The medical field in Missouri is small but expanding, any career in the industry is beneficial to its residents.
Ultrasound technicians are in high demand in this state, so it can be a career worth pursuing.
Before you start, however, you should know more about the requirements you need to fulfill.
Read on for more info in this article.
Article Table of Contents
Missouri Training Requirements
To work as an ultrasound tech in Missouri, you need to first get a certification.
For that to happen, candidates must enroll in a training school or community college and complete a program.
You can choose a program that suits your time availability and based on the degree you want to pursue.
For example, ultrasound tech diplomas only require one year of training.
However, getting an associate’s and bachelor’s degree will require you to study from 2 to 4 years.
Pursuing higher education might take more time, but also offers increased work opportunities later on.
There are some schools in Missouri that also provide vascular sonography and general sonography certifications.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Cox College | 1423 North Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802 |
Hillyard Technical Center | 3434 Faraon St, Saint Joseph, Missouri 64506 |
North Central Missouri College | 1301 Main St, Trenton, Missouri 64683 |
Pinnacle Career Institute | 10301 Hickman Mills Dr, Kansas City, MO 64137, |
Pinnacle Career Institute | 11500 N Ambassador Dr Suite 221, Kansas City, MO 64153 |
Rolla Technical Institute | 500 Forum Drive, Rolla, Missouri 65401 |
Saint Louis Community College | 300 South Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri 63102 |
St Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City | 4401 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64111 |
State Fair Community College | 3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301 |
University of Missouri-Columbia | 409 Lewis Hall Columbia, MO 65211 |
When choosing a training program, look for one that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health.
This will make the entire licensing process easier and faster.
Some of the mandatory classes during the program include:
- physics,
- anatomy,
- medical terminology.
If you can’t enroll in a physical program, you should know training programs are also available online.
During the course, you will study theory but also practice, which prepares you for a future job.
If you get a specialization in cardiac sonography, general sonography, and vascular sonography, you will receive extra credentials.
These will also be helpful in landing a better paying job later on.
Certification Criteria in Missouri
After completing the training program, you are required to take an exam managed by The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
To take the test, you need to become a member of the association.
You can also get a certification through a non accredited program, yet the criteria will change.
You will need a full year of job experience, to finish a mandatory internship and take 60 hours of classes.
In order to prove you kept up to date with the industry changes, you are also required to take 24 extra hours of education before your license can be renewed.
Ultrasound tech certifications from non accredited schools must be renewed once in 24 months.
If you are looking for extra credentials, check out the certifications from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Job Prospects in Missouri
In this state, ultrasound tech jobs are expected to see an increase of 17% until 2026.
The salaries vary and depend on work experience, area in which one operates, specialization, and credentials.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Kansas City | $74,969 |
St. Louis | $75,191 |
Springfield | $73,719 |
Columbia | $74,381 |
Independence | $74,888 |
Lee's Summit | $74,685 |
O'Fallon | $74,580 |
St. Joseph | $74,257 |
St. Charles | $74,784 |
St. Peters | $74,620 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Columbia, MO | 40 | $79,450 | $38.2 | $91,110 | $61,560 |
Joplin, MO | 60 | $80,690 | $38.8 | $92,910 | $62,110 |
Kansas City, MO-KS | 620 | $90,880 | $43.69 | $107,030 | $68,960 |
St. Louis, MO-IL | 570 | $86,840 | $41.75 | $103,260 | $67,040 |
Springfield, MO | 60 | $76,920 | $36.98 | $95,780 | $58,530 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
You can get hired in any medical facility, including clinics and doctor’s offices.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician