Ultrasound Technician Schools in Washington (Top Sonography Programs)

Ultrasound Technician Schools in Washington

If you plan on working in the medical field in Washington, you should know there are many opportunities.

Working as an ultrasound technician is a fulfilling path, but there are some requirements to take into account.

We have brought you the info you need to have before pursuing your new career.

Training Requirements

In Washington, you should have an ultrasound certification even if it’s not required by law.

Most companies that hire do expect their employees to be licensed.

To get licensed, you first need to attend a training program in a school of your choice.

The program you choose should also be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

In an accredited program, you can receive your license right after finishing the program and passing the exam.

However, if you train through a non-accredited school, the criteria change.

In that case, you will need a mandatory internship as well as one year of work experience to apply.

Some of the ultrasound programs are short, while others are longer.

A simple diploma will not take more than a year of study.

A higher degree, such as a Masters’, Associates’ or Bachelors’, requires 2 to 4 years of education.

You can opt for in-person or online classes, or enroll in a part-time program if your schedule doesn’t allow full-time study.

School Name Address
Altierus Career Colleges 2108 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, Washington 98007
Charter College 7587, 17200 SE Mill Plain Blvd #100, Vancouver, WA 98683
Charter College 5278 outlet dr, Pasco, WA 99301,
Charter College 595 Grant Rd #5, East Wenatchee, WA 98802,
Charter College 2706 W Nob Hill Blvd #106, Yakima, WA 98902
Charter College 3700 Pacific Hwy E #150, Fife, WA 98424
Charter College 4520 Lacey Blvd SE #40th, Lacey, WA 98503
Columbia Basin College 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, Washington 99301
Everest College 2111 N Northgate Way #300, Seattle, WA 98133
Seattle University 900 Broadway, Seattle, Washington 98122
Spokane Community College 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington 99217
Tacoma Community College 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, Washington 98466

The certification exam is offered by the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI).

There are 10 centers in this state where you can sit for your testing.

Some of the subjects you will take in class include:

  • Applied sciences
  • Anatomy
  • Medical terminology

You will also learn:

  • Record-keeping
  • Safety guidelines
  • Effective communication.

The programs comprise both theory and hands-on practice where students learn how to operate the machines.

The Washington state also offers several specializations.

Some of these include:

  • MRI technicians
  • Radiology
  • Cardiac imagery
  • Obstetrics and gynecologic sonography
  • Abdominal sonography
  • Breast sonography

Pursuing a specialization will increase your chances of earning a higher wage.

The certification has to be renewed once at 24 months, after attending 24 extra hours of education.

Job Opportunities in Washington

As Washington focuses on medical care, you can look for jobs in any medical facility.

The salary you will earn varies based on your experience level, area, and qualifications.

On average, an ultrasound technician is expected to make about $81,708 a year.

Annual Salary Range:
$67K
$81K
$97K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Seattle $83,697
Spokane $75,894
Tacoma $81,562
Vancouver $79,760
Bellevue $83,697
Kent $81,399
Everett $81,861
Renton $83,616
Federal Way $81,562
Yakima $75,723

Regional Salary in Washington

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Bremerton-Silverdale, WA30$100,440$48.29$121,370$90,730
Kennewick-Richland, WA130$91,940$44.2$118,830$66,530
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA40$97,230$46.75$119,540$78,100
Olympia-Tumwater, WA70$96,750$46.51$107,240$80,680
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA660$111,570$53.64$131,110$86,890
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA110$97,950$47.09$116,120$81,010
Yakima, WA40$88,960$42.77$101,820$80,050
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, OCC Code 29-2032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field will see a growth of 17% by 2026.

O*Net reports a 27% increase in ultrasound technician jobs until 2026.

Keep in mind that some schools also provide scholarships to students in need.

This will help you complete your program and start your new career.

USA Ultrasound Technicians by State


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