Ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are very similar careers and are typically used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in South Carolina (SC).
For the purpose of this guide, we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in South Carolina and sonography schools in South Carolina interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in South Carolina as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in SC
Ultrasound techs in South Carolina 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.
Accredited Ultrasound Tech Schools in SC
Ultrasound tech schools in South Carolina 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 2 accredited ultrasound tech schools in South Carolina.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | General | Associates Degree |
| Horry Georgetown Technical College | Myrtle Beach | General | Diploma, Certificate, Associate |
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.
Certification and Licensing in SC
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in South Carolina however most employers will have a preference for candidates who have obtained certification.
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.
An associate’s degree from an accredited school is a necessary prerequisite to taking these 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 South Carolina you can contact;
State Board: South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association
Website: www.scrqsa.org
Phone: (803) 771-6141
Ultrasound Tech Salary in SC
| Average Salary | $68,420 |
| Hourly Wage | $32.89 |
| Top 10% | $86,570 |
| Bottom 10% | $51,790 |
| Employed | 810 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in South Carolina is $68,420 and is 12% lower than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $32.89.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in South Carolina has risen by 9%, or $5,930, 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 South Carolina make an average salary of $86,570 whilst the bottom 10% and entry level ultrasound techs make just $51,790 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Charleston-North Charleston earn the highest average salaries in South Carolina at $75,400 per annum. Those working in Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin earn the lowest average salaries at $64,980 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston | $75,400 | $36.25 | 190 |
| Columbia | $67,870 | $32.63 | 100 |
| Florence | $69,850 | $33.58 | 60 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin | $64,980 | $31.24 | 190 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $66,860 | $32.15 | 40 |
| Spartanburg | $68,740 | $33.05 | 90 |
Employment
There are currently 810 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in South Carolina (2021). This represents a rise of 13%, or 90 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in South Carolina is based in Charleston-North Charleston and Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in SC
Average salaries have experienced a growth of 9% since 2016 whilst the number of jobs for the profession in South Carolina has experienced a rise of 13% 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 South Carolina.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $68,420 | 810 |
| X Ray Tech | $55,940 | 3,420 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $59,250 | 1,140 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $74,500 | 280 |
| MRI Tech | $65,380 | 430 |