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 Colorado (CO).
For the purpose of this guide we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Colorado and sonography schools in Colorado interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Colorado as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Colorado
Ultrasound techs in Colorado 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 Colorado
Ultrasound tech schools in Colorado 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 Colorado.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Hospital | Aurora | General | Certificate |
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 Colorado
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Colorado 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 Colorado you can contact;
State Board: Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment
Website: cdphe.colorado.gov
Phone: (303) 692-3448
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Colorado
| Average Salary | $86,370 |
| Hourly Wage | $41.52 |
| Top 10% | $108,070 |
| Bottom 10% | $67,510 |
| Employed | 1,240 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Colorado is $86,370 and is 11% above the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $41.52.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Colorado has grown by 6%, or $4,540, 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 Colorado make an average salary of $108,070 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $67,510 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Boulder earn the highest average salaries in Colorado at $89,750 per annum. Those working in Colorado Springs earn the lowest average salaries at $81,720 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $89,750 | $43.15 | 100 |
| Colorado Springs | $81,720 | $39.29 | 160 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | $87,780 | $42.20 | 720 |
| Fort Collins | $88,640 | $42.61 | 80 |
Employment
There are currently 1,240 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Colorado (2021). This represents a growth of 41%, or 360 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Colorado are based in Denver-Aurora-Lakewood.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Colorado
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 6% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Colorado has experienced a growth of of 41% 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 Colorado.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $86,370 | 1,240 |
| X Ray Tech | $68,330 | 4,040 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $71,560 | 680 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $88,110 | 340 |
| MRI Tech | $84,270 | 500 |