4 Best Sonography Schools in Washington

Best Sonography Schools in Washington – Overview

Sonography is extremely vital for the proper medical diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from numerous disorders and diseases. It helps doctors and physicians understand an ailment’s core cause and prescribe the correct and most effective treatment.

Sonography is a highly respected and in-demand profession in the healthcare sector in the United States. This article will help you become a professional sonographer.

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Here, we have listed the process and prerequisites to becoming an ultrasound technician, the salary range and job prospects, and the best sonography schools in Washington.

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How to Become a Sonographer in Washington?

Here are the simple steps to become a professionally certified medical ultrasound technician in Washington:

Step 1 – Choose the correct course

The first step towards becoming a certified professional sonographer is to choose the correct program. It is vital to know the school’s and ultrasound program’s accreditation. Choosing a CAAHEP-accredited program is essential for ensuring the quality of sonography education. This way, you can ensure that you receive top-quality education and training that meets the strict industrial guidelines.

Step 2 – Earn your degree

Entry-level positions in sonography typically require an Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or a related field. This can help you get an entry-level job in the medical diagnostic industry. You can also pursue a Bachelor’s degree or Certificates for healthcare professionals to expand your job prospects.

Step 3 – Get your credentials

Earning an RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) credential is highly recommended for sonographers to enhance their employability. Though this is not required or mandatory by employers, your resume becomes stronger and more feasible for hiring with added credentials and certificates.

To be eligible to sit for the ARDMS certification program, you must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program.

It is essential to choose an accredited program whenever you plan to enter a technical field, such as medical diagnostic imaging. The CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) is the most widely recognized body of accreditation for medical imaging courses in the United States.

Enrollment in a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program is necessary to meet the eligibility criteria for the ARDMS certification exams. Upon completing one of the CAAHEP-accredited Washington DMS programs, you can effectively sit for the SPI (Sonography Principles and Instrumentation) examinations and earn your certification.

Although Washington State does not mandate licensure for sonographers, obtaining certification, such as from ARDMS, is advantageous for job prospects.

Average Salary and Job Prospects for Medical Sonographers in Washington

In Washington, professional sonographers earn an annual median salary of around $94,480 depending on employer, region, etc. The increasing demand for certified medical ultrasound technicians in the state will result in job growth of 18% by 2030, making ultrasound technicians one of the highest earners in the industry.

4 Top Sonography Schools in Washington

Let’s take a look at the best sonography programs in Washington:

1 – Bellevue College

Bellevue College offers a comprehensive Diagnostic Medical Sonography program recognized for its quality in Washington. It offers three different courses in ultrasound technology. Here, you can pursue an Associate of Arts in DMS, an Advanced Certificate in Breast Ultrasound (for current sonographers) or a Bachelor of Applied Science degree (for current sonographers).

Associate of Arts candidates must complete certain prerequisite courses and have a minimum 3.2 GPA, having achieved within the last 5 years. All applications for admission, along with the supporting documents, can be submitted online.

To learn more about sonography programs at Bellevue College, visit the official website at https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/ultrasound/.

2 – Seattle University

Seattle University ranks second on the list of the best sonography programs in Washington. Seattle University provides a Bachelor’s degree program in Diagnostic Ultrasound, emphasizing hands-on learning and comprehensive ultrasound education. Candidates must complete certain prerequisite courses and pass with a minimum “C” grade or higher to become eligible for admission into the B.S. Diagnostic Ultrasound program.

To learn more about Seattle University’s sonography program and admission criteria, visit the official link here: https://www.seattleu.edu/nursing/ultrasound/.

3 – Spokane Community College

Spokane Community College ranks third on the list of the top sonography programs in Washington. Spokane Community College provides an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, focusing on practical and theoretical sonography education. Candidates who seek admission into this course are required to complete certain prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA within the past 5 years.

To be admitted into this course, candidates also need to show 40 hours of documented volunteer work in the healthcare industry.

To know details about eligibility criteria, admission process, fees, and others, you can check out the Spokane Community College official website here https://scc.spokane.edu/What-to-Study/Programs/Pathway-Course-Map?plan=Diagnostic%20Medical%20Sonography.

4 – Tacoma Community College

Tacoma Community College offers a diagnostic medical sonography program with specific admission requirements to prepare students for careers in sonography. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science—DMS degree. Candidates must complete certain requisites to get admission into this ultrasound technician course.

For instance, you must complete 7 specific prerequisite courses, earn a minimum 2.7 GPA and show 8 hours of documented observation at a sonography facility.

Remember, various scholarships and financial assistance are offered to students who wish to pursue a sonography program through an accredited school in Washington. Check with the relevant college to find out what scholarships or financial aid they provide to alleviate the burden of high fees and expenses.

Conclusion

This is the list of the top sonography programs in Washington. Contact the college of choice and find out all details about eligibility criteria, admission process, fee structure, etc., before applying for admission.

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