Best institutions to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases.
330 U.S. institutions graduated 7,984 Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0910, a specialization of Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09), and leads most directly to the Diagnostic Medical Sonographers occupation (BLS SOC 29-2032).
About Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Includes instruction in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician program prepares individuals to utilize medical ultrasound techniques under the supervision of physicians. This program is designed for those interested in diagnosing a variety of conditions and diseases through sonographic data collection and analysis. Students will gain hands-on experience and knowledge essential for patient care and diagnostic imaging.
Core coursework includes instruction in patient history integration, sonographic data processing, equipment operation, and professional ethics. Students will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and science application, which are crucial for effective patient interaction and accurate diagnostic imaging.
Credentials awarded
What Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree5,200 graduates / yr · 238 institutions65%
- Bachelor's degree1,071 graduates / yr · 56 institutions13%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years895 graduates / yr · 33 institutions11%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years661 graduates / yr · 42 institutions8.3%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year110 graduates / yr · 17 institutions1.4%
- Award of less than 12 weeks28 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.4%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate10 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Master's degree9 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 5,826 |
| 2013 | 5,118 |
| 2014 | 4,953 |
| 2015 | 5,119 |
| 2016 | 5,136 |
| 2017 | 5,164 |
| 2018 | 5,482 |
| 2019 | 5,554 |
| 2020 | 5,400 |
| 2021 | 5,393 |
| 2022 | 6,156 |
| 2023 | 6,275 |
| 2024 | 7,266 |
| 2025 | 7,984 |
Top 50 institutions for Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smith Chason College Los Angeles, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 372 | 72% | $34,395 | $46,174 |
| 2 | Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FLPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 219 | 61% | $35,483 | $47,863 |
| 3 | Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts San Jose, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 170 | 64% | $31,949 | $77,617 |
| 4 | High Desert Medical College Lancaster, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 170 | 68% | $28,838 | $25,056 |
| 5 | New York Medical Career Training Center Flushing, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 159 | 92% | $28,899 | $51,716 |
| 6 | Casa Loma College - Los Angeles Sherman Oaks, CAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 130 | 73% | $28,846 | $58,306 |
| 7 | Healthcare Career College Paramount, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 130 | 71% | $15,224 | $23,601 |
| 8 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 119 | 54% | $9,377 | $10,408 |
| 9 | South College Knoxville, TNPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 118 | 42% | $20,346 | $44,888 |
| 10 | CBD College Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 118 | 82% | $20,729 | $52,299 |
| 11 | Center for Allied Health Education Brooklyn, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 118 | 100% | $35,431 | $74,657 |
| 12 | Platt College - Anaheim Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 112 | 64% | $27,186 | $25,713 |
| 13 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology Delray Beach, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 101 | 76% | $19,718 | $42,138 |
| 14 | Platt College - Riverside Riverside, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 101 | 58% | $27,804 | $25,713 |
| 15 | Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, ORPublicBachelor's | 91 | 54% | — | $83,906 |
| 16 | Monroe University Bronx, NYPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 89 | 57% | $12,028 | $37,705 |
| 17 | Platt College - Ontario Ontario, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 87 | 58% | $28,453 | $25,713 |
| 18 | Institute of Medical Ultrasound Atlanta, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 83 | 26% | $53,558 | $50,731 |
| 19 | Fort Hays State University Hays, KSPublicBachelor's | 81 | 48% | — | $62,386 |
| 20 | Platt College - Los Angeles Alhambra, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 73 | 63% | $29,163 | $25,713 |
| 21 | American Medical Sciences Center Glendale, CAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 70 | 75% | $23,244 | $21,499 |
| 22 | PCI College Cerritos, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsBachelor's | 63 | 68% | $25,753 | $23,460 |
| 23 | Center for Ultrasound Research & Education White Plains, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 62 | 55% | $49,358 | $50,287 |
| 24 | ATI College - Whittier Whitter, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 61 | 72% | $28,565 | $30,741 |
| 25 | Central Coast College Salinas, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 59 | 67% | $27,488 | — |
| 26 | Washburn University Topeka, KSPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsBachelor's | 58 | 53% | — | $59,779 |
| 27 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAssociate's | 55 | 40% | — | $55,499 |
| 28 | Southeastern College - Boynton Beach Boynton Beach, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 55 | 88% | $35,974 | $46,288 |
| 29 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicBachelor's | 53 | 67% | — | $57,161 |
| 30 | Weber State University Ogden, UTPublicBachelor's | 48 | 46% | — | $67,333 |
| 31 | Contra Costa Medical Career College Antioch, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 47 | 100% | — | $78,315 |
| 32 | Pima Medical Institute - Phoenix Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 46 | 65% | $6,964 | $56,805 |
| 33 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 45 | 20% | — | $59,770 |
| 34 | National Polytechnic College Lakewood, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 45 | 47% | $31,230 | $34,613 |
| 35 | ATA College Tulsa, OKPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 44 | 33% | $24,328 | $48,413 |
| 36 | Tyler Junior College Tyler, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeks | 43 | 27% | — | $56,686 |
