Healthcare is an ever-developing field being that the aging generations are in need of quality care and diagnostic medical sonographers, otherwise known as ultrasound technicians, play a vital role in the healthcare of Americans.
These professionals are educated and trained during their studies to use sophisticated equipment so that they can take images of the inside of the bodies of their patients, thus helping them discover, diagnose, and treat diseases.
This means that they have to work closely with physicians and patients, so communication skills are something they need to possess.
If you are thinking that this is an ideal career for you, you can start considering attending an ultrasound technician school in Oklahoma and in a few years’ time, become part of this growing and rewarding field.
Below you will find all the necessary information about accredited sonography programs in Oklahoma that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), about the accreditation and licensing requirements that have to be met in Oklahoma, as well as what salary you might expect to earn upon graduation and employment.
Page Navigation
Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Oklahoma
It is very important to remember that enrolling in a recognized Oklahoma DMS program would make you eligible to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
Each of the following schools has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit and you will not regret your decision no matter which one you choose as your future educational institution:
- Moore Norman Technology Center – 4701 12th Avenue Norman, OK 73069
- Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City – 900 N Portland Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73107
- Tulsa Community College – 909 S Boston Avenue MP 458 Tulsa, OK 74119
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – 1200 N. Stonewall Suite 3021, Dept. MIRS College of Allied Health Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1215
Oklahoma schools offering ultrasound tech programs offer all levels of education, ranging from certificate programs and associate’s degrees to bachelor’s and even master’s degrees.
Which one you will choose depends on your desires and interests, but the higher education you get, the better will be your chances of finding a highly paid jobs.
Many ultrasound technician programs in Oklahoma offer a combination of online courses and in-class instruction so as to meet individual needs.
You will also have an opportunity to specialize in areas within the sonography field, such as cardiac imaging or prenatal ultrasounds.
Even though the length of the ultrasound tech program in Oklahoma may vary, the core classes would be the same, including physiology, anatomy, patient care, and ethics, medical terminology, medical records, and psychology, along with courses within the specialty area you have chosen.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Oklahoma
Some people find it positive that Oklahoma is among those states that do not require licensure for sonographers to practice.
Nowadays, more states are considering legislation to change that, so it is our advice to be prepared, by gaining the needed certification.
In order to obtain a license, certification from a professional organization is typically required and the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the primary organization offering certification for sonographers.
However, not everyone can get this certificate.
You must pass one of their tests to gain their certification at one of the three testing centers available in Oklahoma.
By taking a look at the testing administrator’s website and using its search tool, you may find a location near you.
Also, you can find the locations and their contact information on the ARDMS website at ardms.org, or by calling the testing company Pearson Vue at 1-877-258-9220.
In order to sit for the exam, you must meet one of the prerequisites that the ARDMS has set forth and that is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
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
Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Oklahoma
Taking into consideration the fact that diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest-paid professions available with just an associate’s degree, more and more young learners decide to get this degree and look for a stable and satisfying career.
The medical field keeps growing due to an aging population, the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers grows as well and they should not worry about their job outlook, as they may find work in the surgical and general medical hospitals of Oklahoma, as well as at physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Oklahoma earn a mean annual salary of $87115, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nevertheless, these figures can vary, depending on the location, facility, working hours and duties, as well as the level of education which is presented by the following figures:
- Ultrasound Technician Salary in Oklahoma – Expected growth of 21% between 2014 and 2024, $66,470 per year
- Echo Tech Salary in Oklahoma — Expected growth of 22%, $41,640 per year
- Vascular Sonographer Salary in Oklahoma – Expected growth of 22%, $41,640 per year
- MRI Technologist Salary in Oklahoma — Expected growth of 5%, $59,900 per year
- Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Oklahoma – Expected growth of 22%, $41,640 per year
- Radiology Tech Salary in Oklahoma — Expected growth of 5%, $51,450 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017)
Demand in Oklahoma is expected to be exceptionally high and the employment is expected to increase by 16% by 2026.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Ultrasound Technicians in Oklahoma
City Name Salary Oklahoma City $87,884 Tulsa $88,913 Norman $87,328 Lawton $78,867 Broken Arrow $88,635 Edmond $87,606 Altus $78,589 Enid $87,050 Mooreland $82,402 Stillwater $87,050 Regional Salary in Oklahoma
Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary Oklahoma City, OK 400 $81,090 $38.99 $97,390 $65,240 Tulsa, OK 260 $79,030 $38 $96,540 $64,580
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.