Sacramento is home to some of the best sonography programs in California, offering aspiring ultrasound technicians high-quality education and training. In this guide, we highlight the top 4 sonography programs in Sacramento based on reputation, faculty expertise, hands-on training, career support services, and affordability.
1. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts – Sacramento Campus
Gurnick Academy‘s Sacramento campus provides a rigorous 18-month Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students receive highly personalized training from ultrasound professionals with years of real-world experience. The curriculum covers abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, vascular, and cardiac sonography through immersive lab sessions using industry-standard equipment.
Gurnick also focuses heavily on clinical experience, requiring three externships amounting to over 1,000 scan hours. These take place at partner medical centers and imaging clinics, allowing students to hone their skills on real patients.
Career support services include interview prep, resume building, networking events with potential employers, and job placement assistance. Gurnick reports an impressive job placement rate of over 90% for sonography graduates.
Tuition: $35,550
Financial Aid: Available
Student Outcomes:
- Over 90% job placement rate
- Over 90% pass rate on ARDMS exams
- Median salary of $86,000 for graduates
Contact:
- Address: 8810 Cal Center Dr Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95826
- Phone: (916) 588-2060
2. United Medical Institute
United Medical Institute offers an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The 83-week program provides comprehensive training in abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, cardiac, and peripheral vascular sonography.
The curriculum incorporates 1,680 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on scanning labs using industry-leading equipment like GE Logiq E9 and Philips EPIQ ultrasound systems. Students also complete clinical externships providing valuable real-world experience in healthcare settings.
United Medical Institute maintains a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, allowing highly personalized instruction and support. The program also incorporates simulated registry exams and career development classes to fully prepare students for entry into the sonography field.
The school reports that 100% of sonography graduates in the past 5 years have found relevant employment, highlighting the program’s strong career outcomes.
Tuition: $36,999
Financial Aid: Available
Student Outcomes:
- 100% job placement rate over past 5 years
- Median salary of $65,000+ for graduates
Contact:
- Address: 5750 Sunrise Blvd #105, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
- Phone: (916) 334-5118
3. Sacramento Ultrasound Institute
The Sacramento Ultrasound Institute provides an 18-month Diagnostic Medical Sonography program accredited by ABHES. The curriculum offers comprehensive education in abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, and echocardiography sonography.
With scan labs equipped with advanced ultrasound systems from manufacturers like Philips and Siemens, students gain extensive hands-on training under the guidance of sonography professionals. The program also includes three clinical externships at regional medical facilities, allowing practical experience in real healthcare environments.
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute maintains close ties with potential employers like Sutter Health and Mercy Medical Group, facilitating networking opportunities. The school also provides job search assistance and interview preparation.
Tuition: $26,999
Financial Aid: Available
Student Outcomes:
- Over 95% ARDMS exam pass rate
- Over 80% job placement rate
Contact:
- Address: 1765 Challenge Way #200, Sacramento, CA 95815
- Phone: (916) 877-7977
4. American River College
American River College offers an Associate in Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography approved by the JRC-DMS. This 63-unit program provides comprehensive training across multiple sonography specialties.
The curriculum incorporates classroom instruction, lab sessions using industry-standard equipment, and over 1,300 hours of clinical experience at partner medical facilities. Students also prepare for ARDMS certification exams under the guidance of registered sonographers.
With small class sizes capped at 18 students, the program enables highly personalized instruction tailored to each student‘s strengths and weaknesses. Graduates report a 100% ARDMS exam pass rate and over 90% job placement.
As a community college, American River College provides an affordable pathway into the sonography field, with financial aid and scholarships available.
Tuition & Fees: $1,288 per semester (CA resident)
Financial Aid: FAFSA available
Student Outcomes:
- 100% ARDMS exam pass rate
- Over 90% job placement rate
Contact:
- Address: 4700 College Oak Dr, Sacramento, CA 95841
- Phone: (916) 484-8011