Provo has emerged as a hub for quality ultrasound technician training programs in recent years, with several acclaimed colleges and technical schools offering sonography degrees and certificates. In this guide, we explore the top options for prospective students looking to launch a career as an ultrasound tech in Provo or elsewhere in Utah.
Overview of Sonography Training & Careers
Diagnostic medical sonographers, commonly known as ultrasound techs, use specialized equipment to conduct imaging exams on patients to help physicians diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. The field typically requires an associate‘s or bachelor‘s degree in sonography or a related discipline like radiologic technology. Common program length is 18-24 months.
With excellent job prospects – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% growth in ultrasound tech jobs through 2028 – more students are pursuing sonography degrees. Utah is no exception, fueled by its expanding healthcare sector. Sonographers in the state earn median pay of $77,630 annually as of 2021.
While completing their degree, students gain extensive hands-on training in ultrasound labs and through clinical externships. Core courses cover anatomy, physiology, scanning protocols, image acquisition, medical terminology and pathophysiology. Graduates can receive specialized credentials in abdominal, obstetric & gynecologic, vascular or cardiac sonography.
Top Programs in Provo
Here are six of the top-ranked sonography programs available to students in the Provo area:
1. Utah Valley University
As Utah‘s largest public university with over 40,000 students, UVU offers a highly regarded Associate of Science degree across its Orem and Provo campuses. The 73-credit program takes about two years to complete and includes clinical externships. Graduates are eligible to take ARDMS or ARRT licensing exams.
The curriculum blends online and traditional instruction. Courses run the gamut from abdomen and small parts sonography to neurosonography and introductory vascular. Students also take classes in critical thinking, information literacy, medical terminology and writing.
With small class sizes and interactive labs, the program provides in-depth instruction from veteran sonography educators in a supportive learning environment.
Tuition Per Semester: $3,144 for Utah residents
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, minimum 2.5 GPA
2. Provo College
Provo College confers an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography on students who complete its 78-credit, 21-month program centered around three specialization tracks – general, cardiac and vascular sonography.
Hands-on training in the school‘s state-of-the-art ultrasound lab helps students gain scanning experience with the latest industry-standard equipment. This supplements the clinical externships students complete in regional medical facilities during their second year.
The curriculum incorporates general education prerequisites in math, information technology, English and communications as well as sonography-specific coursework in areas like acoustical physics, image critique and cross-sectional anatomy.
With small classes of 12-15 students on average, learners receive close guidance from instructors with years of professional ultrasound experience. The program prepares graduates to obtain RDMS credentials.
Tuition Per Semester: $5,495
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
3. Fortis College
At this Salt Lake City career college, the 78-credit Diploma program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography takes about 18 months of year-round, full-time study including a clinical externship. Students focus on abdomen and obstetrics & gynecology sonography.
Course topics span sonographic physics, instrumentation, image production, abdominal scanning and identifying pathologies, along with obstetrics, gynecology and small parts evaluation. Learners take classes in medical terminology, ethics and critical thinking as well.
Fortis touts its experienced teaching faculty, small classes of under 30 and high graduate placement rates. Program graduates can pursue entry-level jobs as ultrasound techs after attempting ARDMS certification tests.
Tuition Per Semester: $16,818
Admissions Requirements: High school completion
4. Ameritech College
Ameritech offers an Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography across its Draper and Provo campuses, conferring the degree after seven academic quarters spanning 21 months. Students prepare for ARDMS exams and careers as vascular technologists or diagnostic cardiac sonographers.
The program features over 1,100 hours of hands-on lab instruction where students develop scanning skills by working with classmates and expert faculty. This supplements 750 hours of clinical experience gained through rotations at partner medical facilities.
The curriculum covers ultrasound physics, image critique, echocardiography, vascular technology and general sonography courses. Class sizes average between 6-10 students. Ameritech reports that its sonography graduates secure employment quickly after finishing clinical requirements.
Tuition Per Quarter: $5,495
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
5. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
RMUoHP confers a Master of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography on learners who complete its seven-quarter curriculum in Provo. Students prepare for RDMS and RVT exams and careers as abdominal or obstetrics & gynecology sonographers.
The program places particular emphasis on hands-on learning, with students spending 25 hours per week in RMUoHP‘s ultrasound training lab working alongside classmates and instructors during the didactic course phase. Clinical rotations at partner medical sites provide further real-world experience.
Course topics include sonographic principles, abdominal scanning, gynecology & obstetrics, echocardiography, vascular ultrasound evaluation, neurosonology and journal article analysis. RMUoHP maintains a high faculty-to-student ratio for personalized mentoring.
Tuition Per Quarter: $8,070
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor‘s degree
6. Eagle Gate College
The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Eagle Gate‘s Provo campus prepares students for entry-level sonographer jobs over the course of seven academic quarters. Graduates are eligible for ARDMS examinations.
Students develop hands-on proficiency in operating ultrasound equipment and conducting imaging exams through lab sessions prior to completing clinical rotations during their second year of study. Coursework covers topics like anatomy, ultrasound physics, abdominal scanning, gynecologic imaging, obstetric evaluation and vascular principles.
With class sizes averaging just 8-12 students and close instructor interaction throughout, the program enables deep learning tailored to each student‘s needs and professional goals. This facilitates transitioning into the workplace.
Tuition Per Quarter: $5,068
Admissions Requirements: High school graduation or GED equivalent
Career Outlook for Sonographers
With more than 40 hospitals and medical centers in the Provo metropolitan area, there is substantial demand for qualified ultrasound technicians locally. Utah‘s sonographer workforce is projected to grow over 20% by 2028. Graduates of Provo sonography programs can expect to find abundant openings statewide.
Median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Utah reaches about $78,000 annually, higher than most states. With experience and specialization, techs can earn over $100k.
Beyond hospitals and clinics, sonographers often find jobs with private imaging centers, mobile imaging services, educational facilities and equipment manufacturers.
Application Tips for Prospective Students
When applying to competitive sonography programs in Provo, prospective students should:
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Complete all prerequisite course requirements in high school or college – common ones include algebra, anatomy, physiology and biology.
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Highlight healthcare experience like a CNA, EMT or hospital volunteer position in their application.
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Draft a personal statement explaining their motivations for pursuing sonography and commitment to excelling in the program.
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Obtain strong professional letters of recommendation that speak to applicable skills.
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Be prepared to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
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Certify they can meet all technical standards for operating ultrasound equipment and interacting with patients.
Applicants who demonstrate professionalism, communication abilities, problem-solving skills and medical aptitude make strong candidates for sonography programs.
Reaching out to current students and alumni is also recommended to gain further insights about preparing an application and thriving in the program.
Conclusion
With excellent career prospects, competitive salaries and roles that provide indispensable patient care, diagnostic medical sonography remains an appealing field for new healthcare professionals. Students hoping to become ultrasound technicians in Utah would do well to consider the highly-rated sonography programs available in Provo.