The terms ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are regularly used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Virginia (VA).
On this page, we switch between the use of the terms ultrasound tech schools in Virginia and sonography schools in Virginia.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in Virginia as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Virginia
Ultrasound techs in Virginia will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Top Ultrasound Technician Schools in Virginia
Ultrasound tech schools in Virginia are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 4 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Virginia.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | Springfield | General | Associates Degree |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Charlottesville | General | Associates Degree |
| Southside Regional Medical Center | Petersburg | General | Associates Degree |
| Tidewater Community College | Virginia Beach | General | Associates Degree |
Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
Virginia Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Virginia. However, in today’s competitive jobs market certification is strongly recommended given that most employers seek certification as a mark of skills level and credentials.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
Successful completion of an approved program at an accredited school is an essential requirement to qualify to sit the certification exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in Virginia you can contact;
State Board: Commonwealth of Virginia Dept. of Health Professions / Board of Medicine
Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/
Phone: (804) 367-3051
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Virginia
| Average Salary | $77,230 |
| Hourly Wage | $37.13 |
| Top 10% | $102,650 |
| Bottom 10% | $53,970 |
| Employed | 1,680 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Virginia is $77,230 and is 1% less than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $37.13.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Virginia has increased by 7%, or $4,980, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Virginia make an average salary of $102,650 whilst the bottom 10% and entry-level ultrasound techs make just $53,970 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Richmond earn the highest average salaries in Virginia at $77,090 per annum. Those working in Lynchburg earn the lowest average salaries at $70,710 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | $73,450 | $35.31 | 40 |
| Lynchburg | $70,710 | $34.00 | 70 |
| Richmond | $77,090 | $37.07 | 280 |
| Roanoke | $71,710 | $34.48 | 110 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News | $74,840 | $35.98 | 320 |
| Winchester | $75,510 | $36.30 | 40 |
Employment
There are currently 1,680 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Virginia (2021). This represents an increase of 4%, or 70 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Virginia is based in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Virginia
Average salaries have experienced a rise of 7% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Virginia have experienced an increase of 4% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in Virginia.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $77,230 | 1,680 |
| X Ray Tech | $64,000 | 5,560 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $60,960 | 1,400 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $77,500 | 410 |
| MRI Tech | $73,750 | 810 |