Michigan is a beautiful state with its Great Lakes border and overall quality of life, and that is precisely why so many people build their lives and careers here. If you are interested in a medical career that does not require several years of education but still pays relatively well, becoming an ultrasound technician may suit you. Before you can go to work, though, you will first need to get the appropriate education. Below, we have ranked the best ultrasound technician schools in Michigan so you can make the decision that best suits your needs.
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Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools in Michigan
In order to work as an ultrasound tech in the state of Michigan, you will first need to complete a program that provides you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this occupation. Before deciding on any one ultrasound technician program in this state, it is important to keep the following things in mind:
• Flexibility. If you are currently working, if you have a family, or if you have any other obligation, it is crucial to choose a program that does not interfere. Look for online courses or night courses, or perhaps consider enrolling part-time.
• Accreditation. Another important consideration is the school’s accreditation. In order to pass the examination given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or ARDMS, you will need to have completed a program from a school accredited by CAAHEP.
• Your work ethic. Ultrasound tech programs are rigorous, and they will provide you with a huge amount of information in a very short period. Before enrolling, be certain that you are willing to put in the work to complete the program, the clinicals, and the examination.
Ultrasound Technician Program Length & Cost in Michigan
The cost and length of ultrasound technician programs in MI varies depending on the school and degree you choose. An associate degree costs $5180 to $38,890 and takes two years; a bachelor’s degree costs $23,060 to $85,080 and takes four years.
| Type of Program | Length | Cost |
| Associate Degree | 2 Years | $5,180 – $38,890 |
| Bachelor’s | 4 Years | $23,060 – $85,080 |
| Certificate (for individuals who hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in an allied health field) | 10 – 18 Months | $2,680 – $24,690 |
List of 10 Best Ultrasound Technician Programs in Michigan for 2021
1) Grand Valley State University – Grand Rapids
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Baccalaureate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Cardiovascular Sonography)
Grand Valley State University is well known for its commitment to employment ready education. Its sonography school is one of the few in the state of Michigan, where graduates qualify to take the national certification exam, administered through ARDMS even before they graduate. With clinical rotation at multiple sites and a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with the latest ultrasound equipment, students are well-prepared with a broad skill set to brace up for a challenging career as an ultrasound technician.
At GVSU you can choose to complete your bachelors in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with emphasis on either Abdominal and Obstetrics-Gynecology or Cardiovascular Sonography.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Abdominal and Obstetrics-Gynecology: The four-year program prepares you with a strong foundation to not only take the certification exams but also excel as an Abdominal and obstetrics-gynecology sonographer. To be eligible for this program, you must complete the pre-requisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, general physics, college algebra and some general education courses with a minimum grade C. You will start taking courses in abdominal and gynecological sonography from the third year onwards. The fourth year will include courses in vascular technology and advanced obstetric-gynecologic sonography.
Cardiovascular Sonography: This four-year program prepares you to evaluate a patient’s conditions related to the heart and circulatory system using computerized high-frequency sound waves and Doppler signal equipment. In the third year, you will take courses in adult echocardiography. The fourth year will either include courses in pediatric echocardiography or vascular sonography.
2) Delta College – University Center
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type:Associate & Certificate
Established in 1961, Delta College is one of the leading ultrasound technician schools in Michigan. It’s recently renovated health wing with a state-of-the-art hospital simulation center, and a modern lab equipped with 3D capable machines provide sonography students ample opportunities to hone their practical skills. Little wonder that a 100% placement rate is a regular trend at Delta.
Delta offers an associate degree and a certificate in DMS –
Associate: The associate requires you to complete 86 credits to graduate. Giving you a well-rounded education, the curriculum includes courses in human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, interpersonal and technical communication skills, ultrasound instrumentation, obstetrics and gynecology, occupational wellness and an introduction to neurologic and vascular sonography.
Certificate: The certificate program is ideally meant for those who already hold an associate degree in any health care field and are looking for a career change. You can complete this course in less than 20 months. The program starts in fall and admits a maximum of 14 students each year. The curriculum includes courses in ultrasound physics and instrumentation, abdominal and gynecological sonography and an introduction to neurological and vascular sonography. You must complete a total of 71 credits to earn your certificate.
