Ultrasound Technician Schools in Montana (Become a Sonographer)

Healthcare continues to be a fast-growing career field in the nation and one of the most interesting medical careers among younger generations is ultrasound technology or diagnostic sonography.

Besides having technical skills related to the equipment they use, ultrasound technicians have to be able to read the images to help provide a diagnosis as part of the treatment team.

As an ultrasound technician, you will need to stay updated with the latest technology, as well as possess great communication and documentation skills as you will be responsible for legal documentation within patient records.

There will be lots of interaction with patients and their families, as well as with other health team staff.

Having in mind the fact that Montana ranks amongst the top 10 states in the nation in terms of employment growth for sonographers, and jobs are expected to increase by 29.9% by 2026, we decided to provide you with all the necessary information that, you as a future sonographer, should know and make your research easier and less troublesome.

You have everything in one place – education and training period and requirements, salary and job growth information, and a list of accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Montana

Although there currently are not any CAAHEP accredited sonography program in Montana, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has given accreditation to several schools in Montana:

• Flathead Valley Community College, Kalispell, MT
• Great Falls College – Montana State University, Great Falls, MT
• Montana State University – Billings, Billings, MT
• University of Montana, Missoula, MT

Flathead Valley Community College FVCC Surgical Technology Program – 777 Grandview Drive Kalispell, MT 59901

• Admissions Phone: (406) 756-3848
• Email: info@fvcc.edu
• Programs Offered: Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology

Great Falls College – Montana State University – 2100 16th Avenue South Great Falls, MT 59405

• Admissions Phone: 406-771-4300
• Email: info@gfcmsu.edu
• Programs Offered: Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic, Surgical Technology

Montana State University – Billings – Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic Program – 3803 Central Avenue Billings, MT 59102

• Admissions Phone: 406-896-5831
• Email: admissions@msubillings.edu
• Programs Offered: Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic

MSU Billings College of Health Professions and Science University of Montana – Surgical Technology Program – Missoula College at the University of Montana 1205 East Broadway Street Missoula, MT 59802

• Admissions Phone: (406) 243-6266
• Email: mcadmissions@umontana.edu
• Programs Offered: Surgical Technology – Associate of Applied Science

All the above-mentioned schools in Montana offer accredited programs and you can choose between a certificate and two-year associate degree programs available.

If you are in need of more information about how you can become an ultrasound tech in Montana, you can simply contact the schools, you see on our site for detailed program information and a conversation with the admission representative.

During your studies, you will have core subjects covering topics of anatomy, physiology, medical psychology, records management, biomedical ethics, and imaging technology, which will all help with your ultrasound technician certification, as well.

You will also have some training within the area of ultrasound technology, such as cardiac imaging, radiography, and/or sonography.

After completing a radiology program if you would like to certify as an ultrasound technician, you will have the ability to take the licensing exam and become a certified ultrasound technician.

That way you will increase your salary and job opportunities, as certified candidates are given preference, due to the fact that employers respect a person’s devotion to the profession, being that this certificate proves his/her desire to advance in this field.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Montana

There are only a few states that require certification when sonographers are in question, and Montana is not one of them.

Licensure or certification for practicing diagnostic medical sonographers is not obligatory, even though more and more employers do prefer or require certification.

So, it is our suggestion to consider getting one if you want to have an advantage over other potential job candidates when applying for certain positions.

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

You can earn their certification by taking and passing their exam, but only if you meet the prerequisites.

In order to qualify, you must either graduate from a CAAHEP accredited school or have 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

When choosing which school to attend, it is very important that you gather information from several ultrasound technician schools in Montana to ensure that they meet the certification requirements you are looking for and only then decide which one suits your needs and interests.

Once you have met either of the two requirements, you can take the exam at one of the two testing locations in Montana:

• 111 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
• 404 N 31st St, Billings, MT 59101

Medical Imaging Organizations for Montana

Becoming a member of medical imaging organizations in Montana can be a smart choice, being that healthcare workers get access to a vast network of societies and organizations that can support them as they pursue their education and professional careers.

If you are currently a sonographer or considering becoming one in Montana, medical imaging-related organizations, such as the Midwest Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound would be an organization worth consideration.

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Montana

After finishing the education and getting a certification, it is normal that you want to find a satisfying job and earn a decent salary.

It is worth mentioning that you, as an entry-level sonographer cannot expect to have the mean annual salary for sonographers working in Montana that is $84010.

Actually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level positions can earn a wage of $74397 per year,

On the other hand, those with the experience and higher-level degrees earn an average wage of $96943 a year.

The salary you earn will depend on some other factors as well, including the type of employer and geographic location.

Throughout the USA, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, while larger imaging centers and hospitals typically offer competitive benefit programs but a base salary.

In Montana, there is a significant need for ultrasound technicians in some regions of the state so the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the career field of diagnostic medical sonographers will continue to grow.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Montana