Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alabama (Become a Sonographer)

As you are reading this, you are probably interested in becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Alabama.

An ultrasound technician does much more than image internal organs.

By providing ultrasound services, these professionals actually help medical providers accurately diagnose and eventually treat patients.

They have to be skilled as their main duty is to use specialized equipment that emits high-frequency sound waves that travel into the body and reflect back to the machine.

The necessary skills that ultrasound sonographer has to possess are:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Ability to lift, push, pull over 50 lbs
• Dexterity to operate equipment
• Knowledge of anatomy/physiology
• Understanding of pathophysiology
• Reading, writing, and interpretation of technical findings from exams
• Compassion and empathy

Depending on which specialty you want to work in, you may earn a diploma, certificate, or Associate’s degree in sonography.

We give you a chance to explore medical imaging education and career opportunities, as we have gathered all the important information related to the necessary education and possible job opportunities of these professionals so that you can be well informed prior to making the final decision.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alabama

Being that everything starts with the proper education, pursuing a degree at an ultrasound technician school in Alabama is the first step that you should take on this career journey.

The education will allow you to prepare for a job in a growing industry and it is our suggestion to always enter accredited sonography schools in the Alabama area to help you get started, as they are certified by organizations meaning that the quality of knowledge provided is on the highest level.

If you love working with technology this is a great time to learn more about sonography training programs in Alabama.

It is important that you have in mind all the factors that should be considered when choosing your sonography program in Alabama.

Those are the cost of the program, proximity, and available programs, as well as accreditation which should be one of the primary considerations.

The following ultrasound technician schools in Alabama have all been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP):

• Gadsden State Community College
• Wallace State Community College
• Lurleen B Wallace Community College
• Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics
• Council Trenholm State Technical College

We also consider it worth mentioning that once you are enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you become eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship which is very beneficial for people who cannot afford paying whole tuition price.

The Birmingham area’s residents who would like to attend a sonography program can enroll in several programs, including CAAHEP accredited Virginia College.

The University of Alabama, located in Birmingham is ranked as the 4th largest academic medical center in the U.S. and it has also been recognized as one of the most racially diverse campuses in the country.

Alabama sonography schools offer a variety of accredited programs and you can get the training in different fields of diagnostic imaging.

You can obtain certificates or associate’s degrees in cardiac and vascular sonography, radiology, and general diagnostic imaging.

First,  your studies will start by learning about the basic structure and function of the human body, and then, later on, you will move to learn about how to operate and maintain the medical equipment you will be using.

During your education, you will also be trained to utilize computers and the complex technology involved in diagnostic imaging to be able to successfully do your job.

When the years needed to finish the education are in question, most degree programs can be completed within two years.

Those individuals who are eager to improve their quality of education and advance even more can attend school longer and receive a Bachelors’s or Masters’s degree.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Alabama

Unlike some other states, Alabama does not require its diagnostic medical sonographers to be certified.

However, you should consider getting licensure being that many employers do require professional certification, typically through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

You can easily earn certification by taking and passing their exam.

In Alabama, you can choose from six locations where you can take the exam, depending on proximity.

So as to qualify to sit for the exam, you need to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

You will need to meet the testing prerequisites, so make a research to be sure that you meet the certification requirements.

Medical Imaging Organizations for Alabama

We offer you a list of several medical imaging organizations in Alabama that are created with the aim to advance ultrasound technology, improve education, and increase patient welfare:

• Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists (ALSRT)
• Alabama Department of Public Health
• UAB Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Alabama Perinatal Excellence Collaborative (APEC)

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Alabama

Alabama’s Department of Industrial Relations has predicted that there will be a high demand for healthcare support occupations in the state, including ultrasound techs.

There will be retiree jobs to fill along with the creation of new jobs and all this will affect the creation of job opportunities for those entering the workforce.

Furthermore, the salary is quite stable and satisfying and what is even more important, it is expected that the state will experience 28% job growth in the years to come.

The salary you earn depends on your level of education, how much experience you have, and which specialty you work in.

There are differences in the median annual wages of various types of sonographers, but Ultrasound Tech Salary in Alabama ranges from $61311 to $82311.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), the majority of medical sonographers in Alabama work in hospitals, while the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state’s largest employer.

If you consider the state’s low cost of living, and all the above-mentioned facts, we believe that it is a wise choice to pursue your degree at one of the ultrasound technician schools in Alabama.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Alabama