| 37 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Hanceville, ALPublicAssociate's | 42 | 51% | — | $48,422 |
| 38 | ECPI University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 42 | 42% | $21,909 | $55,250 |
| 39 | Cardiac and Vascular Institute of Ultrasound Mobile, ALPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 42 | — | — | $60,226 |
| 40 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Carolina Campus Carolina, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 41 | 34% | $8,847 | $8,943 |
| 41 | Miami Dade College Miami, FLPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 40 | 46% | — | $64,692 |
| 42 | Great Lakes Institute of Technology Erie, PAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 40 | 64% | $19,736 | $45,373 |
| 43 | Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 39 | 62% | $35,358 | $76,575 |
| 44 | Pensacola State College Pensacola, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 38 | 36% | — | $39,962 |
| 45 | Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PAPublicAssociate's | 38 | 24% | — | $55,599 |
| 46 | American Institute - West Hartford West Hartford, CTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 37 | 56% | $19,940 | $51,318 |
| 47 | Lackawanna College Scranton, PAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 37 | 37% | $25,320 | $65,584 |
| 48 | Florida National University - Main Campus Hialeah, FLPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 37 | 31% | $24,775 | $50,747 |
| 49 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAssociate's | 35 | 31% | — | $52,018 |
| 50 | San Joaquin Valley College - Bakersfield Bakersfield, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 34 | 58% | $24,205 | $69,391 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field (CIP 51.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 49 states & territories
Where Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health Diagnostic programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2032, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program typically pursue careers as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, with an annual median wage of $89,340. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 13% and approximately 5,800 annual openings, making it a strong choice for those seeking a rewarding career in healthcare.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0910
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Diagnostic Medical Sonographersprimary SOC 29-2032 | $96,590 | +13.0% Much faster than average | ~5,800 | Associate's degree |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1071 | $107,310 | +17.3% Much faster than average | ~27,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
Tools and technology used
Other Allied Health Diagnostic specializations
The 23 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09).
- Emergency Medical Technology/CIP 51.0904
Technician (EMT Paramedic) 32,524 graduates / yr662 institutions - Physician Associate/CIP 51.0912
Assistant 13,740 graduates / yr277 institutions - Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0911
Science - Radiographer 13,035 graduates / yr502 institutions - Surgical Technology/CIP 51.0909
Technologist 8,514 graduates / yr460 institutions - Respiratory Care Therapy/CIP 51.0908
Therapist 6,816 graduates / yr389 institutions - Medical Radiologic Technology/CIP 51.0907
Science - Radiation Therapist 4,302 graduates / yr212 institutions - Athletic Training/CIP 51.0913
Trainer 3,326 graduates / yr302 institutions - Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsCIP 51.09992,359 graduates / yr80 institutions
- Cardiovascular Technology/CIP 51.0901
Technologist 1,902 graduates / yr91 institutions - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/CIP 51.0920
Technician 1,327 graduates / yr62 institutions - Electrocardiograph Technology/CIP 51.0902
Technician 858 graduates / yr43 institutions - Nuclear Medical Technology/CIP 51.0905
Technologist 707 graduates / yr69 institutions - Electroneurodiagnostic/CIP 51.0903
Electroencephalographic Technology/ Technologist 302 graduates / yr31 institutions - PolysomnographyCIP 51.0917242 graduates / yr25 institutions
- Perfusion Technology/CIP 51.0906
Perfusionist 171 graduates / yr14 institutions - Gene/CIP 51.0914
Genetic Therapy partial data92 graduates / yr3 institutions - Mammography Technology/CIP 51.0919
Technician 87 graduates / yr18 institutions - Radiation Protection/CIP 51.0916
Health Physics Technician partial data62 graduates / yr5 institutions - Cardiopulmonary Technology/CIP 51.0915
Technologist partial data51 graduates / yr4 institutions - Orthopedic Technology/CIP 51.0923
Technician limited data22 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hearing Instrument SpecialistCIP 51.0918limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 2 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Hyperbaric Medicine Technology/
Technician51.0921 - Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Technology/
Technician51.0922
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degree do I need to become a sonographer?+
Typically, an Associate's degree is required for entry-level positions.
What skills are important for success in this field?+
Key skills include active listening, critical thinking, and proficiency in science.
What is the job outlook for sonographers?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 13%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are approximately 330 colleges offering this program across the United States.
What is the CIP code for Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician?+
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician is CIP 51.0910 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health Diagnostic (CIP 51.09). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Includes instruction in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics.
How many institutions offer Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician programs?+
330 U.S. institutions reported Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 49 states & territories, awarding 7,984 credentials in the year. That is 8.1% of all Allied Health Diagnostic graduates.
How much do Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographers occupation, which Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $96,590 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health Diagnostic field report median earnings of $54,726 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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