On completion, you will gain the skills and knowledge of an entry-level general sonographer and will be eligible to take the ARDMS certification exam.
3) Lansing Community College – Lansing
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate & Vascular Certificate
Lansing Community College offers sonography education that is dynamic in nature by constantly keeping pace with changes in the health care industry. The college has forged partnerships with some well-known health care organizations, where students gain valuable clinical experience and even go on to build a professional network.
Associate: The Associate in DMS is 15 months, full-time course that starts each summer. Due to limited clinical seats available, only 20-24 students are admitted each year. Coursework is rigorous, and apart from classroom learning, you will have to spend 3-5 days per week at your clinical site gaining valuable experience.
Vascular Certificate Program: Additionally, for working sonographers, the college offers a Vascular Certificate Program that helps you specialize in Vascular Sonography and prepares for the Registered Vascular Technologists examination. In just two semesters you will complete didactic courses and lab training that prepares you for this specialization.
4) Baker College – Auburn Hills & Owosso
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Cardiac Sonography)
Baker College is the largest independent not-for-profit college in the state that offers a personalized learning experience, despite being a large educational institution. Its 100 years of academic reputation has led to various industry partnerships that help in designing an ultrasound curriculum that is current, helping students to be job ready upon graduation.
Based on your area of interest to become an ultrasound technician in Michigan you can choose to complete either the Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiac Sonography program offered by Baker.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (General): This 50-credit program specializes in abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological sonography. Before you start with the sonography coursework, you must complete 28 credits in pre-requisite courses, including English, human anatomy and physiology, general psychology, oral communication and an introduction to health professions.
Cardiac Sonography: The program is designed to train you to capture images of the heart and its chambers and evaluate a patient’s condition based on the findings. You will complete 72 credit-hours that include 44 hours of core courses in cardiac sonography. Non-invasive cardiology, an introduction to echocardiography, cardiac valve and ventricular diseases in sonography are some of the courses you will take.
5) Jackson College – Jackson
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate (General Sonography & Cardiac Sonography); Associate & Certificate (Vascular Sonography)
Jackson College is at the forefront of innovative education. Its online sonography training is one such of its many initiatives in making education more accessible and affordable. It was the first CAAHEP accredited DMS program in the nation and also carries the distinction of being one of the longest accredited programs in the country. Jackson offers aspiring sonographers three tracks to choose from – General, Cardiac and Vascular Sonography.
General Sonography: This associate degree program helps you gain knowledge and skills as a general sonographer with specialization in abdomen/superficial structures and obstetrics/gynecology. The program offers didactic courses online; however, for experiential training, you will be required to be physically present at clinical sites in person.
Cardiac Sonography: This associate degree in echocardiography offers all its didactic courses online. The first year your coursework will include general courses, followed with courses in echocardiography in the second year.
Vascular Sonography: The college offers an associate degree and a certificate program to help you become a Registered Vascular Technologist. Didactic courses for both the programs are offered online. The curriculum will help you gain expertise in fulfilling carotid duplex scanning, lower and upper extremity, Doppler examinations, venous duplex scans, and abdominal vascular exams.
* Please note the certificate is only meant for those with a degree and experience in an allied healthcare field.
6) Lake Michigan College – Benton Harbor
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type:Associate
Lake Michigan College offers one of the lowest sonography program tuition costs in the state of Michigan. Along with quality affordable education, it offers a campus life that comes with serenity and the bustle of a vibrant academic environment.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree at LMC is an 18- month program that includes two summer sessions of coursework. The curriculum prepares you in general sonography with courses in abdominal, obstetrical and gynecological sonography. You will also be introduced to vascular sonography, thereby giving you a well-rounded entry-level working knowledge in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Within 60 days of program completion, you will be eligible to take the ARDMS examination.
7) Ferris State University – Big Rapids
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Ferris State University is equipped with state-of-art equipment such as the Picture Archiving and Communication System that allows students to work with the latest technology to save and share digital ultrasound images. Students learn to stay current with their technological skills, which is a primary requirement to work as an ultrasound technician. To further enhance professional skills, the college has partnered with hospitals across the state to provide with exceptional clinical experiences.
This diagnostic medical sonography program in Michigan is a six-semester course that requires you to have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5, to be eligible for it. You must also complete pre-requisite coursework in intermediate algebra, English, medical vocabulary, concepts in physics and basic human anatomy and physiology.
