Ultrasound Technician Schools in Mississippi (Become a Sonographer)

If you have heard about them, but do not exactly know what sonographers do, we are here to tell you.

Actually, these people use the power of sound waves and perform ultrasound imaging procedures on patients.

This is very significant as it allows them to capture photos of their patient’s internal organs or vascular system and then use them to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, as well as monitor the growth of a fetus.

It can be concluded that they really perform quite demanding and responsible duties, and not everyone can become a successful sonographer.

Sonography is a very attractive field nowadays, because of the high salary, short education, and training period, and great job availability which is even expected to increase by 14.7% by 2026.

It was our aim with this article to go through each of the topics related to the ways of becoming a sonographer, as well as all accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer in Mississippi.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Mississippi

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

It is our advice that you enroll in a program that is accredited, being that the only way that a school becomes accredited by CAAHEP is to meet the DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines.

This includes passing a series of program reviews,  a self-study review, and a site visit.

Upon enrollment into an accredited institution, you can be sure that the school can provide high-quality education to you and prepare you to enter the healthcare workforce.

Furthermore, another reason for attending a recognized Mississippi DMS program is that you can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam.

If you manage to pass both of their exams, you will receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.

Unfortunately, there are not many accredited schools in Mississippi, but the one that is CAAHEP accredited and offers certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography is:

Hinds Community College – Jackson Campus
1750 Chadwick Drive
Jackson, MS 39204
(601) 376-4821
Program Director: Lesa Wilson MSHS, RDMS, RT(M)
Email: lbwilson@hindscc.edu

HCC obtained accreditation in 2006 for their General Medical Sonography program.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Mississippi

Besides the fact that there are currently no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Mississippi, people decide to get one so as to improve their job prospects.

Actually, many states are considering moving toward required licensure, and most employers prefer or require certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) when selecting the most appropriate candidate for certain positions.

So as to be able to earn the certification, people must take and pass the exam.

There are two testing locations in Mississippi where you can take the exam once you meet the required ARDMS prerequisites:

• 431 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804
• 6360 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd #250, Jackson, MS 39211

Prerequisites can be met by graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school or by earning 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

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

Another certification is issued by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Depending on the career path you choose, you will need to take a test that covers topics over general ultrasound principles, patient care, breast sonography, and neurosonography and pass it with a satisfying score to reach a license.

If you have earned your diagnostic medical sonography degree through a non-accredited program, then you may need to fulfill additional requirements.

The ARRT requires you to have at least 800 hours of clinical training before you can take the licensing exam.

In the years to come, you will still need to take 24 credits of continuing education courses every two years for license renewal.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Mississippi

Upon successful graduation and certification achievement, people are eager to start working.

Actually, salary is what interests them most and we are glad to say that the average annual salary for sonographers in Mississippi is $80627 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

However, there are sonographers in Mississippi that earn approximately $93040 per year, but those are the ones with the highest level of education and experience.

On the other hand, entry-level positions are the least paid, that is, $71401 per year.

Due to many factors that can influence the salary, such as where you work, your amount of education, certification from the ARDMS, and many more, you cannot determine the exact amount that you may get for certain positions.

Outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, while hospitals offer lower wages but have the highest employment numbers.

In addition, diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an Associate’s Degree, but you should not stop there.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree will open you up to higher-paying positions as well.

Job openings for Mississippi ultrasound techs may increase by 15% which means that there will be plenty of opportunities for sonographers in the next several years.

With the proper education, you will have a greater chance of advancing in your career and earning a competitive wage, so it is our suggestion to increase your chances of becoming successful as a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer in Mississippi by enrolling in an accredited ultrasound technology program.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Mississippi