Ultrasound Technician Schools in Connecticut (Become a Sonographer)

Ultrasound techs make up a vital part of the medical team and their work helps doctors diagnose and treat the diseases.

They do not need to possess only technical knowledge but have other important qualities as well.

If you are at the end of your secondary education and you consider a new career in healthcare, diagnostic medical sonography is a good choice for many reasons.

First, the expected job growth both in Connecticut and nation-wide is strong and it is predicted to be even better.

Then, salaries are high, and the educational and training period can typically be finished in 2 years.

So as to make you familiar with all these, we have gathered information about each of these topics, as well as about the CAAHEP accredited ultrasound programs in Connecticut that offer a degree or certificate in medical sonography, which we consider the best educational option for future sonographers.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Connecticut

Your pursual of a degree at an ultrasound technician school in Connecticut should begin by doing research related to finding a program near you that meets your interests.

The reason why we emphasize the importance of CAAHEP Accreditation when it comes to Diagnostic Sonography Programs is that a school or program which becomes accredited has actually undergone rigorous review from a reputable outside agency in order to ensure that the quality of education meets identified standards.

So we made a list of the schools that have met the DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines set forth by the Commission on Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which is the primary accreditation body for sonography programs:

• Gateway Community College
• Yale-New Haven Hospital – which is also the largest employer in the county.

If you are asking yourself how long it will take to complete a program, we would need to tell you that the answer to this question depends on what level of experience and education you already possess and want to achieve.

There are some programs that offer 12-18 month DMS certificates to students who already hold a degree in allied health.

Also, there are other programs that offer two-year Associate’s in Science degrees, or even 4-year Bachelor’s degree programs, to those who do not yet have a degree.

Completing a Bachelor’s degree will allow you not only to advance your career but to increase your salary as well.

After successful completion of one of these recognized Connecticut DMS programs, students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam.

You should consider passing both of these exams due to the fact that they will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.

Students can expect that their education lasts three to five semesters if they attend a certificate program, and two to four years if they plan to earn a degree.

The curriculum consists of basic science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, as well as learning how to operate and maintain sophisticated technology and equipment.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Connecticut

Connecticut is yet another state that does not require that diagnostic medical sonographers possess certification.

If you have in mind that many states are considering moving towards licensure and that preference is given to those who possess it when hiring is in question, it is a smart thing to consider gaining it.

By obtaining a certificate you stand out from other potential job candidates and your chances fo being employed by the majority of employers that require professional certification, typically by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), will be greater.

You can obtain it by passing their required exams which can be taken at three locations in Connecticut:

• 20 Glover Ave #19, Norwalk, CT 06850
• 100 Great Meadow Rd # 404, Wethersfield, CT 06109
• 35 Thorpe Ave # 105, Wallingford, CT 06492

In order to take the ARDMS test, you must meet the prerequisites.

First, you will need to either graduate from a CAAHEP accredited school or gain 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

Then, you will need to provide the following documentation which is required with your application for certification:

• Copy of an official transcript from a two-year allied health education program
• 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.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Connecticut

Even though Connecticut is a small state and has limited training opportunities, it actually has a variety of radiology, cardiovascular, and ultrasound technology jobs to apply for, so both certified and noncertified sonographers can look for jobs in hospitals, outpatient centers, private physicians’ offices and for independent companies.

Healthcare is a growing industry across the nation and in Connecticut, and a greater number of aging population creates job opportunities, and the need for healthcare staff increases.

New job positions open up due to retirement and the constant demand for medical imaging professionals.

CareerOneStop predicts a 13.9% increase in job availability by 2026 in Connecticut.

Diagnostic medical sonographers in Connecticut earn a mean annual salary of $85633 according to the BLS, which is higher than the national mean of $75,780.

This makes Connecticut one of the top paying states for medical imaging, and this is another reason why you should pursue this career as your future profession.

How much you will earn depends on your education:

Ultrasound Technicians in Connecticut can expect 14% job growth in the state and the average salary of $80,550 per year

Vascular Sonographers in Connecticut can expect 5% job growth by 2026 and $73,900 salary per year.

Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Connecticut is $73,900 per year while MRI Technologist Salary in Connecticut is about $77,460 per year.

However, you need to have in mind the fact that the area of the state where you find work can affect the salary that you earn.

In the table below you will see the annual mean salaries in some of the major cities of Connecticut and you can notice that there is a difference among them.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Connecticut