The curriculum will include courses in physics and instrumentation in ultrasound, abdominal and gynecological sonography, hemo and Doppler principles and management in DMS, medical vocabulary, U.S. health care systems, and safety issues in health care. You must complete all these courses with a C or higher to earn your degree.
8) Oakland Community College – Southfield
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Oakland Community College, one of the largest community colleges in Michigan also offers one of the most affordable sonography training programs in the state. To provide its students with extensive clinical experience, it has partnered with Beaumont Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Hurley Medical Center, Sinai Hospital, St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital and Mary Mercy Hospital. After practicing extensively at these sites, students go on to work as ultrasound technicians, well equipped with the knowledge and skills.
This fast-paced, 18-month Associate program at OCC requires you to dedicate 40 hours per week for classroom learning and clinical training. To earn your degree, you must complete a minimum of 89 credit hours with at least a 2.0 GPA in your overall coursework. The program begins in fall and has a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses in Life science, Medical Terminology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Cross-Sectional Anatomy, fundamentals of Sonography, Abdominal, Obstetrics, and Gynecology.
9) Henry Ford Hospital – Detroit
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Certificate
Henry Ford Hospital is a name to reckon with in Michigan when it comes to healthcare education. The college has an outstanding reputation of 100% pass rate on the ARDMS. It also boasts of a 100% placement rate.
This 24-month hospital-based Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Henry Ford is being offered since 1975. It is designed to train you in areas of abdominal sonography, obstetrical and gynecological sonography, musculoskeletal sonography and ultrasound physics and instrumentation. Additionally, you will also take introductory courses in vascular and breast sonography. The program requires you to attend 40 hours of classes and clinical sessions per week, Monday through Friday. You will practice professional skills at the Henry Ford Hospital, giving you ample learning opportunities in a real-time hospital setting. Your admission will depend on your academic history, clinical or patient experience, and a personal interview. The program admits only eight students, so ensure your pre-requisites are well in place before you apply.
10) Providence Hospital/Madonna University – Southfield
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Certificate
Providence Hospital/Madonna University has been offering training for aspiring sonographers since 1977. Its exceptional clinical partnerships in Detroit, Southfield, Novi, and Trenton provide students with a wide array of clinical experiences; ensuring they are ready to take on the real-time challenges of this career.
This hospital-based 24-month program at Providence/Madonna prepares you with the knowledge and skills to perform abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology, superficial and vascular ultrasound examinations. It admits a maximum of four students, ensuring complete personalized attention. Your curriculum will include courses in abdominal and obstetrical sonography, sonographic physics and instrumentation, pediatric sonography and sonography of superficial parts. On completion, you will be able to take the ARDMS exam and work as an entry-level general and vascular ultrasound technician in a variety of clinical settings.
Ultrasound Technician Career Information For Michigan – 2021
How Many Ultrasound Techs are Currently Employed in MI?
| 2,670 |
In Which Health Care Settings are Ultrasound Techs Currently Working in Michigan?
Nearly two-thirds of all the ultrasound technicians in the state work in one of 146 hospitals, whether state, local, or private. Another significant percentage work in doctors’ offices, including the offices of specialists like obstetricians and oncologists. The rest work in various types of laboratory facilities and in outpatient care centers like clinics. In all these settings, ultrasound technicians utilize the skills they learned during their programs to operate equipment designed to gather images for diagnostic purposes.
| Industry | Number of Ultrasound Technicians |
| Hospitals; State, Local, and Private | 1,602 |
| Offices of Physicians | 561 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | 294 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 107 |
Top Hospitals in Michigan to Work as an Ultrasound Tech
Of the 1602 ultrasound techs working in Michigan hospitals, the vast majority work in the ten below. These represent some of the biggest and most prestigious hospitals in the state. Two of these hospitals – DMC Harper University Hospital and Henry Ford Hospital – are in Detroit, while still others are spread across the state. Some of these include Beaumont Hospital, which has facilities in both Royal Oak and Troy, and the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Spectrum Health’s Butterworth and Blodget Campuses in Grand Rapids are also popular employers, as is the Munson Medical Center in Traverse City and McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.
