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 Arizona (AZ).
For the purpose of this guide we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Arizona and sonography schools in Arizona interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Arizona as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Arizona
Ultrasound techs in Arizona 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 Arizona
Ultrasound tech schools in Arizona 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 1 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Arizona.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| GateWay Community College | Phoenix | General, Vascular | 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 Arizona
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Arizona 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 Arizona you can contact;
State Board: Arkansas Dept of Health Radiologic Technology Licensure Program
Website: www.healthy.arkansas.gov
Phone: (501) 661-2301
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Arizona
| Average Salary | $84,460 |
| Hourly Wage | $40.61 |
| Top 10% | $107,200 |
| Bottom 10% | $57,190 |
| Employed | 1,680 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Arizona is $84,460 and is 9% more than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $40.61.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Arizona has increased by 9%, or $6,880, 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 Arizona make an average salary of $107,200 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $57,190 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Prescott earn the highest average salaries in Arizona at $87,650 per annum. Those working in Tucson earn the lowest average salaries at $80,680 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale | $85,400 | $41.06 | 1,400 |
| Prescott | $87,650 | $42.14 | 30 |
| Tucson | $80,680 | $38.79 | 140 |
Employment
There are currently 1,680 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Arizona (2021). This represents a rise of 14%, or 200 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Arizona are based in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Arizona
Average salaries have experienced a rise of 9% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Arizona has experienced a rise of of 14% 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 Arizona.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $84,460 | 1,680 |
| X Ray Tech | $63,780 | 4,970 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $60,150 | 630 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $86,340 | 290 |
| MRI Tech | $77,310 | 1,170 |