Ultrasound Technician Schools in Massachusetts (Become a Sonographer)

One of the main reasons why the profession of medical imaging is so popular and attractive among young learners is above-average job growth.

According to the data by CareerOneStop, available jobs for ultrasound techs will increase by 17.8% by 2026 in Massachusetts.

Sonography is an excellent filed within the healthcare industry because of the short required education and training period, as well as the high salary.

However, you need to have some personal qualifications to be able to perform this job as sonographers do much more than just imaging internal organs.

Their duty is to work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients and evaluate the images together.

Our aim with this article is to go through each of these topics, and present to you accredited schools in Massachusetts where you can receive the education you need in order to start your career as a sonographer.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Massachusetts

It is highly suggested that you enroll in a program that possesses the accreditation issued by the primary accreditation body for sonography programs, which is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

In order that a school receives accreditation from CAAHEP, it has to meet the DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines.

It has passed a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit and future students can be sure that the school is able to provide high-quality education and prepare them to enter the healthcare workforce.

You can choose any of the following Massachusetts programs that have been accredited by CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography:

• Bunker Hill Community College – 250 New Rutherford Ave Boston, MA 02129
• MCPHS University – Boston – 179 Longwood Ave Boston, MA 02115
• Middlesex Community College – Springs Road – Building 6 Bedford, MA 01730
• Regis College – 235 Wellesley Street Weston, MA 02493
• Springfield Technical Community College – One Armory Square, Suite 1 PO Box 9000 Springfield, MA 01102

If you manage to successfully complete a recognized Massachusetts DMS program, you can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam.

Certification is gained only if you pass both of their exams.

Also, if you are currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you are also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship and use this money to pay tuition and other costs related to education.

Before enrolling in an accredited ultrasound technician program, you have to meet certain requirements, including taking medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

Have in mind that degree programs will require you to take both classroom instruction and six months of clinical training.

Topics that are covered with a curriculum are related to vascular ultrasound, pathophysiology, and ultrasound physics.

When the time needed to finish the studies is in question, most degree programs are completed within two years, and you will earn an Associate’s Degree.

If you choose to reach higher degrees, you will have to go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Massachusetts

It is true that Massachusetts does not currently require that diagnostic medical sonographers practicing in Massachusetts possess credentials or licensure, and many people find it a positive thing.

However, they need to have in mind that many employers do prefer or require certification, so we suggest that you consider gaining it.

Not only will you gain an advantage over other potential job candidates, but also you will increase your salary potential.

The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam.

You can take the exam at one of the various testing locations in Massachusetts:

• 500 W Cummings Park #1950, Woburn, MA 01801
• 31 St James Ave # 725, Boston, MA 02116
• 295 Devonshire St, Boston, MA 02110
• 186 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138
• 255 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609
• 1414 Main St, Springfield, MA 01144
• 20 William St, Wellesley, MA 02481
• 331 State Rd suite c, Dartmouth, MA 02747

In order to qualify, you must meet either graduate from a CAAHEP accredited school or possess 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

Once you are ready to apply for an ARDMS examination, you should log in to MY ARDMS and choose Apply Online.

Then, you need to complete the online application form and submit payment.

The required supporting documentation must be submitted within 21 days of applying online by uploading it into your MY ARDMS account.

Documentation required with the application is:

• Copy of an official transcript from a two-year allied health education program with a state-specific number of credits.
• Copy of education program certificate, certification, or license.
• Letter from a supervising physician, ARDMS-Registered sonographer/technologist, or the educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/ vascular experience.
• Signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s)
• Copy of non-expired government-issued photo identification (ID) with signature

The other two kinds of certification for sonographers are a certificate through The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and  Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

The first one is for those who want to get a certificate in vascular sonography or breast sonography.

They will need to possess the knowledge of patient care, ultrasound physical principles, and sonography procedures.

After certification, you will need to take 24 continuing education credits every two years to renew your license.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Massachusetts

The average annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Massachusetts was $8100831 which is significantly higher than the national average.

Those most highly paid are those people with better education and longer experience who earn an average wage of $116353 a year, while those who perform entry-level jobs usually with an associate degree earn only $89292 according to the BLS.

Earning your degree and becoming certified in diagnostic medical sonography is the first step towards this rewarding career, but then you will need to look for employment opportunities at hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical facilities, laboratories, outpatient care centers, and government agencies.

You will need to be prepared to work long hours on your feet,  full-time hours, weekends, evenings, and overtime.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Massachusetts