20 Best Ultrasound Tech Schools and Programs — 2026
December 2, 2025
When you think of ultrasounds, the classic black-and-white image of a growing fetus is likely the first thing that comes to mind, but ultrasound technology plays a pivotal role in a wide range of medical fields. At ultrasound tech schools, students learn to operate sonography equipment and decipher 2D, 3D, and 4D images of every part of the human body, providing compassionate care to patients and crucial medical information to doctors.
What coursework can I expect at ultrasound tech schools?
Aspiring ultrasound techs—or diagnostic medical sonographers, as they’re officially called—take a broad range of classes to prepare them for their career. Prerequisites often include biology, chemistry, physiology, and ethics. Advanced coursework includes the study of anatomy as well as coursework in sonography and medical diagnosis. Most ultrasound tech schools allow students to pursue general sonography or specialize in particular parts of the body, such as the cardiac, brain, or vascular system.
Because they work closely with patients and doctors, great ultrasound techs have excellent communication skills on top of technical savvy. Employers also expect substantial clinical experience before hiring, so the best ultrasound tech schools will have strong internship partnerships with a variety of medical centers.
Some questions you may be wondering before getting started:
- How much do ultrasound techs make?
- How long does it take to become an ultrasound tech?
- Can I complete ultrasound tech programs online?
Keep reading to find out all you need to know!
How much do ultrasound techs make?
Diagnostic medical sonography is an extremely well-paying field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2024 was $89,340 per year. They also expect the field to grow by 13% by 2034, which is a much higher-than-average rate of growth.
Like any career field, your salary will depend on where you live. Living and working on one of the coasts will be your best ticket to the highest salary, but certain Midwestern states pull in high numbers as well. For example, the median salary in eleven states, including California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Hawaii, is around $100,000 per year. Where you work matters, too—you’ll likely earn more working at a hospital vs. a private setting, like a doctor’s office.
Medical sonographer salaries also vary depending on level of education and experience. With five or more years of experience, many medical sonographers (particularly those in the aforementioned areas) pull in six figures with room to grow. Moreover, diagnostic sonographers are often paid hourly, so if you work on call or overtime, your salary could be even higher.
Finally, your specialization will influence your salary. The highest-paying (and most complicated) types of sonography are typically considered to be cardiac sonography and neurosonography, which average $95,000-110,000 per year. On the other hand, cardiovascular technologists, or EKG techs, typically make much less than diagnostic medical sonographers as their role is less specialized. In 2023, the median pay for cardiovascular technologists was $66,170.
How long does it take to become an ultrasound tech?
For students pursuing advanced specializations, research opportunities, or high-level positions, a 4-year bachelor’s degree is the way to go. There are shorter certificate programs available, which take anywhere from 18 months to two years. However, these programs typically require applicants to hold an associate degree or complete one to two years of prerequisites in subjects like anatomy & physiology, physics, and medical terminology before applying.
Regardless of your educational pathway, all ultrasound techs are required to pass the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer certification exam before beginning full-time work. Sonographers who wish to work within specialized fields must pass additional certification exams.
The Best Ultrasound Tech Schools
Whether you’re interested in a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, certificate, or online program, there are many ways dive into this quickly growing field. Read on for our list of the best four-year, two-year, and online ultrasound tech schools.
Note: The criteria considered in compiling this list included accreditation, peer reputation, unique programs/opportunities, and career connections/outcomes data. As with all rankings, we advise you not to place too much emphasis on whether a school was listed at #1 or #7. The better way to use this list would be as a launching point to further explore each school and see which best suits your unique needs.
*Tuition numbers represent yearly tuition at each institution and do not account for fees, room & board.
Four-Year Ultrasound Tech Schools
1) Oregon Institute of Technology
- Location: Klamath Falls, OR
- Tuition: $347.15 per credit (in-state) / $1,105.01 per credit (non-resident)
Oregon Institute of Technology’s 4-year bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography allows students to specialize in gynecologic, abdominal, or breast sonography, opening doors to a range of medical careers. During their senior year, OIT students complete a for-credit externship that grants them invaluable clinical experience. Easily counted as one of the best ultrasound tech schools, OIT boasts a 100% pass rate on the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography exams for the last ten years. 97% of their graduates are employed with a median starting salary of $70k.
2) Seattle University
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Tuition/Fees: $57,825
Often recognized as one of the top ultrasound tech schools in the country, Seattle University is a private Jesuit university located in downtown Seattle. Because of its urban location, SU students can gain experience interning at a broad range of medical centers, including inpatient and outpatient teaching hospitals, community hospitals, and ambulatory care clinics. In fact, all students are placed in a hands-on internship during the final year of the program. While enrolled, SU students decide to specialize in cardiac, general, or vascular sonography. Moreover, students had a 98% credential rate for cardiac sonography and an 80% job placement rate for the Class of 2023.
