Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Pennsylvania

(found 13 schools, updated in April 2017)

• Ultrasound Technician Education
• Job Outlook and Salary
• Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a thriving state that is known for its American Revolution War history, Amish country and cultural opportunities. Many of the famous attraction names are recognized by most people, like Gettysburg and Hershey Park. Pennsylvania has a well-earned reputation as a state dedicated to higher learning and a premier health care system, making it very welcoming for Diagnostic Medical Sonography students and professionals in 2017.

Ultrasound Technician Education in Pennsylvania

There are 13 CAAHEP accredited ultrasound schools in Pennsylvania as of 2017 that are located in both large cities like Philadelphia and small towns like Youngwood, providing a wide range of training options to meet the needs of all students. Certification through ARDMS is necessary to take advantage of the most opportunities in the ultrasound technology industry. Medical Diagnostic Sonography students can complete a certificate sonography program or a diploma in sonography at an accredited medical center or educational facility. However, an Associate or Bachelor’s degree will bring a greater choice of ultrasound jobs and higher pay.

Job Outlook and Salaries for Sonographers in Pennsylvania

Ultrasound technicians will find Pennsylvania has a thriving ultrasound technology industry. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry the projected job growth is 29.3 percent, increasing from 2,440 positions in 2014 to 2,900 position in 2024. Annually, there will be 90 new statewide positions available due to growth and replacement needs. Ultrasound jobs are available in the largest cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and in suburbs and rural areas. The annual average salary for sonographers in Pittsburgh was $56,540 while the salary for sonographers in the Philadelphia area was $74,070. The annual mean wage in Pennsylvania during the same time period was $66,010, so it can obviously vary significantly depending on the area. | See Job Openings

Best Paying Regions in Pennsylvania

Here are the 10 top paying regions in Pennsylvania in terms of annual median wages:

1. Philadelphia Metropolitan Division: $75,290
2. Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton: $75,230
3. Philadelphia PA-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: $74,140
4. Montgomery County-Bucks County-Chester County Metropolitan Division: $71,270
5. Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ: $64,630
6. Harrisburg-Carlisle: $63,330
7. Southern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area: $60,810
8. Northern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area: $60,470
9. Reading: $60,160
10. Western Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area: $59,650

Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools in Pennsylvania in 2017

Thomas Jefferson University

Address: 901 Walnut Street, Suite 704
Zip: 19107
City: Philadelphia
Website: www.jefferson.edu
Contact Person: Nandkumar Rawool
Contact Email: send mail
Contact Phone: (215) 503-8724
Program: Bachelors Degree in General, Vascular and Cardiac Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Clinical Sites: Affiliated with more than 100 clinical sites in the tri-state area of eastern PA, southern NJ and northern DE; includes imaging centers, hospitals, women’s imaging centers and physician offices
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Annual Tuition – $30,830; Additional costs including IT fee, library fee, academic fee, etc.
Financial Aid Opportunity: Grants including Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant and Thomas Jefferson University Scholarship/Grant Funds; Loans including Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Parent PLUS Loan, Federal Perkins Loan and Thomas Jefferson University Loan

Pittsburgh Career Institute

Address: 421 7th Avenue
Zip: 15219
City: Pittsburgh
Website: www.pci.edu
Contact Person: Charles Sessa RDMS, RVT
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (412) 281-2600 x 338
Program: Associates Degree Program in General Sonography
Program Length: 100 weeks
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited

Lackawanna College

Address: 501 Vine Street
Zip: 18509
City: Scranton
Website: www.lackawanna.edu
Contact Person: Stephanie McDaniels
Contact Email: send mail
Contact Phone: (570) 504-7920
Program: Accredited Associates Degree Program in General Sonography, Accredited Associates Degree Program in Cardiac Sonography, Accredited Associates Degree Program in Vascular Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Length: 2 years to complete 73 credits (55 credits of sonography classes plus 18 additional general requirement credits)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2017
Program Start Date: Fall Semester for sonography specific classes; can begin general education classes in Spring Semester
Main Courses: Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Pelvic Sonography and Lab, Abdominal Sonography and Lab, Fetal and Neonatal Anomalies, Obstetric Sonography and Lab, Ultrasound Physics, Medical Terminology, Medical Ethics, Small Parts Sonography, Clinical; Cardiac Sonography – Cardio Pathophysiology, Cardio Vascular A & P, Medical Terminology, Ultrasound Physics, EKG and Lab, Skills Lab, Cardiac Introduction to Vascular, Medical Ethics, Introduction to Psychology, Cardio Clinical; Vascular Technology – Medical Terminology, Extremity venous Disease and Assessment, Ultrasound Physics, Abdominal Vascular Disease and Assessment, Cerebrovascular Disease and Assessment, Vascular Clinical
Clinical Sites: Must contact program for specific clinic location names
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Tuition – $6,935 (12-18 credits); Sonography Fee – $150 per semester; Books and Supplies – $1,500; Enrollment Fees – $510; Technology Fee $250 per semester; Activity Fee $105 per semester; Other costs including lab fees, communication fees, etc.
Financial Aid Opportunity: Grants including Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) State Grants, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG); Federal Loans; Scholarships including Academic Achievement Scholarship, Lackawanna College Community Opportunity Scholarship, Lackawanna College Family Scholarship, James F. Swift Scholarship of the Scranton Area Foundation, Scranton Central High School Scholarship, and more; Veteran’s Benefits