| Rank | Hospital Name | Location |
| 1 | University of Michigan Hospitals-Michigan Medicine | Ann Arbor |
| 2 | Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak | Royal Oak |
| 3 | Beaumont Hospital-Troy | Troy |
| 4 | Spectrum Health-Butterworth and Blodgett Campuses | Grand Rapids |
| 5 | DMC Harper University Hospital | Detroit |
| 6 | Ascension Providence Hospital-Southfield | Southfield |
| 7 | Munson Medical Center | Traverse City |
| 8 | Henry Ford Hospital | Detroit |
| 9 | Bronson Methodist Hospital | Kalamazoo |
| 10 | McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital | Petoskey |
What is the Average Salary of an Ultrasound Tech in the State of Michigan?
The average ultrasound technician salary in Michigan is $61,130 a year, which is equal to $29.39 an hour or $5090 a month. Your actual salary will depend on many different factors, including the area where you work, your specific employer, your experience, and the degree or certification you obtained. If you have a higher degree and more experience, you will earn more income than someone with a lesser degree at the entry level.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $29.39 |
| Monthly | $5,090 |
| Annual | $61,130 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Salary Based on Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
| Less than 1 year (Starting) | $21.57 | $3,740 | $44,870 |
| 1-4 years | $25.56 | $4,430 | $53,160 |
| 5-9 years | $29.29 | $5,080 | $60,930 |
| 10-19 years | $34.16 | $5,920 | $71,050 |
| 20 years or more | $37.71 | $6,540 | $78,450 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Ultrasound Tech Average Salary Comparison: Michigan vs. National
The average salary among ultrasound techs in the state of Michigan is a great deal less than the national average of $73,860. In fact, you will earn 17.24% or $12,730 less than the national average.
| Michigan | National | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $61,130 | $73,860 | -$12,730 | -17.24% |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Job Outlook
Though the employment of ultrasound technicians across Michigan will not grow as quickly as in some other states, it is still projected to have a bright outlook. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of ultrasound techs will grow from 2500 to 2980. This is an increase of 480 or growth of 19.20%.
Despite slow population growth in Michigan, with an increase of about 150,000 people every five years, more people than ever have access to affordable healthcare thanks to new government mandates. When this is paired with new technologies and medications intended to treat various types of illnesses and conditions with few side effects, more people than ever will turn to their doctors and other healthcare providers for those treatments. This will drive the demand for healthcare providers skyward and contribute to ultrasound tech employment in MI.
| Employment | Employment Growth, 2016-26 | ||
| 2016 | 2026 | Number | Percent |
| 2,500 | 2,980 | 480 | 19.20% |
| (Source: careeronestop) |
Annual Job Openings
| New | Replacement | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) |
| 48 | 142 | 190 |
| (Source: careeronestop) |
Metro Wise Employment & Salary Data
Before embarking on your career as an ultrasound technician, it’s important to consider the metro area where you live and especially where you work. Different metro areas have different average incomes based on factors like local economies, affluent neighborhoods, poorer communities, and the quality of the local healthcare.
To better understand this, consider a metro area like Saginaw. This is a relatively poor and small community that employs only 40 ultrasound technicians who earn an average annual salary of just $52,800 a year. On the other hand, if you choose to work in the Lansing-East Lansing metro area, you can earn significantly more. In this location, there are currently 70 ultrasound technicians, and they earn an average income of $65,730 – some of the highest incomes in the state.
Places like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor offer the most employment opportunities because they are some of the most heavily populated parts of MI. The average annual pay in Detroit among 1250 ultrasound techs is $64,490, which is higher than the state average, but in Ann Arbor, the 180 ultrasound techs earn an average income of only $58,390, which is lower than the state average.
