Ultrasound Technician Schools in Idaho (Become a Sonographer)

Taking into consideration the fact that the sonography industry is experiencing a lot of growth, there is no reason against becoming a sonographer in Idaho.

People find it attractive as the educational and training period is short and after gaining an appropriate certificate, you will experience high job availability, and high salary.

Do not forget to think about the professional benefits of this career, as besides enjoying strong job security in a fast-growing industry, these professionals work closely with healthcare staff at all levels, and look forward to helping people every day.

So as to make you acquainted with necessary data related to each of these topics, we will discuss it further for you, as well as introduce to you accredited schools where you can complete your education and begin your career as an ultrasound technician.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Idaho

Each candidate should take the first step and that is to request information from a school of interest in Idaho and get the opportunity to ask questions from a representative.

One of the most important things o consider when looking for the right school is its accreditation.

So that a school becomes accredited, it has to meet the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guideline, and that can only be achieved by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.

The primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

There is only one CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program in Idaho at Boise State University.

Boise State University belongs to the top employers in the region and it is considered as one of the top undergraduate schools in the region.

Its 4-year sonography program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and this accreditation ensures that the school provides high-quality education to its students.

During your studies, you will need to pass coursework in vascular ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, ultrasound physics, and pathophysiology and by the end of education, you will obtain both classroom instruction and clinical training.

This means that you will be equipped with the hands-on experience you need to succeed as an ultrasound technician in Idaho.

In two to four years, depending on the degree you want to achieve, you may get the training you need to become a licensed ultrasound technician:

• Certificate programs: About one year
• Associate degree programs: About two years
• Bachelor’s degree programs: About four years

Upon successful completion of a recognized Idaho DMS program, students earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam and if passes them both, they will receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Idaho

Besides the fact that the state of Idaho does not currently require sonographers to obtain certification or licensure, it is our advice to get one as many employers prefer or require certification.

Actually, certification will make you stand out amongst other job candidates when applying for employment.

The most highly regarded certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

You can earn certification by taking and passing their exam and there is currently only one location where you can take the exam in Idaho – 9183 W Black Eagle Dr, Boise, ID 83709.

In order to be eligible to take the ARDMS exam, you must meet their prerequisites.

You can either choose to graduate from a CAAHEP accredited school or get  12 months of full-time clinical experience to qualify for this exam.

Applicants must apply online, pay all fees, and submit all of the required documentation by the deadline provided in order for ARDMS to determine eligibility.

They should review the Prerequisite Chart section in the guide available on its website and assemble the required documentation under Documentation Required with Application and submit with the online application form and appropriate fees.

Documentation required with a completed application form is the following:

• 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 including exact dates of ultrasound experience/successful completion of sonography program.
• Signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s)
• Copy of non-expired government-issued photo identification (ID) with signature.

Once you get your certificate, you will not end your education as it will be your requirement to re-certify every two years by earning an additional 24 continuing education credits.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Idaho

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Idaho is $87469.

The salary ranges from $77460 for those who have entry-level jobs and lowe level of education up to $100934 for those most experienced ones.

How much you can earn depends on a number of factors, including as we have already mentioned, the level of education and experience, geographic location, and type of employer:

• Ultrasound Technician – 35% expected job growth by 2026, $77,260 per year in Idaho
• Vascular Sonographer – 31% expected job growth by 2026, $57,800 per year in Idaho
• MRI Technologist – 20% expected job growth, $68,860 per year
• Cardiac Sonographer – 31% expected job growth, $57,800 per year
• Radiology Tech – 23% expected job growth by 2026, $55,620 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

When looking for a job you should know that outpatient care centers tend to pay the most.

Larger imaging centers and hospitals also tend to offer competitive benefit programs in addition to the base salary.

If you are satisfied with the average salary, you can get an Associate’s Degree.

However, earning a Bachelor’s Degree will open you up to higher-paying job positions.

Furthermore, the job availability for ultrasound technicians in Idaho is expected to increase by 35.2% by 2026, causing new job openings and possibilities for sonographers.

Idaho is among the top 5 states in the nation in terms of available sonography jobs, so do not waste your time, but start gaining proper education to reach this career.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Idaho