Physiology, and English | Start the application process online. |
| Univ of Utah School of Medicine 50 North Medical Dr Salt Lake City, UT 84132 |
12-Month Certificate Program for Neurodiagnostic Technologists |
|
Applications accepted Jan – April 4. Email application, resume, and 2 letters of reference. |
Get Real Advice From Sonography Students, Professionals, and Professors
Visit our student resource center for articles from some of the top sonographers around the country. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up the career ladder, our experts can help.
Certification Requirements in Utah
The state of Utah does not currently require its ultrasound techs to carry a state license or a particular credential. However, almost all employers require that their sonographers be certified.
Obtaining Certification in Utah
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the most well-known and regarded certification organization. They administer tests in sonography and many of its related specialties, and you must pass one of those tests to be awarded their certification.
In order to sit for the exam, you must meet one of the prerequisites that the ARDMS has set forth. Probably the most common one is to graduate from a program accredited by the CAAHEP, but there are others as well. Review the list found on the ARDMS website and see which prerequisite will be the easiest for you to meet.
Typically, the school where you are completing your degree will help facilitate the enrollment in the exam. Testing locations can be found on the website of the test administrator, PearsonVue.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Earn in Utah?
Medical sonography is one of the highest paying fields available with just a two-year degree.
- Diagnostic medical sonographers in Utah earned a mean annual salary of $87,720 in 2021, which is higher than the national median (conditions in your area may vary).
- Entry level positions pay up to about $65,480 a year
- Utah is ranked 2nd in the U.S. for expected job growth. By 2031, there may be up to 32% more job openings than in 2021
Career Resources
Sonographer overview
Other jobs in healthcare
Is a job in healthcare the right one for you?
Advice From the Experts
Dr. Dawson (MD, RDMS, RDCS) the Director of Emergency Ultrasound at the University of Kentucky and Director of Ultrasound for Mesa Medical Group, and Dr. Mallin (MD, RDCS, RDMS, ASCeXAM) the Director of Emergency Ultrasound and the Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship at the University of Utah, founders and co-hosts of the Ultrasound Podcast.
“Most of our listeners are clinicians, physician assistants, medical students, residents, ultrasound techs…Most of the information we cover is clinically oriented so I think anyone using or considering using ultrasound to take better care of their patients could gain something from our podcast…. and maybe teach us a thing or two (which actually happens a good bit).”
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Salt Lake City
A February 5, 2020 article in the Salt Lake Tribune stated that Salt Lake City had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at a rate or 2%. Sonographers in the area can expect strong wages as well, with the mean annual salary in 2021 being $79,340. Conditions in your specific area may vary. As is the case with much of the rest of the country, the healthcare industry is a major driving force in job growth. In fact, Utah is ranked 4th in the nation for expected job growth for sonographers.
The University of Utah is a leading provider of health education programs and healthcare for the residents of Salt Lake City.
