The terms ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are regularly used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Kentucky (KY).
On this page, we interchange between the terms ultrasound tech schools in Kentucky and sonography schools in Kentucky.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in Kentucky as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Kentucky
Ultrasound techs in Kentucky 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.
Top Ultrasound Technician Schools in Kentucky
Ultrasound tech schools in Kentucky 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 Kentucky.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazard Community and Technical College | Hazard | General, Vascular | Associates Degree |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington | General | Associates Degree |
| Morehead State University | Morehead | General | Bachelors Degree |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | Elizabethtown | General | Associates Degree |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah | 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.
Kentucky Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Kentucky. However, in today’s competitive jobs market certification is strongly recommended given that most employers seek certification as a mark of skills level and credentials.
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.
Successful completion of an approved program at an accredited school is an essential requirement to qualify to sit the certification 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 Kentucky you can contact;
State Board: Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Website: kbmirt.ky.gov
Phone: (502) 782-5687
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Kentucky
| Average Salary | $67,520 |
| Hourly Wage | $32.46 |
| Top 10% | $86,380 |
| Bottom 10% | $52,010 |
| Employed | 800 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Kentucky is $67,520 and is 13% less than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $32.46.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Kentucky has grown by 8%, or $4,780, 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 Kentucky make an average salary of $86,380 whilst the bottom 10% or entry-level ultrasound techs make just $52,010 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $68,300 | $32.83 | 120 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $66,730 | $32.08 | 320 |
| Owensboro | $64,690 | $31.10 | - |
Employment
There are currently 800 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Kentucky (2021). This represents a decrease of -5%, or -40 jobs, since 2016.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Kentucky
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 8% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Kentucky has experienced a decrease of -5% 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 Kentucky.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $67,520 | 800 |
| X Ray Tech | $53,090 | 4,040 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $48,190 | 650 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $70,100 | 190 |
| MRI Tech | $69,930 | 480 |