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Healthcare

How to become an Ultrasound Technologist

Operates ultrasound equipment to produce the images a physician uses to diagnose and monitor patients. From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
2 years
Typical pay
$70k–$92k
Starting from
No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

Commonly asked for

  • Associate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program required
  • Prior healthcare experience often preferred, though not always required
  • ARDMS certification required by most employers
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The route

  1. Complete a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program

    Two-year degree; entry is competitive and often prefers prior healthcare work.

  2. Build scanning hours

    Clinical placement — ARDMS wants documented experience in your speciality.

  3. Certify with ARDMS

    Physics paper plus a speciality paper (abdomen, OB/GYN, vascular).

    RDMS (ARDMS)

    Get it from American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

  4. Destination

    Ultrasound Technologist

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