| Metro | Employment | Average Salary | ||
| Hourly | Monthly | Annual | ||
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | 1,250 | $31.00 | $5,370 | $64,490 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming | 330 | $28.85 | $5,000 | $60,010 |
| Ann Arbor | 180 | $28.07 | $4,870 | $58,390 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | 70 | $31.60 | $5,480 | $65,730 |
| Saginaw | 40 | $25.38 | $4,400 | $52,800 |
| Battle Creek | 30 | $29.77 | $5,160 | $61,930 |
| Bay City | 30 | $24.91 | $4,320 | $51,820 |
| Flint | N/A | $25.61 | $4,440 | $53,270 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor | N/A | $28.53 | $4,940 | $59,330 |
| (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Ultrasound Technician Schools in other States
| California | Florida |
| Georgia | Illinois |
| Missouri | New Jersey |
| New York | North Carolina |
| Ohio | Pennsylvania |
| Tennessee | Texas |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin |
Getting Started as a Sonographer in Michigan
Using the power of sound waves, diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) perform ultrasound imaging procedures on patients, which allows them to capture photos of their internal organs or vascular system. Medical teams use these images to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, as well as monitor the growth of a fetus.
Sonography is becoming increasingly popular because of the high salary, short education and training period, and the fact that job availability is expected to increase by 8% by 2028 in Michigan (O*Net). We will go into each of these topics further, as well as connect you with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.Connect directly with Michigan colleges and universities. Click below for affiliate/sponsored program information and to speak with an individual school’s admissions representative.
South CollegePrograms:
- CERT Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- BS Health Science w/Con Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- AS Radiography
- BS Health Science w/Con Radiography
American InstitutePrograms:
Keiser UniversityPrograms:
Southern Technical CollegePrograms:
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CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines as well as passed a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This ensures that the school can provide a high quality education to their students as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of a recognized Michigan DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Michigan in 2021
The Michigan schools listed below have been accredited by CAAHEP and offer degrees or certificates in medical imaging as of August 2021:
| 10 Accredited Schools | Campus Location |
|---|---|
| Ascension Providence Hospital/Madonna University | Southfield, MI |
| Baker College | Auburn Hills, MI |
| Delta College | University Center, MI |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI |
| Grand Valley State University | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Henry Ford Hospital | Detroit, MI |
| Jackson College | Jackson, MI |
| Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor, MI |
| Lansing Community College | Lansing, MI |
| Oakland Community College | Southfield, MI |
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Michigan
With Michigan’s health care system striving to increase community access to health services across the state, medical facilities are looking to hire additional ultrasound technicians to assist with ultrasonography services. If you wish to start a new career as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Michigan, you will need to fulfill certain criteria to become successful in this field of expertise, including earning a degree in ultrasonography, completing an internship, and ascertaining your certification.
Before entering an ultrasound technician program in Michigan, you should make sure the college has become accredited through a governing organization like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health. With on-site and online CAAHEP-accredited programs available, you can choose between a certificate program, associate or bachelor’s degree, which can take anywhere between one and four years to complete. Coursework may cover subjects in pathophysiology, vascular ultrasound, and ultrasound physics. Six months of clinical experience will provide necessary hands-on experience with diagnostic medical sonography equipment in a fast-paced environment.
Although you do not need to become licensed in order to find employment in Michigan, most employers prefer to hire certified ultrasound technicians. By earning your certificate in a specialization, you prove that you have a thorough understanding of current ultrasound technology principles and tools. You can earn your certificate by taking an exam through The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which may cover fetal echocardiography, abdomen, breast sonography, neurosonography, or obstetrics and gynecology. If you have earned a non-accredited degree, you may also need to provide proof that you have completed at least 60 semester hours, an internship, and 12 months of employment.
You may also earn a diagnostic medical sonography certificate through Cardiovascular Credentialing International or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. With a non-accredited degree, you may need to provide proof that you have earned 800 hours of clinical experience to be eligible for certification. Upon earning your certificate, you need to take 24 continuing education credits every two years to renew your license.
Is Ultrasound Tech a Good Career in MI?
In Michigan, O*Net reports that approximately 2,500 ultrasound technicians currently work in medical facilities across the state. It also reports that the employment outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers in Michigan is excellent: 19 percent between 2016-2026. This increase may provide an additional 190 jobs in Michigan alone, which increases your chances of finding a position in a hospital, medical laboratory, outpatient care center, government organization, or doctor’s office.
Data found at O*Net also shows that the median annual salary for this job is $60,250. Keep in mind pay rates may vary depending on level of education, certifications, experience, as well as setting of employment such as a hospital, private clinic or specialty clinic.
To start your new career as a certified ultrasound technician in Michigan, contact the CAAHEP-accredited schools listed on our site today.
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