3) Rochester Institute of Technology
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Tuition: $60,774
A private research university, Rochester Institute of Technology prioritizes experiential learning through hands-on work in their ultrasound scanning suite and clinical work at affiliated hospitals. Accordingly, all students complete a one-year clinical internship; co-op opportunities are available as well. The national exam pass rate is 96% and the job placement rate is 100%.
At RIT, all incoming first-year and transfer students receive financial aid. Thanks to a recent $1.2 million dollar donation, RIT students train on the most up-to-date ultrasound equipment.
4) Rutgers School of Health Professions
- Location: Rutgers, NJ
- Tuition: $552 / credit (in-state); $828 / credit (out-of-state)
Rutgers School of Health Professions offers a dizzing array of program options, inclusing both a B.S. in Medical Imagining Science (Cardiac or Diagnostic Medical Sonography) as well as a Certificate in Medical Imaging Science. While the degrees differ in length, the sonagraphy portion is the same for both tracks. As New Jersey’s only university-based accredited bachelor’s degree program in cardiac sonography, Rutgers has diverse clinical affiliates include New Jersey’s most noted medical facilities. What’s more, they offer comprehensive clinical and didactic instructionin cardiac and vascular sonography.
5) Ohio State University
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Tuition: $13,461 (in-state) / $38,365 (non-resident)
Since 2010, Ohio State University’s sonography graduates have had over a 90% job-placement rate. A particularly robust program, OSU offers three majors: radiography, radiation therapy, and sonography. Students can expect to study in smaller classrooms of 10-20 students and complete an impressive 1,600 hours of clinical experience before graduating. A university at the forefront of medical research, OSU faculty won the 2022 K. Gottesfeld award for best scientific publication in the field of sonography.
6) University of Iowa
- Location: Iowa City, IA
- Tuition (In-State): $12,425 (in-state)/ $35,388 (non-resident)
After completing all prerequisites, University of Iowa students tackle required coursework and clinical experience over the course of three years (summer semester work is required). During their freshman year at UI, undergraduates apply for either the general and vascular or cardiac and vascular sonography tracks, gaining access to small classes focused on advanced topics and clinical experience. Moreover, clinical internship rotations are integrated into the program. For the past few years, 100% of alums have passed their national exams and are employed.
Known as a top program with a strong focus on research and medical care, UI’s School of Medicine recently received a $28 million dollar grant to expand their reach across Iowa.
7) University of Missouri
- Location: Columbia, MO
- Tuition/Fees: $16,316 (in-state) / $38,586 (non-resident)
A large school with connections throughout Missouri, Mizzou students complete rotations at multiple medical rotations that prepare them for a broad range of careers. All students learn to perform abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, and cardiac ultrasounds before choosing their specialization. In their last two years, Mizzou students take classes and work clinical rotations year-round, giving them a significant edge heading into their job hunt. Finally, students who graduate from this program have a 96% national exam pass rate and a 100% job placement rate.
8) University of Oklahoma
- Location: Oklahoma City, OK
- Tuition: $13,535 (in-state) / $35,311 (non-resident)
Since 1978, the University of Oklahoma’s College of Allied Health has been minting well-trained future sonographers. One of the best ultrasound tech schools for those interested in conducting research as undergraduates, students can work with faculty on collaborative research in the sonography lab, apply for grants, and attend panels and workshops at OU’s annual Research Day. Clinical rotations are a required part of the program. Moreover, the three-year average employment rate is 100%.
Two-Year Ultrasound Tech Schools
1) Loma Linda University
- Location: Loma Linda, CA
- Tuition: $33,000-$36,000
A private, Seventh-day Adventist university, Loma Linda University offers a 24- or 27-month bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography (general vascular & cardiac) or a 1-year certificate in cardiac sonography. To complete a bachelor’s degree in medical sonography, students spend 32-35 hours per week in a clinical setting and take 2-5 hours of class per week. To earn the certificate, students must take classes focused on cardiac conditions, gain clinical experience, and pass their medical sonographer exam. According to the latest data, the three-year job placement rate is 94% and the three-year national exam pass rate is 95%.
2) Rochester Institute of Technology
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Tuition: $$60,774
While RIT’s 4-year bachelor’s degree can help you qualify for high-level jobs, their -year certificate offers all you need for an entry-level position. Certificate students intern with at least two medical centers and have access to the same state-of-the-art ultrasound scanning suite as 4-year students. That said, you must hold an associate degree to apply for the program.
3) Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Location: Boston or Worcester, Massachusetts
- Tuition: $54,000-74,000 (depending on program and location)
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers twenty-one different majors that allow students to study everything from radiography to nuclear medicine technology. Students who want to pursue careers as ultrasound techs can choose a degree in either sonography or sonography-echocardiography. Both pathways have year-round 3-year accelerated or 2-year fast-track BS programs, making MCPHS one of the best ultrasound tech schools for students who want to finish their degree quickly.
Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on clinical experience. Student outcomes vary by program, but in 2024, 100% of grads who earned a BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography passed their exams, and had a 86% job placement rate.
4) Seattle University
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Tuition: $57,825
While Seattle University has an outstanding 4-year program (see more above), they also offer a well-regarded 2-year certificate program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. In this program, students take one year of classes and then gain hands-on experience interning at local medical facilities.
5) Foothill College
- Location: Los Altos Hills, CA
- Tuition: $6,500-$7,500
The program consists of 18 consecutive months of rigorous instruction, encompassing lectures, practical scanning exercises within an on-campus laboratory, and closely supervised clinical training at affiliated hospitals. After the successful completion of these 18 months, students attain an A.S. degree. Alternatively, students are also able to complete a certificate program in less time. This certificate program makes them eligible to take the ARDMS board examination to earn credentials in Abdomen and Ob/Gyn.
6) Nova Southeastern University
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Tuition: $24,287
Future sonographers who have completed the 30+ hours of prerequisite coursework can pursue Nova Southeastern University’s 27-month bachelor’s degree in medical sonography. Two programs are available: general medical sonography or cardiovascular sonography. A school that prioritizes experiential learning, NSU students receive more than 800 hours of hands-on training in lab and clinical settings as well as complete an intensive 12-month clinical externship. In a rent year, both programs had a 95% national exam pass rate.
7) Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Tuition: $4,527 (in-state) / $9,054 (non-resident)
After graduating with their associate degree, Cincinnati State students are fully prepared to enter the workforce as entry-level diagnostic sonographers. CState students specialize in cardiovascular or general sonography, complete rotations at partner clinics in Cincinnati, and are eligible to sit for the certification exam once all requirements are met. On average, the national exam pass rate is about 80%.
Online Ultrasound Tech Programs
Note: Typically, online ultrasound tech programs are best for current healthcare/sonography professionals who are looking to expand their skillset and already have access to a clinical site. They are rarely a good choice for brand-new techs unless you attend a program that manages and coordinates your clinical experiences.
If you have no previous experience in sonography or radiology, avoid online programs that require you to find your own clinical placement. Many hospitals and clinics are (understandably) reluctant to accept unknown online students.
1) University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Location: Kearney, NE
- Tuition: $358 / credit hour
This program lets medical imaging professionals who have completed an accredited radiography, radiation therapy, sonography, or nuclear medicine technology program the opportunity to earn an advanced degree completely online while continuing to work in their professions. When you enter the program you have the choice between a General Track specializing in abdominal and OB/GYN ultrasound, or a Cardiovascular Track specializing in the adult heart and circulatory system.
2) Oregon Institute of Technology
- Location: Klamath Falls, OR
- Tuition: $355 / credit hour
In addition to an in-person 4-year degree, the Oregon Institute of Technology offers an online Bachelor of Science for professionals who are already working as registered sonographers. Students can build on previous coursework through this fully online program, advancing their career with an additional degree. Students must be employed and have access to a fully equipped laboratory to complete required clinical and externship courses. Moreover, your previous coursework and professional certifications will count as credit toward your degree.
3) Washburn University
- Location: Topeka, KS
- Tuition: $493 / credit hour ($16k-19k for the full program)
Students who already have an associate degree in a healthcare field can choose to further their career through Washburn University’s one-year certificate program, available in general, cardiac, or vascular specialties. All of WU’s classes are taught online, and students can complete required clinicals at a facility close to home. Although classes are taught remotely, WU prioritizes student engagement. 60% of WU’s courses have 20 students or fewer.
4) Fort Hays State University
- Location: Hays, KS
- Tuition: $265.05 / credit hour
Professionals who have already completed a radiologic technology degree can enroll in Fort Hays State University’s fully online program for advanced study of medical imaging. With coursework in computed tomography, bone densitometry, mammography, MRIs, and sonography, this school is a great fit for students looking to master a range of imaging technologies.
5) Jackson College
- Location: Jackson, MI
- Tuition: $201 / credit (in-district); $300 / credit (out-of-state)
Jackson College’s hybrid program allows students to earn an associate degree in general sonography, preparing them to either work in abdomen/superficial structures or obstetrics/gynecology. Students complete all coursework online and work 32 hours per week in a local clinical setting, accruing 1,350 hours of supervised experience before entering the workforce. In recent years, Jackson College grads have passed their national exams at an 85% rate. Moreover, they find jobs 82% of the time.
Related Resources
Interested in working in medical care but not sure you want to be an ultrasound tech? Consider checking out the following:
