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Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in Florida
The Sunshine State is an excellent part of the country to choose a career in the medical field, and if you are looking for the perfect balance between education requirements and salary, a career as an ultrasound technician may be right for you. Of course, you will need to obtain a good education in order to secure an excellent high-paying position, so it is crucial that you pick the best ultrasound technician school in Florida. Below, you can learn about the top 10 programs in the state as well as what they entail, and you can also learn more about what you can expect as an ultrasound tech in this state.
What Courses will I be Taking During my Ultrasound Tech Training in Florida?
Throughout your ultrasound technician program in FL, you will take a variety of courses to help you learn how to perform your duties and responsibilities in this field.
• Ultrasound Physics: This course is all about the science behind “acoustic physics,” which helps you better understand how ultrasound equipment works. Some of the topics you will cover include three-dimensional applications, sound transmission, and even diagnostic imaging.
• Human Anatomy: You will also need to know a great deal about the human body, including the location of organs and the differences between a healthy organ and a sick one. In order to learn how to identify body parts in a diagnostic image, you will also be trained to pick out individual organs in a sample image.
• Principles of Sonographic Imaging: This course covers a wide variety of topics that will be crucial to your success. They include ethics and laws, basic patient care, communications, medical terminology, and more.
• Clinical Practicum: Near the end of your program, you will participate in a clinical practicum in which you will work directly with patients to put your skills into practice and gain practical experience as an ultrasound technician.
Program Length & Cost of Ultrasound Technician Programs in Florida
The cost and length of time it takes to become an ultrasound tech in the state of FL depends on the type of degree you choose. An associate degree takes two years, and costs up to $42,730, whereas a bachelor’s degree takes four years and costs up to $93,470. A certificate, which is an option if you hold an associate or a bachelor’s degree in an allied health field, takes around 10 to 18 months and costs up to $27,120.
| Type of Program | Length | Cost |
| Associate Degree | 2 Years | $5,690 – $42,730 |
| Bachelor’s | 4 Years | $25,330 – $93,470 |
| Certificate (for individuals who hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in an allied health field) | 10 – 18 Months | $2,940 – $27,120 |
Following are the 10 Best Ultrasound Technician Programs in Florida for 2021
1) Valencia College – Orlando
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Valencia College is one of the largest community colleges in the nation serving over 70,000 students annually. To keep up with the increasing use of ultrasound procedures in the health care sector, the college offers a student-centered associate degree program in DMS aided with the latest technology and innovative learning solutions.
This 2-year program offered at the West Campus is a combination of theoretical studies and hands-on training in clinical settings. You will be fully prepared to work as a diagnostic sonographer or as an ultrasound technologist in a variety of healthcare settings such as doctor’s offices, medical clinics, ambulatory care facilities and emergency settings within a hospital. The curriculum is rigorous, and students are required to allocate 15-25 hours per week for their studies. Post-course completion you can sit for the OB/GYN and Abdomen registry exams. Graduates of this program have done exceedingly well on the licensure exam with a 100% pass rate over the last five years.
2) Polk State College – Winter Haven
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Polk State College with its highly qualified faculty provides student-focused affordable sonography education in small class sizes. Its 100% registry exam pass and placement rates speak volumes of the quality of the program, and job-ready skills graduates are prepared with.
You can complete this DMS associate degree program in approximately two years. The 77-unit curriculum is divided into 18 units of general education coursework and 59 units of core coursework. Clinical training in various health care settings is an integral part of this program to ensure you are job-ready. By the end of this program, you will be well-trained to operate ultrasound equipment to send high-frequency sound-waves into various areas of the human body and collect images for interpretation and diagnosis.
3) Miami Dade College – Miami
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Miami Dade College offers sonography education at its interdisciplinary Medical Campus in Miami. This well-equipped campus comes with three operational clinics that provide patient care and serve as a learning ground for ultrasound tech students.
