Ultrasound Technician Schools in Rhode Island (Become a Sonographer)

Rhode Island map

If you think that a career in a healthcare field is something that would be ideal for you, now, is a perfect time to pursue your degree at ultrasound technician schools in Rhode Island, as this is a growing and rewarding field.

Rhode Island is the smallest state, but when the concentration of jobs is in question, Rhode Island is one of the leaders for diagnostic medical sonographers.

Ultrasound technicians in Rhone Island can expect excellent employment opportunities, being that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Rhode Island has the highest concentration of sonography jobs in the country.

However, we need to say that not every person can become a successful sonographer, as there are some personal characteristics that these professionals must-have.

They are highly specialized and trained allied health professionals, who have to possess great communication and record-keeping skills.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Rhode Island

No matter which one of these schools you choose you will not make a mistake as it has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit and ensures that students will receive the highest quality education and training.

The successful completion of one of these recognized Rhode Island DMS programs is the best way to earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination:

  • Community College of Rhode Island – 1762 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865
  • Rhode Island Hospital – 335R Prairie Avenue Suite 2A Providence, RI 02905

If you already work in the medical field, you can enroll in a certificate program to get the appropriate training and become an ultrasound technician.

In case you are eager to achieve a more in-depth study on diagnostic medical sonography, you need to enroll in an accredited degree program.

The length and the required credits may vary depending on the level of education you are pursuing:

  • Certificate programs: An average of one year of full-time study, leading to 30 credits
  • Associate’s degree programs: Approximately two years of education and 60 credits
  • Bachelor’s degree programs: Four years of full-time study and 120 credits

During the studies, you will be attending courses that may cover a variety of topics, such as anatomy, medical terminology, mathematics, and general diagnostic principles.

Most degree programs include a clinical component, which is considered very important, being that it trains you on diagnostic medical equipment under the watchful eye of an experienced ultrasound technologist.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Rhode Island

Currently, there are only four states that require licensure for sonographers to practice, and Rhode Island is not one of them.

Nevertheless, graduates from accredited programs prefer to get the certification, having in mind that many states are considering legislation to change that, so it is a wise decision to be prepared.

Also, when applying for a job, candidates with a license are always given preference, as this is a kind of proof that they are highly devoted to their profession and eager to advance in this field, being that the license has to be renewed every second year after completion of continuing education courses.

In order to obtain a license, certification from a professional organization is typically required.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the primary organization offering certification for sonographers.

If you manage to pass one of their tests to gain their certification, which can be taken at two testing centers available in Rhode Island, you will become a preferred candidate for employment.

You are suggested to find the locations that are nearest to you and their contact information on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.

The prerequisites that have to be met prior to being allowed to sit for the exam are determined by the ARDMS and the most common requirement is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

However, there are others as well, if your degree is not accredited.

You will need to fulfill 60 semester hours, passing clinicals, and completing an internship.

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

You can specialize as an abdominal sonographer, neurosonographer, breast sonographer, musculoskeletal sonographer, and gynecology and obstetric sonographer.

As with other medical licenses, you will need to recertify to continue working as a certified ultrasound technician in Rhode Island by achieving 24 credits through a qualifying program.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Rhode Island

The aging population makes the medical field grow, thus affecting the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers.

Upon graduation, many decide to pursue certification, while others look for a job in the surgical and general medical hospitals of Rhode Island, as well as at physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.

Diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest-paid professions available with just an associate’s degree, but those entry-level positions are usually the least paid.

These professionals can expect to earn around $86502 per year.

On the other hand, positions that require higher education are better paid, so these sonographers can get even $112717 a year.

Ultrasound techs in Rhode Island earn one of the highest salaries in the country and what is even more significant for future sonographers is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to increase by 15% in the decade spanning 2014 through 2024.

Annual Salary Range:

$86K
$97K
$112K

Average Salary of Ultrasound Technicians in Rhode Island

City NameSalary
Providence$98,143
Warwick$98,143
Cranston$98,143
Pawtucket$98,143
East Providence$98,143
Woonsocket$98,050
Coventry$97,958
North Providence$98,143
Cumberland$98,143
West Warwick$98,143
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA400$98,700$47.45$117,550$79,560
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, OCC Code 29-2032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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