Misericordia University

Address: 301 Lake Street
Zip: 18612
City: Dallas
Website: www.misericordia.edu
Contact Person: Sheryl E. Goss
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (570) 674-6790
Program: Accredited Certificate Program in General Sonography and Accredited Bachelor Degree Program in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Program Length: Certificate – 18 months (48 credits); Bachelor Degree – 4 years (125 credits)
Main Courses: Certificate – Obstetrical Sonography, Fetal and Neonatal Anomalies, Introduction to Vascular Sonography, Interventional Sonography, Issues in Sonography, Clinical Sonography; Bachelor Degree – Abdominal Sonography and Lab, Pelvic Sonography and Lab, High Resolution Sonography, Obstetrical Sonography, Introduction to Vascular and Lab, Fetal and Neonatal Anomalies, Intermediate Vascular, Pathology and Clinical Integration, Issues in Sonography, Current Trends and Practices, Sonography Patient Care, Ultrasound Physics, Sonography Cross Sectional Anatomy, Clinical Sonography
Clinical Sites: Attempts to assign students to clinical sites they can reach within a 60 to 90 minute commute of their geographical area
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Tuition – $575 per credit; Other expenses including textbooks and so on
Financial Aid Opportunity: Contact the school for more information

Northampton Community College

Address: 3835 Green Pond Road
Zip: 18020
City: Bethlehem
Website: www.northampton.edu
Contact Person: Kim Bloom
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (610) 332-6177
Program: Diploma in General Sonography, Associates Degree in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Program Length: Associate Degree – 24 months (17 credits of general courses and 57 credits of sonography courses)
Application Deadline: February 1 each year
Program Start Date: Associate Degree – Fall semester
Main Courses: Abdominal Sonography, Obstetrical and Gynecological Sonography, Small Parts and Special Topics, Introduction to Vascular Sonography, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imagers, Acoustic Physics and Instrumentation, Fundamentals of Fetal Scanning, Fundamentals of Fetal Scanning, Introduction to Psychology, Clinical Education
Clinical Sites: Various clinical sites in the Poconos, Lehigh Valley and Bucks County; 1560 hours
Estimated Tuition and Fees: Tuition and Fees (Full-Time, 12-18 Credit Hours) – $2,055 (Northampton County), $3,375 (Monroe County), $4,485 (in-state), $6,615 (out-of-state);
Financial Aid Opportunity: Visit the website to learn more

Crozer-Chester Medical Center

Address: One Medical Center Boulevard, Pearl Hall
Zip: 19013
City: Upland
Website: www.crozerkeystone.org
Contact Person: Barbara Annunziato
Contact Email: send mail
Contact Phone: (610) 447-2532
Program: Accredited Bachelor Degree in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Program Length: 20 months (a combination of online, hybrid and in-class learning)
Additional Program Information: Joint program offered by Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Widener University; General education courses at Widener University and Sonography courses in Crozer-Chester Medical Center
Accepted Students: 8 students
Program Start Date: Every January and September
Main Courses: Patient Care, Small Parts, Physics, Introduction to Ultrasound, Abdomen, Medical Ethics and Law, OB/GYN, Interventional, Neurosonography, General Pathophysiology, Vascular, Cross-sectional Anatomy, Clinical Training
Clinical Sites: Crozer-Chester Medical Center and the Center’s affiliate clinical sites
Estimated Tuition and Fees: $900 per credit