This two-year diagnostic medical sonography program is offered full-time and starts in the fall of each year. You will be required to attend classes for 35-40 hours per week during the day time. The coursework comprises of 15 credits in general education and 62 credits in core sonography related studies. You will also undergo 1,920-hours of supervised training in clinical settings affiliated with the college, where you will gain valuable hands-on experience in obtaining diagnostic images, scanning & gauging sonograms.
4) Keiser University – Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Melbourne & New Port Richey
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Ranked as one of the top colleges in the nation for its value for money and safe campus environment, Keiser focuses on providing career-centered sonography education with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning.
This ultrasound technician school in Florida currently offers a 2-year associate degree. It can be completed in either one of the following tracks –
General Sonography: The 81-credit hour program comprises of 55-credit hours in core studies and 26 credit hours in general education studies. The curriculum focuses on preparing you for an entry-level position as a general sonographer. This program is currently being offered at five campuses in Florida – Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Melbourne & New Port Richey.
General & Vascular: The 91-credit hour program includes 26-credits in general education studies and 65 credits in core sonography studies which includes courses in both general and vascular sonography. This program gives your career an additional edge to also work as a vascular technologist. It is currently offered only at two campuses in Florida – Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers.
5) Adventist University of Health Sciences – Orlando
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type:Associate & Baccalaureate (Online)
Advent University of Health Sciences has been an innovator in providing accessible education to healthcare aspirants in Florida. It is one of the few ultrasound technician schools in the nation that offer sonography education online. Students enjoy the flexibility and convenience that come with the online mode of study without compromising on the quality of education. The curriculum is dynamically designed in partnership with AdventHealth, keeping in mind the changing demands of the healthcare industry.
Adventist University currently offers two degrees in Diagnostic medical sonography –
Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: This 2-year program starting once every year in the summer trimester can be completed by opting for either of the two tracks – General Vascular Sonography and Cardiovascular Sonography. You need to note that admission is competitive and student intake is limited to just 17 for the general vascular sonography track 11 for the cardiovascular sonography track.
Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: This fully online program is basically for individuals who are currently working as sonographers and hold a certificate or an associate degree in sonography or health sciences field. The program is offered in the normal as well as the fast-track format. The normal track will take you seven semesters to complete, and the fast-track will take you five semesters.
6) Hillsborough Community College – Tampa
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Established in 1968, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is one of the leading community colleges in the state of Florida. It is currently offering a two-year DMS program.
Before applying to this program, you need to complete the 18-credit prerequisite coursework. The curriculum for the first year is divided into three terms of 9, 10 and five credits respectively, comprising of basic principles of sonography, anatomy, scanning protocols and an extensive practicum. Second year’s curriculum is also divided into three terms of 11, 13 and six credits respectively, which includes advanced studies in sonography and hands-on clinical practicum. Graduates will become eligible to sit for national registry examinations and become certified sonographers.
7) Nova Southeastern University – Ft. Lauderdale & Tampa
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type:B.S. In Medical Sonography & B.S. In Cardiovascular Sonography
Established in 1964, Nova Southeastern University has been rated as one of the best colleges in the nation as per U.S. News & World Report. Spread over a 480-acre suburban campus, Nova equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and interactive classrooms offer a Bachelor of Science in two different sonography concentrations.
B.S.M.S.: This 27-month medical sonography program is a combination of classroom studies, lab training, and clinical practicum. Some of the courses are offered online. The entire curriculum is of 96 credits, and some credits are transferable to the Master of Health Science program.
B.S.C.S: This 27-month B.S. in cardiovascular sonography program is divided into 15 months of didactic & rigorous coursework and 12 months of clinical practicum. Classes start in May at the Tampa Bay regional campus located in West-Central Florida.
8) Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – Altamonte Springs, Delray Beach & Miami
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Focused on providing high-quality healthcare education, Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology with hi-tech support, e-classrooms, modern laboratories, and a state-of-the-art library, emphasizes on providing the best student-centered learning solutions.
