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 Missouri (MO).
On this page, we interchange between the terms ultrasound tech schools in Missouri and sonography schools in Missouri.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in Missouri as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Missouri
Ultrasound techs in Missouri 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 Missouri
Ultrasound tech schools in Missouri 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 Missouri.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cox College | Springfield | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Bachelors Degree |
| State Fair Community College | Sedalia | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Associates Degree |
| St. Louis Community College | St. Louis | General, Cardiac | Certificate |
| St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City | Kansas City | General, Cardiac | Certificate |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia | General, Vascular | Bachelor, Masters |
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.
Missouri Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Missouri. 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 Missouri you can contact;
State Board: Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Environments and Radiation
Website: health.state.mn.us
Phone: (651) 201-4545
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Missouri
| Average Salary | $74,270 |
| Hourly Wage | $35.71 |
| Top 10% | $97,300 |
| Bottom 10% | $55,370 |
| Employed | 1,620 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Missouri is $74,270 and is 5% lower than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $35.71.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Missouri has risen by 7%, or $4,690, 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 Missouri make an average salary of $97,300 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $55,370 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Kansas City earn the highest average salaries in Missouri at $81,710 per annum. Those working in Cape Girardeau earn the lowest average salaries at $65,190 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau | $65,190 | $31.34 | 60 |
| Kansas City | $81,710 | $39.28 | 580 |
| Springfield | $69,570 | $33.45 | 150 |
| St. Louis | $72,210 | $34.72 | 810 |
Employment
There are currently 1,620 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Missouri (2021). This represents a growth of 26%, or 330 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Missouri are based in St. Louis.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Missouri
Average salaries have experienced a growth of 7% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Missouri have experienced a growth of 26% 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 Missouri.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $74,270 | 1,620 |
| X Ray Tech | $55,880 | 4,190 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $52,080 | 980 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $76,850 | 490 |
| MRI Tech | $65,090 | 1,030 |