Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Bakersfield CA and Nearby

(found 5 schools, updated in January 2018)

Bakersfield, California is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, and that represents excellent opportunities for Ultrasound Technicians as the healthcare industry expands to serve a growing population. The city has a lot of character, and is known as the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound, a type of country music. It is a short drive away from the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains that offer numerous recreational activities like hiking and rafting.

Sonography Education in Bakersfield in 2018

There are approximately 18,000 students attending universities, colleges and vocational schools in Bakersfield, California. Anyone planning to begin an ultrasound technician program will need to select a CAAHEP accredited program in a nearby city since there is none in Bakersfield. It is worth the extra effort because the best programs that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) include classroom instruction and clinical training needed to meet the requirements of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ARDMS credential is now required by most employers considering applicants for available ultrasound jobs.

CAAHEP-Accredited Ultrasound Programs Near Bakersfield in 2018

There are 5 CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound programs in cities nearby Bakersfield.

The two closes CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound technician schools are the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno and CBD College in Los Angeles. The Community Regional Medical Center has four certificate programs, cardiac concentration, pediatric cardiac concentration, vascular concentration, and a general sonography concentration. CBD College in Los Angeles offers an Associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with a general concentration. There are many national and local scholarships available that can help students cover the cost of their sonography education.

Students can also find CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound programs in other cities such as Cypress, Costa Mesa and Loma Linda. Students can choose a certificate program or an Associate degree program from the schools located in the three cities.

ARDMS Examination and Certification

ARDMS certification increases employment opportunities. After graduation from any CAAHEP-accredited sonography program, it is highly recommended for the graduates to take and pass ARDMS exams to become certified sonographers:

• Take the Abdomen (AB) exam and the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) exam to become the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
• Take the Echocardiography exam to become the Echocardiography Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
• Take the Vascular Technology (VT) exam to become the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)

Nearby States with Accredited Sonography Programs

• Arizona
• Nevada

How Much do Sonographers in Bakersfield Earn?

Generally, California wages are very good, and that is true for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. While the national average salary for sonographers was $71,750 in May 2016 per the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bakersfield area sonographers were earning $77,150 that is 7.5 percent higher. The national hourly rate is $34.49 versus $37.09 per hour for sonographers working in Bakersfield in 2016.

Is Job Outlook for Sonographers in Bakersfield Good?

The category of healthcare practitioners and technical occupations, which includes ultrasound technicians, is in one of the top major Bakersfield sectors in terms of pay. Healthcare is an expanding industry, and some of Bakersfield’s medical centers are major employers in California, like Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Kern Medical Center, to name a couple. These facilities and others offer excellent opportunities for sonographers who want to start or grow rewarding careers in ultrasound technology. | See Job Openings