To become an ultrasound technician in Florida, you can consider the 28-month A.S. degree program in DMS that is offered at three Cambridge locations: Orlando (Altamonte Spring Campus), West Palm Beach (Delray Beach Campus) and Miami Gardens (Miami Campus). The curriculum is a mix of intense classroom studies and supervised clinical rotations, preparing you to successfully utilize the latest ultrasound equipment, perform diagnostic procedures, interpret sonographic images/scans, and process reports to doctors.
Special Note*: Partial online courses for this program are available at the Delray Beach campus.
9) Santa Fe College – Gainesville
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Established in 1965, Santa Fe is a public college located in Gainesville, Florida. It has been consistently ranked among the top ten community colleges in the nation since 2012. In 2015, the college was awarded Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
At Santa Fe College, the diagnostic medical sonography degree is a 5-semester curriculum – combining theoretical classroom lectures, hands-on lab training, and a clinical externship at imaging centers and local acute centers. The core professional curriculum includes in-depth studies of anatomy, imaging, abdominal, OB/GYN, neurosonology, vascular, and medical physics. After completion of this program, you will be prepared to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers exam, administered by the ARRT.
10) Eastern Florida State College – Melbourne
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Established in 1960 with a motto to ‘Explore. Achieve. Succeed.’, the Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) offers an associate degree program for aspiring ultrasound technicians. The students’ life at EFSC is not just focused around academics, but also includes community service learning, student clubs, and sports activities.
This two-year, full-time ultrasound technician program in FL is a perfect blend of theoretical studies and clinical training. It has a 77-credit hour curriculum divided into 15-credit hours for general education courses, 39-credit hours for core courses such as cross-sectional anatomy, utilization of sonographic visualization systems and clinical experiences, and 23-credit hours for support courses such as medical terminology, principles of physics, and physiology. Graduates will be eligible to earn the ARDMS credentials and work in a variety of healthcare settings.
*This program admits only a limited number of students’ every year.
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Ultrasound Technician Career Information For Florida – 2021
How Many Ultrasound Techs are Currently Employed in FL?
| 5,520 |
In Which Health Care Settings are Ultrasound Techs Currently Working in Florida?
Ultrasound technicians work in a variety of settings across the state of Florida, but the vast majority – more than three quarters – work in hospitals and doctors’ offices. The rest work in medical and diagnostic laboratories and outpatient care centers throughout the state. Some examples of the duties performed in these settings include using ultrasound to measure fetal development, locate masses, and check for the symptoms of various other diseases.
| Industry | Number of Ultrasound Technicians |
| Hospitals; State, Local, and Private | 3,330 |
| Offices of Physicians | 1,130 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | 620 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 240 |
Top Hospitals in Florida to Work as an Ultrasound Tech
Florida is home to some of the nation’s most renowned hospitals, and these are lucrative places for you to work once you have earned your degree. Some of the biggest employers of ultrasound techs include the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, known for its numerous breakthrough medical discoveries that have saved countless lives, and Tampa General Hospital, which offers one of the best and most well-respected trauma centers in the state.
Of course, there are plenty of other opportunities depending on where you live and how far you wish to commute. Some other exciting employers include the UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, the Cleveland Clinic Florida location in Weston, and the AdventHealth hospital network, which is headquartered in Orlando.
| Rank | Hospital Name | Location |
| 1 | Mayo Clinic Hospital | Jacksonville |
| 2 | Tampa General Hospital | Tampa |
| 3 | UF Health Shands Hospital | Gainesville |
| 4 | Cleveland Clinic Florida | Weston |
| 5 | AdventHealth Orlando | Orlando |
| 6 | Baptist Hospital of Miami | Miami |
| 7 | Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville | Jacksonville |
| 8 | Morton Plant Hospital | Clearwater |
| 9 | Orlando Regional Medical Center | Orlando |
| 10 | Sarasota Memorial Hospital | Sarasota |
What is the Average Salary of an Ultrasound Tech in the State of Florida?
