Ultrasound Technician Schools in Michigan (Become a Sonographer)

Those of you who consider getting started as sonographers in Michigan should first get acquainted with educational opportunities, job prospects, salaries, and above all the duties that you have to take once you become sonographers, as they are not at all naive.

Actually, an ultrasound technician school will give you the quality education and training you need to secure a job in this competitive and growing market, but it is up to you to advance more and become successful in this competitive field.

Diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) perform ultrasound imaging procedures on patients using the power of sound waves.

This means that they capture photos of a patient’s internal organs or vascular systems so that physicians can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, as well as monitor the growth of a fetus.

Sonography is becoming increasingly popular these days, due to the high salary, short education and training period, and the fact that job availability is expected to increase by 19.2% by 2026 in Michigan, so it is the right time to start getting a proper education.

We will describe each of the important topics for future sonographers and provide you with the data related to accredited ultrasound technician schools.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Michigan

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

So that a school can become accredited by CAAHEP, it has to meet DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines, which includes passing of a series of program reviews so as to ensure that the school can provide a high-quality education to their students.

The following Michigan schools have been accredited by CAAHEP and offer degrees or certificates in medical imaging:

• Ascension Providence Hospital School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Madonna University Sonography Program 16001 West Nine Mile Road Southfield, MI 48075 – Initial Accreditation Date: 4/27/1996
• Baker College SonographyProgram 1500 University Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 – Initial Accreditation Date: 9/19/2008
• Delta College Sonography Program 1961 Delta Rd University Center, MI 48710 – Initial Accreditation Date: 4/19/2002
• Ferris State University Sonography Program 200 Ferris Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 – Initial Accreditation Date: 11/21/2008
• Grand Valley State University Sonography Program 301 Michigan Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 – Initial Accreditation Date: 5/16/2008
• Henry Ford Hospital Sonography Program 2799 West Grand Blvd Detroit, MI 48202 – Initial Accreditation Date: 1/26/1984
• Jackson College Sonography Program 2111 Emmons Rd Jackson, MI 49201 – Initial Accreditation Date: 10/20/2000
• Lake Michigan College Sonography Program 2755 E. Napier Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022-1899 – Initial Accreditation Date: 5/16/2014
• Lansing Community College Sonography Program 515 North Washington Square HHS-108 Lansing, MI 48933 – Initial Accreditation Date: 4/23/2004
• Oakland Community College Sonography Program 22322 Rutland Drive Southfield, MI 48075 – Initial Accreditation Date: 10/24/1984

You are highly suggested to enroll in a recognized Michigan DMS program, as this is is the direct way to earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam.

The passing of both of their exams is important as it allows you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography and get an advantage over other candidates that do not possess it.

If you are accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you are also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship which can be beneficial when the tuition costs are in question.

Many people want to finish their studies as soon as possible and start looking for a job.

Most sonography degree programs can be completed within two years, and those students will earn an Associate’s Degree.

If you want to be more educated, you can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.

This will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.

In order to be successful in the field, you will need more than just technical knowledge.

The most important characteristic of a successful sonographer is a constant desire for advancement, development, and new knowledge, being that the field of sonography is ever-changing and continuously advancing.

Getting a certification will not be the end of your education, as you will need to renew it, by taking 24 continuing education credits every two years.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Michigan

Michigan, as the majority of states, does not require practicing ultrasound technicians to receive certification or licensure.

Graduates still decide to get one, being that most employers prefer or require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) when they select the most appropriate candidates for employment.

This is the most highly regarded certification for sonographers and the only way to earn it is by taking and passing their exam.

So as to qualify for this exam, you must meet their prerequisites, meaning that besides graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school, you can also qualify for the exam by obtaining 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

Once you have successfully met the prerequisites, gathered all the supporting documentation, and submitted the application form, you can take the exam at one of four testing locations in Michigan:

• 161 Ottawa Ave NW STE 410, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• 1595 W Lake Lansing Rd #230, East Lansing, MI 48823
• 26555 Evergreen Rd STE 125, Southfield, MI 48076
• 325 E Eisenhower Pkwy # 3A, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Michigan

By taking a look at the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Michigan is $92749.

The salary they earn depends on a number of factors, including the type of employer, level of education and experience, and much more.

Your specific duties will affect your salary and job prospects.

Furthermore, salaries in facilities where you find a job may also vary.

Outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, and larger imaging centers and hospitals also tend to offer competitive benefit programs in addition to the base salary.

So as to improve your wages, you can advance in the level of education you have.

Receiving an Associate’s Degree is required to become an entry-level sonographer and your salary in Michigan will be around $82136 while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can open you up to higher-paying job positions and your annual wages can reach up to $107028.

The following table compares the average annual salaries for sonographers across the major cities of Michigan.

Regional Salary in Michigan