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 Alabama (AL).
For the purpose of this guide, we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Alabama and sonography schools in Alabama interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Alabama as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Alabama
Ultrasound techs in Alabama 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 Alabama
Ultrasound tech schools in Alabama 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 5 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Alabama.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. Councill Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery | General | Associates Degree |
| Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics | Spanish Fort | General | Certificate |
| Lurleen B Wallace Community College | Opp | General | Associates Degree |
| Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden | General, Vascular | Associates Degree |
| Wallace State Community College | Hanceville | 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.
Certification and Licensing in Alabama
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Alabama 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 Alabama you can contact;
State Board: Alabama Department of Public Health
Website: www.alabamapublichealth.gov
Phone: (334) 290-3088
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Alabama
| Average Salary | $57,870 |
| Hourly Wage | $27.82 |
| Top 10% | $78,070 |
| Bottom 10% | $40,610 |
| Employed | 1,140 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Alabama is $57,870 and is 26% below the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $27.82.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Alabama has grown by 5%, or $2,930, 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 Alabama make an average salary of $78,070 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $40,610 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Birmingham-Hoover earn the highest average salaries in Alabama at $62,310 per annum. Those working in Tuscaloosa earn the lowest average salaries at $50,940 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover | $62,310 | $29.96 | 390 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | $56,360 | $27.10 | 40 |
| Dothan | $55,200 | $26.54 | 40 |
| Gadsden | $50,940 | $24.49 | 40 |
| Huntsville | $61,700 | $29.66 | 130 |
| Mobile | $53,590 | $25.77 | 120 |
| Montgomery | $53,890 | $25.91 | 80 |
| Tuscaloosa | $57,650 | $27.72 | 70 |
Employment
There are currently 1,140 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Alabama (2021). This represents an increase of 4%, or 40 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Alabama are based in Birmingham-Hoover.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Alabama
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 5% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Alabama has experienced an increase of 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 Alabama.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $57,870 | 1,140 |
| X Ray Tech | $47,300 | 3,510 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $46,790 | 980 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $64,990 | 350 |
| MRI Tech | $61,290 | 590 |
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