How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Wisconsin in 2026
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Wisconsin play a critical role in healthcare, using specialized equipment to capture images of the body’s internal structures. If you’re considering a career in this field, we provide the information you need to understand the educational pathways, requirements, and opportunities available in Wisconsin.
How to Become a Sonographer in Wisconsin
Key Takeaways
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Choose an accredited school. Wisconsin has 8 programs with CAAHEP accreditation. Prerequisites vary, so review requirements early and fill any gaps before you apply.
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Get your degree. Most entry-level roles require at least an Associate of Science in DMS. Some schools also offer Bachelor’s degrees, plus accelerated certificates for qualified applicants.
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Receive your credentials. Most employers will require an RDMS credential. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program can qualify you to sit for ARDMS exams.
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Explore scholarships. Look for scholarships and financial aid options that can help reduce your overall program cost.
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How much ultrasound techs earn in Wisconsin. Compare pay ranges by employer type, location, and experience level to set expectations.
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Hear from Wisconsin’s top students. Learn what current students and recent grads say about admissions, clinicals, and getting hired.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The accreditation of a program is one of the most important factors to consider when researching schools. With sonography, the accreditation to look for is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). They are the most widely recognized accrediting body within medical imaging. Each of the schools below has met the Accreditation Standards and Guidelines set forth by the CAAHEP by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these accredited Wisconsin DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Wisconsin in 2026
The following schools have ultrasound programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), current as of May 2025:
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Location:
180 W. Grange Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Programs Offered: 21-month, full-time program. AAS awarded at graduation.
Prerequisites:
- Associates degree from a 2-year allied health program OR
- Bachelor’s degree OR
- University Partner Student
How to Apply: Applications are accepted via U.S. mail from Oct – Dec of each year. Learn more here.
Bellin College
Location:
3201 Eaton Road
Green Bay, WI 54311
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science in DMS
Prerequisites: Enthusiastic and motivated students who have a strong background and understanding of science.
How to Apply: Applications are accepted on the BCU website. There is no application fee.
Blackhawk Technical College
Location:
6004 S County Road G
HS Division
Janesville, WI 53547
Programs Offered: Associate in Science degree with flexible learning options
Prerequisites: Certain coursework and admissions testing is required. Documentation of patient-care training must be completed before petitioning.
How to Apply: Students must petition between February 1–5. The application can be found and submitted online.
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Location:
620 W Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Programs Offered: Associate Degree in DMS, as well as an Advanced Placement Option
Prerequisites: Successfully pass the HESI Assessment within three attempts.
How to Apply: Begin the application here.
Concordia University
Location:
1670 Miller Park Way
West Milwaukee, WI 53214
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Science in DMS
- DMS Certificate for qualified applicants
Prerequisites: Pre-clinical required coursework, and completion of coursework in a CNA with 100 documented hours of patient care.
How to Apply: Students will apply during their sophomore year at CUW.
Froedtert Hospital
Location:
9200 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Programs Offered: Certificate program in vascular, ObGyn, and Abdominal-Extended sonography.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of required college-level coursework, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, verification of patient-care experience, and an interview are all required to apply.
How to Apply: The full application process can be viewed here.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Location:
2740 West Mason Street
Green Bay, WI 54303
Programs Offered: 2-year Associate Degree Program
Prerequisites: Applicants are ranked on course load and grades on high school transcript as well as scores on entrance exam.
How to Apply: After creating an account, students will apply online.
University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
Location:
610 North Whitney Way
Suite 440
Madison, WI 53705
Programs Offered: Bachelor of Science Degree in DMS
Prerequisites: Applicants must be currently enrolled at one of the Academic Affiliates, and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree
How to Apply: Applications are submitted to the Affiliate University, who then forwards the application on to the UW hospital.
Meet Some of Wisconsin’s Top Sonography Students
Kayla Klemp, USI scholarship recipient from Bellin College“The fact that sound waves are able to create internal images without the use of harmful exposure is simply astounding. The anatomy and physics principles related to this field personally intrigued me as well. This led me to attend Bellin’s medical imaging camp three summers ago, and I remember how excited I was to be pursuing this field.”
Jamie Williams, USI scholarship recipient from UWHC School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography“Some of the values in the UWHC School of DMS program handbook include “empathy, integrity, respect, responsibility, and excellence.” These are values I aspire to and practice whether I am in class, clinical, or scan lab. The shared values confirm UWHC School of DMS is the right fit for me.”
