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 Georgia (GA).
For the purpose of this guide we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Georgia and sonography schools in Georgia interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Georgia as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Georgia
Ultrasound techs in Georgia 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.
Best Accredited Ultrasound Tech Schools in Georgia – 2023
Ultrasound tech schools in Georgia are accredited by the CAAHEP and ABHES.
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 12 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Georgia.
| College | Metro Area | Accreditation | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany State University | Albany | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Institute of Medical Ultrasound | Atlanta | ABHES | Program Page |
| Cambridge College of Healthcare | Atlanta | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Grady Health System | Atlanta | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| South College | Atlanta | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Augusta Technical College | Augusta | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Columbus Technical College | Columbus | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College | Dublin | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Gwinnett Technical College | Lawrenceville | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Rome | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Georgia Southern University | Savannah | CAAHEP | Program Page |
| Ogeechee Technical College | Statesboro | CAAHEP | Program Page |
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 Georgia
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Georgia 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 Georgia you can contact;
State Board: Georgia Department of Public Health
Website: dph.georgia.gov
Phone: (404) 657-2700
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Georgia
| Average Salary | $61,100 |
| Hourly Wage | $29.37 |
| Top 10% | $84,460 |
| Bottom 10% | $35,530 |
| Employed | 2,300 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Georgia is $61,100 and is 21% less than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $29.37.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Georgia has decreased a little by -2%, or -$1,460, 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 Georgia make an average salary of $84,460 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $35,530 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Athens-Clarke County earn the highest average salaries in Georgia at $73,110 per annum. Those working in Brunswick earn the lowest average salaries at $54,150 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | $55,980 | $26.91 | 50 |
| Athens-Clarke County | $73,110 | $35.15 | 70 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | $62,670 | $30.13 | 1,200 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $61,510 | $29.57 | 150 |
| Brunswick | $54,150 | $26.04 | 50 |
| Columbus | $54,970 | $26.43 | 90 |
| Gainesville | $55,920 | $26.89 | 40 |
| Macon | $62,340 | $29.97 | 140 |
| Rome | $62,850 | $30.22 | 30 |
| Savannah | $65,470 | $31.48 | 100 |
| Warner Robins | $63,120 | $30.35 | 50 |
Employment
There are currently 2,300 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Georgia (2021). This represents a growth of 40%, or 660 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Georgia are based in Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Georgia
Average salaries have experienced dropped by -2% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Georgia has experienced a growth of of 40% 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 Georgia.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $61,100 | 2,300 |
| X Ray Tech | $58,220 | 5,080 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $61,680 | 1,340 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $75,760 | 380 |
| MRI Tech | $70,820 | 1,570 |