How to Become a Sonographer: 3 Steps

If you’re looking for an entry point into a specialized medical role, you might want to learn how to become a sonographer. These healthcare professionals work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient centers, and other areas, performing ultrasounds on patients. Learn more about what you can make in this role, the responsibilities it carries, and how to get started on this path.

What Is a Sonographer and What Do They Do?

Sonography, also called ultrasound imaging, is a diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, sonography doesn’t use radiation, making it a safe and widely used tool in medical care.

Sonographers perform these scans to help providers assess organs, tissues, blood flow, and developing pregnancies. Ultrasound is used across many specialties — from obstetrics and gynecology to cardiology, emergency medicine, and vascular care — to diagnose conditions, guide procedures, and monitor treatment.

This job is more than taking pictures: Sonographers assess patient histories, position patients for optimal imaging, adjust and maintain equipment, and learn the best angles for capturing clear images. They maintain records of patients and document any findings in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Sonographers also collaborate with physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other medical staff.

Sonographers may also specialize in a specific patient population or diagnosis. For example, obstetric sonographers exclusively perform ultrasounds on pregnant patients. A sonographer who specializes in the heart is an echocardiographer. But you don’t necessarily have to specialize in this role, and if you want to switch specialties or try something new, it’s generally as simple as finding a new job opportunity.

Sonographer Salary and Job Outlook

What can you expect to earn in this role? The median income for sonographers is $89,340 per year. Pay varies widely by location, job setting, hours, and experience, so what you make will likely be higher or lower than this average. Sonography is one of the few healthcare professions that doesn’t require a degree, so it’s an economical way to boost your earning potential.

The outlook for sonographers is bright: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth in sonography jobs in the next several years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Sonographers are needed across the U.S. and abroad, and some even take travel contracts.

How to Become a Sonographer: 3 Steps

How long does it take to become a sonographer? It takes between two and four years to complete a training program, and it may take additional time to become certified and find your first roles. Learn more with the steps below.

Step 1: Complete Sonography Training

If you want to learn how to become an ultrasound tech, keep reading, because the training for these professionals is the same. There are two education pathways to become qualified as a sonographer:

• Certification programs: Vary in length, but generally shorter than 2 years. These are designed for physicians and professionals with medical experience.
• Associate degree in medical sonography: Typically offered in community colleges and technical schools, this is a 2-year degree that may also be called a Certificate Program.
• 4-year bachelor’s degree in medical sonography: Universities and colleges offer these 4-year degrees.

Before beginning one of the programs above, you may need to complete an entry exam, such as the TEAS, as well as prerequisite courses. These may include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical terminology
• Physics
• Algebra

Whatever program type you pursue, be sure it is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This ensures your institution is preparing students for the demands of this technical role.

What’s sonography school like? You can expect to take courses in different sonography specializations, and you’ll also be placed in real-world clinical settings to practice your skills. Schools may require a grade of C or better in each course in order to advance in the program, so brush up on your time management and study skills to give yourself the best chance of success.

Some schools offer specialization in an area of sonography. If you want to learn about how to become a cardiac sonographer, for example, you’ll want to research schools that offer specialty programs in cardiovascular technology.

During training, you’ll likely take the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Exam (SPI), which is administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This tests your knowledge of instruments, skills, and abilities, and passing it is required to take other ARDMS certifications once you graduate.

Step 2: Become Certified

While certification is not a legal requirement in most states, employers generally prefer certified professionals. Certification requires passing the PSI exam within the previous five years and passing another exam for the specific credential you are applying for.

View common certifications for sonographers below:

• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
• Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer (RMSKS)

Step 3: Start Your First Sonography Role

Here’s the final step in how to become a sonographer. Once you’re certified, it’s time to apply for your first roles. Update your resume and cover letter, and review our common interview questions by position to land the right opportunity for you.

Sonography Career FAQ

How many years does a sonographer take to complete training?

That depends on whether they choose a two- or four-year degree track. In addition to completing a sonography program, you can expect to spend additional time on prerequisite courses.

Is it hard to become a sonographer?

Sonography school can be demanding: The class workload, along with clinical hours, can make for a challenging training experience. But for many students, the career prospects and ability to provide care to patients make the educational requirements worth the effort.

Do sonographers make more than RNs?

It’s possible. The average salary for RNs is $98,430 per year, but an RN with two years of experience may not earn as much as a sonographer with decades of experience. Location also plays a part: A sonographer in California may take home a higher hourly rate than an RN in Missouri.

Is there a lot of math in sonography?

You’ll need to understand ultrasound physics, but there is not generally much calculating in ultrasound roles. However, training programs typically require prerequisite courses in math and physics, so you’ll need to do well in these classes to begin training.

Is it better to be an ultrasound tech or a sonographer?

Neither role is better, but a sonographer typically has more responsibilities than an ultrasound tech, and may do more analysis and interpretation of ultrasound results. They tend to be more specialized and may have opportunities for leadership and supervision. However, the training for their roles is largely the same, and the two titles are often used interchangeably.

Looking for Allied Health Roles?

Now that you know how to become a sonographer, you might be curious about other opportunities in your area. IntelyCare helps nursing professionals and allied health staff find great roles that fit their lives. Learn more about our personalized job notifications, which will tailor roles to your location, schedule, and specialty needs.