Mackenzie P., USI scholarship applicant from University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics (UWHC) School of DMS
“When people ask me ‘Why would you choose to go to school for ultrasound?’, I always reply without missing a beat, ‘Why wouldn’t you??'”
Wisconsin Sonography Student Scholarships
There are several scholarships available to current or prospective students who quaifty. Some are specific to Wisconsin, while others are available nation-wide. Similarly, some are reserved for medical imaging students, while others are open for anyone to apply for. There are also scholarships and other forms of financial aid offered by the schools themselves.
Be sure to read through the requirements, take your time on the application, and submit your best work to give you the best chance at being selected.
Learn more by visiting our financial aid center.
Named Donor Scholarship through Bellin College
Award: $1,000+
Eligibility: Offers scholarships to nursing or medical imaging students.
How to Apply:
Lena Goodman
Director of Financial Aid
lena.goodman@bellincollege.edu
920-433-6638
Holy Family Memorial Scholarship Program
Award: $5,000
Eligibility: Applicant must be accepted into an accredited program in pursuit of a qualifying degree in Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Sonography, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Pathology, or Chaplaincy.
How to Apply:
Human Resources
PO Box 1450
Manitowoc, WI 54221-1450
recruiter@hfmhealth.org
(920) 320-4031
Ultrasound Schools Info Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Eligibility: 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.
How to Apply:
Ultrasound Schools Info
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 3026
Bellingham, WA 98227
Ultrasound Technologist Certification Requirements in Wisconsin
Amy potential employer will prefer or even require that you receive your sonography credentials prior to application.
The most common certification in medical imaging is by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). If you receive your degree from a CAAHEP accredited program, you will automatically qualify to sit for their Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) and Specialty exams. In many cases, taking the test is done during your final Semester, or it can be taken upon graduation.
Additional Certification Information
Ultrasound Tech Certification Overview
About the ARDMS Certification
ARDMS Exam Prerequisites
Tips on Passing the SPI
How Much do Ultrasound Techs make in Wisconsin?
Sonography is one of the highest paying jobs available to those who graduate with an Associate’s degree.
- In Wisconsin, sonographers earned a mean salary of $97,670 in 2023, or $48.96 an hour. Conditions in your area may vary.
- Local jobs for sonographers are expected to grow by 17% by 2030, with 140 jobs expected to open up each year.
The following table compares the median annual salaries for Sonographers in the major metropolitan areas of Wisconsin:
| Metropolitan Area | 2023 Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | $99,070 |
| Oshkosh, WI | $92,620 |
| Madison, WI | $100,560 |
| Appleton, WI | $95,160 |
| Green Bay, WI | $95,000 |
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.
“By 2030, Wisconsin’s population age 65 and older will double, creating an increasing demand for health care now and in the future” (Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2018 Healthcare Workforce Report). As the population ages, both nationally and regionally, the demand for health care workers will increase. Hospitals remain the largest employer of diagnostic medical sonographers, and typically have salaries higher than the state average.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Madison
The healthcare industry in Madison is flourishing, creating strong job growth and salaries across the field. According to the Madison Region Economic Partnership, the nationally recognized sector attracts and retains more than 63,000 in the healthcare workforce. Salaries in the area are very strong, with the median income for sonographers far exceeding that of the rest of the nation.
Accredited Sonography Programs Available in Madison
UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Become part of this exciting time by completing a sonography program in Madison. If you don’t see one in your area, or you aren’t able to meet its entrance requirements, consider pursuing a career in one of the many fields of allied health, which is also experiencing strong job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a diagnostic medical sonographer do in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, diagnostic medical sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. These images are essential for physicians to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions. Learn more about the role of sonographers here.
How do I become a sonographer in Wisconsin?
Becoming a sonographer in Wisconsin requires completing an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program. Most programs take around two years to complete and include both classroom learning and clinical experience. Find out more about getting started.
Are there accredited sonography programs in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin offers several accredited programs that provide the necessary education and hands-on training to become a licensed sonographer. Check out the above list of accredited programs on this page for full details.
How long does it take to complete a sonography program?
Most sonography programs in Wisconsin take about two years to complete, though the exact length may vary depending on the program and whether you pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree.
What career opportunities are available for sonographers in Wisconsin?
Sonographers in Wisconsin can find opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and medical imaging centers. With a growing demand for diagnostic imaging, there are many career paths to explore in the healthcare sector. Learn about other career options in medical imaging here.