Harrisburg Area Community College

Address: One HACC Drive, Blocker 106-B
Zip: 17110
City: Harrisburg
Website: www.hacc.edu
Contact Person: Julia R Imboden
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (717) 221-1322
Program: Accredited Associates Degree Program in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Length: 81 credits (22 months)
Application Deadline: April 15
Program Start Date: Fall
Main Courses: Introduction to Healthcare, Abdominal Sonography, DMS Sonography Laboratory, OB/GYN Sonography, Introduction to Vascular Sonography, Acoustical Principles, DMS Topics, OB/GYN Sonography, Clinical Experience
Clinical Sites: Clinical sites are within 85 miles from Harrisburg
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Tuition: $16,095 (sponsoring), $19,203 (in-state non-sponsoring); Lab Fees: $285; Liability Insurance: $100; DMS Clinical Fees: $3,200; Textbooks – $3,500; Uniforms/Shoes: $300; CPR: $65; Background Check – $250; Physical Exam/Tests: $400; ARDMS Exams: $700
Financial Aid Opportunity: PHEAA State Grant for Pennsylvania residents; Federal grants; Federal loans; Many Scholarships including Gettysburg Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship for Nursing and Allied Health and Pinnacle Health Auxiliary-Ernsest R. McDowell Health Center Scholarship

Community College of Allegheny County (Boyce Campus)

Address: 595 Beatty Road
Zip: 15146
City: Monroeville
Website: www.ccac.edu
Contact Person: Eugene (Geno) Anitori
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (724) 325-6731
Program: Associates Degree in General Sonography, Associates Degree in Cardiac Sonography, Associates Degree in Vascular Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Program Length: General Ultrasound – 77 credits (including 22 credits of general education and 55 credits of sonography education); Cardiac Ultrasound or Vascular Ultrasound – 74 credits (including 22 credits of general courses and 52 credits of sonography core courses)
Application Deadline: Application deadlines can change from year-to-year so Allied Health Department asks potential students to call for deadline dates
Main Courses: General Ultrasound – Introduction to Clinical Experience, Introduction to Cross-Sectional Anatomy for Ultrasonography, Abdominal Ultrasound, Obstetrical & Gynecological Ultrasound, Physics for Health Science/Ultrasonography, Introduction to Psychology, Advanced Abdomen and Small Parts Ultrasound, Ultrasound Instrumentation and Quality Control, Advanced OB/GYN Ultrasound, Doppler Vascular Sonography, Ultrasound Clinical; Cardiac Ultrasound – Introduction to Clinical Experience, Introduction to Cross-Sectional Anatomy for Ultrasonography, Cardiac Ultrasound, Physics for Health Science/Ultrasonography, Introduction to Psychology, Advanced Cardiac Ultrasound, Ultrasound Instrumentation and Quality Control, Doppler Vascular Sonography, Ultrasound Clinical; Vascular Ultrasound – Introduction to Clinical Experience, Introduction to Cross-Sectional Anatomy for Ultrasonography, Vascular Ultrasound, Physics for Health Science/Ultrasonography, Introduction to Psychology, Advanced Vascular Ultrasound, Ultrasound Instrumentation and Quality Control, Clinical
Clinical Sites: Contact the school for more information
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Tuition Per Credit: $107.75 Allegheny County), $215.50 (in-state), $323.25 (out-of-state); Health Careers Course Fee – $20 per credit (when applicable); College Fee: $4.20 per credit; Technology Fee Per Credit – $20; Student Services Fee Per Credit – $4.25; Other costs including laboratory fee, insurance fees, etc.
Financial Aid Opportunity: Grants including Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG Grant and PHEAA State Grant, Loans including Direct federal Stafford Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Plus Loan, Scholarships including CCAC GAP Scholarship and Trustees Excellence Scholarship

Westmoreland County Community College

Address: 145 Pavilion Lane
Zip: 15697
City: Youngwood
Website: www.wccc.edu
Contact Person: Juliene Erb
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (724) 925-4286
Program: Accredited Associates Degree Program in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Length: 2 years or 74 credits
Application: January 5
Program Start Date: Fall
Main Courses: Physics for Sonography, Cross Section Anatomy for Ultrasound, Abdominal, Gynecology, Interpersonal Communication, Microcomputer Concepts, Obstetrics, Patient Care/Legal/Ethical Issues, Small Parts breast & Neuro, Introduction to Vascular, Acoustical Prin & Instrument, Technical Communication, Clinical
Clinical Sites: Multiple sites within 80-mile radius of Youngwood, PA
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Tuition: $9,028 (Westmoreland County residents), $18,056 (out-of-county residents); $27,084 (out-of-state residents); Total estimated additional expenses for textbooks, uniforms, insurance, ARDMS exams and other: $1,796
Financial Aid Opportunity: PHEAA State Grant; Federal Loans through Loan Servicers; Federal Grants like the PELL Grant; Post 9/11 GI Bill; Possible Scholarships

