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 Michigan (MI).
For the purpose of this guide we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Michigan and sonography schools in Michigan interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Michigan as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Michigan
Ultrasound techs in Michigan 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 Michigan
Ultrasound tech schools in Michigan 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 10 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Michigan.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College of Owosso | Auburn Hills | General, Cardiac | Associates Degree |
| Delta College | University Center | General | Diploma, Associate |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids | General | Associates Degree |
| Grand Valley State University | Grand Rapids | General | Bachelors Degree |
| Henry Ford Hospital | Detroit | General | Certificate |
| Jackson College | Jackson | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Certificate, Associate |
| Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | General | Associates Degree |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing | General | Associates Degree |
| Oakland Community College-Southfield | Southfield | General | Associates Degree |
| Ascension Providence Hospital | Southfield | General, Vascular | 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 Michigan
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Michigan 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 Michigan you can contact;
State Board: Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services
Website: www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
Phone: 517-241-3740
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Michigan
| Average Salary | $66,020 |
| Hourly Wage | $31.74 |
| Top 10% | $82,010 |
| Bottom 10% | $52,270 |
| Employed | 2,510 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Michigan is $66,020 and is 15% below the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $31.74.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Michigan has increased by 7%, or $4,530, 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 Michigan make an average salary of $82,010 whilst the bottom 10% or entry-level ultrasound techs make just $52,270 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Kalamazoo-Portage earn the highest average salaries in Michigan at $70,560 per annum. Those working in Ann Arbor earn the lowest average salaries at $64,310 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $64,310 | $30.92 | 240 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $68,280 | $32.83 | 1,140 |
| Flint | $65,130 | $31.31 | 90 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming | $64,690 | $31.10 | 400 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage | $70,560 | $33.92 | - |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $67,100 | $32.26 | 70 |
Employment
There are currently 2,510 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Michigan (2021). This represents an increase of 3%, or 80 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Michigan are based in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Michigan
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 7% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Michigan have experienced an increase of 3% 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 Michigan.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $66,020 | 2,510 |
| X Ray Tech | $59,440 | 6,630 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $57,550 | 2,410 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $74,170 | 610 |
| MRI Tech | $66,800 | 1,300 |