Pay is an important consideration when choosing a career. The average ultrasound technician salary in Florida is about $32.70 an hour, which translates to $68,010 a year. This is an excellent salary for a career that requires nothing more than a two-year degree, though it is important to keep in mind that the higher your degree, the higher your pay in this field.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $32.70 |
| Monthly | $5,670 |
| Annual | $68,010 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Salary Based on Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
| Less than 1 year (Starting) | $23.08 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| 1-4 years | $27.93 | $4,840 | $58,100 |
| 5-9 years | $33.03 | $5,730 | $68,710 |
| 10-19 years | $37.90 | $6,570 | $78,840 |
| 20 years or more | $42.04 | $7,290 | $87,450 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Ultrasound Tech Average Salary Comparison: Florida vs. National
The national average pay for ultrasound technicians is $77,790, which is 14.38% higher than the average pay for the same occupation in Florida. This may be the result of the lack of state income tax in the state, which reduces the cost of living somewhat.
| Florida | National | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $68,010 | $77,790 | – $9,780 | – 14.38% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Job Outlook
Between 2018 and 2028, the ultrasound technician occupation in FL will grow by 26.79% – much faster than average for all occupations. In 2016, there were 5,860 ultrasound techs across the state, and by 2028, that number will increase by 1,570 to a total of 7,430. Despite the lower-than-average pay in Florida, the demand for ultrasound techs is high. The state’s population continues to sharply increase. By 2030, the state’s population will exceed 26 million people, representing growth of more than six million.
Many of the people coming to Florida are retirees looking to escape harsh winters in northern parts of the country, and this means they seek healthcare at a much higher-than-average rate. As a result, there will be a significant rise in the demand for all medical roles, including ultrasound technicians, for many years to come.
| Employment | Employment Growth, 2018-28 | ||
| 2018 | 2028 | Number | Percent |
| 5,860 | 7,430 | +1,570 | +26.79% |
| (Source: careeronestop) |
Annual Job Openings
| New | Replacement | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) |
| 157 | 363 | 520 |
| (Source: careeronestop) |
Metro Wise Employment & Salary Data
In Florida, affluent metro areas with high-demand hospitals and doctors’ offices employ only a fraction of the state’s ultrasound techs. Because these employers hire only the best of the best, jobs in these locations are in especially high demand. As an example, most of the ultrasound techs across FL work in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro, and collectively, they earn $64,680 a year. However, in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area, which is home to some of the state’s most renowned doctors – as well as numerous incredibly affluent neighborhoods – there are only 230 ultrasound technicians. However, they earn an average of $77,060 a year, which is not only much more than the state average income but higher than even the national average.
It is important to study the information in the chart below so that you can make a better decision about your career. Keep in mind that with such a diverse range of incomes across the state, you must do your best to balance job availability with what you could potentially earn. Though a $90,070 a year income in Tallahassee may seem incredible, there are only 70 ultrasound technician jobs available, which means you may experience difficulty securing one.
| Metro | Employment | Average Salary | ||
| Hourly | Monthly | Annual | ||
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | 1,540 | $31.10 | $5,390 | $64,680 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | 960 | $33.75 | $5,850 | $70,200 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | 670 | $31.87 | $5,520 | $66,280 |
| Jacksonville | 460 | $36.12 | $6,260 | $75,130 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | 260 | $34.98 | $6,060 | $72,750 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 230 | $37.05 | $6,420 | $77,060 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 160 | $33.81 | $5,860 | $70,330 |
| Gainesville | 140 | $30.65 | $5,310 | $63,750 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | 140 | $33.01 | $5,720 | $68,670 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | 140 | $27.84 | $4,830 | $57,900 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | 110 | $30.20 | $5,240 | $62,820 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | 110 | $36.53 | $6,330 | $75,990 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | 80 | $31.50 | $5,460 | $65,510 |
| Port St. Lucie | 80 | $31.70 | $5,500 | $65,940 |
| Tallahassee | 70 | $43.30 | $7,510 | $90,070 |
| Ocala | 60 | $28.31 | $4,910 | $58,890 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | 60 | $23.60 | $4,090 | $49,090 |
| The Villages | 40 | $30.28 | $5,250 | $62,990 |
| Panama City | N/A | $29.03 | $5,030 | $60,390 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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