South Hills School of Business and Technology

Address: 480 Waupelani Drive
Zip: 16801
City: State College
Website: www.southhills.edu
Contact Person: Tricia Turner
Contact Email: send mail
Contact Phone: (814) 234-7755 x 6012
Program: Accredited Diploma in General Sonography, Cardiac Sonography and Vascular Sonography, Accredited Associates Degrees in General Sonography, Cardiac Sonography and Vascular Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Length: Associate Degree – 9 terms with 175.5 credits; Diploma – 5 to 6 terms with 105.5 to 128.5 credits
Application Deadline: Can apply anytime but acceptance is a competitive process; applications reviewed at intervals during each school year
Main Courses: Medical Terminology, Applied Algebra, Applied Physics for DMS an Lab, Pathophysiology, Introduction to Medical Imaging, Applied Psychology in Health Care, Patient Care, Pharmacology, Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation, Embryology for the Sonographer, Principles of Sonography, Law and Ethics in Sonography, Abdominal Ultrasound & Lab, Vascular Technology & Lab, Obstetric Ultrasound & Lab, Cardiac Pathophysiology & Lab, Vascular Pathophysiology & Lab, Echocardiography & Lab, Gynecologic Ultrasound & Lab, Ultrasound of the Thyroid & Breast & Superficial Structures, Clinical Internship
Clinical Sites: More than 12 sites located in Pennsylvania and Maryland
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Annual Tuition & Fees – $16,521, Books and Supplies – $1,800
Financial Aid Opportunity: Federal Pell Grant, Federal student loans and PLUS loan; Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant (PHEAA); Scholarships including Rudy J. & Annamae Labor Memorial Scholarship Fund, South Hills School of Business & Technology Scholarship; Veterans’ Benefits

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Address: 850 Greenfield Road
Zip: 17601
City: Lancaster
Website: www.pacollege.edu
Contact Person: Tara L. Dianna
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (717) 544-5637
Program: Accredited Certificate Program in General Sonography, Accredited Associates Degree Program in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Length: Associate – 2 years (66 credits); Certificate – 13 months (40 credits)
Application Deadline: Apply to academic program after gaining admission to college and meeting all general requirements for program admission
Program Start Date: Fall semester for Associate degree; Summer Session for Certificate Program
Main Courses: Abdominal Sonography, Ultrasound Physics, Obstetrical & Gynecological Sonography, Superficial Structures, Introduction to Vascular Sonography, Ultrasound Lab, Ultrasound Clinical
Clinical Sites: LG Health/Penn Medicine is main clinical site, but other sites available throughout the region
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: Tuition Per Credit Hour – $560; General Education Science Lab Fee – $235 per General Education Lab course
Financial Aid Opportunity: Grants and loans including Federal SEOG grant, PELL grant, Stafford Loans; PHEAA for Pennsylvania resident; First year students must apply for private scholarships, second year students can apply for College scholarships like the Alumni Association Scholarships, Anna A. Lombardo Scholarship and the Bonchek Scholarship

Great Lakes Institute of Technology

Address: 5100 Peach Street
Zip: 16509
City: Erie
Website: www.glit.edu
Contact Person: Jessica Habig
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (814) 864-6666 x 309
Program: Associates Degree in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Program Length: 19 months with 6 terms
Application Deadline: Begin process by applying online at any time
Main Courses: Medical Terminology Essentials, Anatomy and Physiology Essentials, Medical Law and Ethics, Abdominal Ultrasound and Lab, Obstetric/Reproductive Ultrasound and Lab, Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation, Ultrasound Externship
Clinical Sites: Contact the school for names of clinical sites
Estimated Tuition, Fees and Costs: $37,951 Tuition and Fees, $2,600 Textbooks and Supplies
Financial Aid Opportunity: Offer 2 types of federal financial aid – loans and grants; Veteran’s Educational Benefits; Student Education Assistance Foundation Grants; Scholarships through Financial Aid Office

Mount Aloysius College

Address: 7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Zip: 16630
City: Cresson
Website: www.mtaloy.edu
Contact Person: Andrea Gutmann
Contact Email: [email protected]
Contact Phone: (814) 886-6433
Program: Associates Degree in General Sonography
Accreditation: CAAHEP Accredited and ARRT Recognized
Application Deadline: Apply by January 1 for best chance for admission
Program Start Date: Contact Medical Imaging program for more information
Estimated Tuition: $22.740 per year
Financial Aid Opportunity: Federal aid programs like FSEOG, Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans and PLUS Loans; State aid program like PHEAA; Institutional scholarships like Family Tuition Grant, Honors Fellowship, May Cypher Madden Scholarship, Mercy Presidential Scholarship, Mercy Grant; Veterans Education Benefits