Considering the fact that the field of diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is rapidly growing, you can start thinking about getting involved in this rewarding career.
Because of the high salary, relatively short education and training period, and high job availability there are more and more young people interested in becoming sonographers in Georgia.
Sonographers are professionals who play a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients in hospitals and clinics across Georgia and nationwide and who have to work closely with physicians and other colleagues.
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Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Georgia
Just like any other beginning, your career as an ultrasound technician should start by requesting information from a school that you are interested in related to enrollment procedure, costs, accreditation, and the way you can meet your long-term career goals.
When CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs are in question, the accreditation means that the program has undergone rigorous review from a reputable outside agency and that the quality of education the schools provide meets the identified standards.
The primary accreditation agency for sonography is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
We have included all accredited schools in Georgia where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer:
- Albany State University Albany, GA
- Augusta Technical College Augusta, GA
- Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – Atlanta Atlanta, GA
- Columbus Technical College Columbus, GA
- Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Rome, GA
- Georgia Southern University – Armstrong Campus Savannah, GA
- Grady Health System Atlanta, GA
- Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GA
- Ogeechee Technical College Statesboro, GA
Albany State University – Programs Offered: Diagnostic Medical Sonography – General Program
This is a 2-year degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography offered through the Darton College of Health Professions which was awarded the initial JRC-DMS accreditation in March of 2017.
Augusta Technical College – Programs Offered: Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Associate of Applied Science Degree
A high school diploma or GED is required for admission to the program which covers multiple modalities including the abdomen, small parts, obstetrics, gynecology, invasive procedures, and an introduction to vascular sonography.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – Atlanta – Programs Offered: Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Atlanta, Delray, Orlando campuses.
Columbus Technical College – Programs Offered: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Associate of Applied Science – DMS3
CTC DMS program combines formal education and extensive clinical training to prepare you to function as a sonographer and all pre-requisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C or better.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) – Programs Offered:
- Adult Echocardiography (EC33) Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS3) Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Vascular (VA13) Associate of Applied Science Degree
Sonography program offered at the Floyd County Campus, with other programs available at the Walker County, Polk County, Catoosa County, Whitfield Murray, and Gordon County, GA campuses.
Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus – Programs Offered:
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Radiologic Sciences
- Respiratory Therapy
- Advanced Imaging Certificate
- Radiation Therapy Certificate
- Nuclear Medicine Certificate
Grady Health Systems – Programs Offered: Course of study in General Concentration awards a certificate from Grady Health System upon graduation.
Advanced-level program is a full-time, daytime program lasting 18 months and it prepares the graduate for a career in diagnostic medical sonography in the areas of Abdomen and OB/GYN.
Program Costs $13,480
Gwinnett Technical College – Programs Offered: Associate Degree – Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AAS
DMS Program is five consecutive semesters, about 21 months and the coursework included is sonographic physics, sonographic identification of normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology of the abdomen, pelvis, and small parts of the adult, pediatric and fetal patient, clinical application courses, interventional sonography, journal and case study review, and comprehensive registry reviews.
Ogeechee Technical College – Programs Offered:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS Degree
- Echocardiography AAS Degree
- Health Care Science Certificate (Sonography Track)
If you have decided to get started as a Sonographer in Georgia, the first step you will need to take is to earn your high school diploma or GED.
It is worth mentioning that DMS program class sizes tend to be smaller with limited enrollments, so it is our suggestion to apply early and connect directly with Georgia colleges and universities so as to speak with an individual school’s admissions representative and find the answers to all the questions you may have.
Students should successfully complete one of these recognized Georgia DMS programs so that they can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation exam, as well as a specialty exam.
This is one of the ways to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Georgia
Georgia does not currently require sonographers to obtain licensure or certification, but you should think about getting one as many states are considering mandating licensure, and most employers prefer or require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
In order to be eligible to take the ARDMS exam, you must meet their prerequisites, and only then you will be allowed to take and pass their exam.
Locations throughout Georgia where you can take the exam are the following:
- 239 Village Center Pkwy, Stockbridge, GA 30281
- 6055 Lakeside Commons Dr #110, Macon, GA 31210
- 1279 Kennestone Cir, Marietta, GA 30066
- 1117 Perimeter Center W, Dunwoody, GA 30346
- 2 Corporate Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
- 1117 Perimeter Center W e311, Atlanta, GA 30338
- 1838 Old Norcross Rd STE 100, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Georgia
According to CareerOneStop, employment for diagnostic medical sonographers in Georgia is expected to grow by 25.8% by 2026, resulting in new job openings and more job prospects for both new and well-established sonographers.
Sonographers in Georgia earn a mean annual salary of $89663 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but you should know that the amount of education you have can directly impact your salary:
- Ultrasound Technician 26% expected job growth, $63,150 per year
- Echo Tech – 15% expected job growth, $53,230 per year
- Vascular Sonographer – 15% expected job growth, $53,230 per year
- MRI Technologist -15% expected job growth, $64,060 per year
- Cardiac Sonographer – 15% expected job growth, $53,230 per year
- Radiology Tech – 16% expected job growth, $55,100 per year
An Associate’s Degree is necessary for entry-level sonography positions and these professionals will earn less than those with a Bachelor’s Degree who will have more opportunities available and higher salaries.
Furthermore, those possessing ARDMS certification have higher earnings potential than those who do not.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Ultrasound Technicians in Georgia
City Name Salary Atlanta $91,672 Augusta $86,167 Columbus $83,728 Savannah $86,632 Athens $91,024 Macon $86,084 Roswell $91,327 Albany $85,188 Marietta $91,413 Warner Robins $85,825 Regional Salary in Georgia
Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary Albany, GA 60 $58,920 $28.33 $95,020 $31,450 Athens-Clarke County, GA 60 $73,090 $35.14 $99,560 $50,740 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 1,310 $84,460 $40.6 $100,920 $65,180 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC 140 $71,900 $34.57 $92,930 $53,150 Columbus, GA-AL 90 $69,260 $33.3 $84,030 $57,960 Gainesville, GA 80 $83,340 $40.07 $97,860 $64,510 Macon, GA 90 $65,670 $31.57 $93,590 $39,330 Rome, GA 40 $74,620 $35.88 $90,500 $56,920 Savannah, GA 110 $76,130 $36.6 $89,170 $63,120 Valdosta, GA 40 $67,620 $32.51 $78,430 $59,480 Warner Robins, GA 40 $66,300 $31.87 $85,900 $50,270
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.