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 Tennessee (TN).
For the purpose of this guide, we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Tennessee and sonography schools in Tennessee interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Tennessee as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Tennessee
Ultrasound techs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Ultrasound tech schools in Tennessee 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 7 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Tennessee.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health Sciences University | Memphis | General, Vascular | Bachelors Degree |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Certificate |
| Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare | Memphis | General | Certificate |
| South College | Nashville | General | Associates Degree |
| South College | Knoxville | General | Associates Degree |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville | General | Certificate |
| Volunteer State Community College | Gallatin | 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 Tennessee
Certification and licensing is not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Tennessee 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 Tennessee you can contact;
State Board: Texas Medical Board
Website: candidate.psiexams.com
Phone: (512) 305-7030
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Tennessee
| Average Salary | $65,750 |
| Hourly Wage | $31.61 |
| Top 10% | $86,960 |
| Bottom 10% | $44,670 |
| Employed | 1,660 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Tennessee is $65,750 and is 15% less than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $31.61.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Tennessee has risen by 8%, or $5,040, 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 Tennessee make an average salary of $86,960 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $44,670 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin earn the highest average salaries in Tennessee at $71,410 per annum. Those working in Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol earn the lowest average salaries at $58,590 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $66,750 | $32.09 | 190 |
| Jackson | $63,520 | $30.54 | 70 |
| Johnson City | $61,260 | $29.45 | 80 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol | $58,590 | $28.17 | 80 |
| Knoxville | $63,770 | $30.66 | 270 |
| Memphis | $61,590 | $29.61 | 400 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $71,410 | $34.33 | 410 |
Employment
There are currently 1,660 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Tennessee (2021). This represents a decrease of -13%, or -240 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Tennessee is based in Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Tennessee
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 8% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Tennessee have experienced a decrease of -13% 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 Tennessee.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $65,750 | 1,660 |
| X Ray Tech | $53,030 | 3,850 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $51,600 | 1,120 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $70,350 | 420 |
| MRI Tech | $61,110 | 1,290 |