Do you want to work as an ultrasound tech in Tennessee?
In that case, read on for more tips and info on how to start your career.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements
In order to get the skills you need to get hired, you first must undergo training.
You can get trained in a community college or trade school that offer ultrasound programs.
Depending on the time you can afford to spend in school, you can opt for a shorter or longer program.
For example, programs that only provide a diploma don’t take more than a year.
However, pursuing a higher degree will give you more options career-wise.
You can pursue an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree program.
Each of these has a duration of 2 to 4 years.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences | 1003 Monroe Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38104 |
Chattanooga State Community College | 4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406 |
Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare | 1265 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
South College Nashville Learning Site | 616 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214 |
South College | 3904 Lonas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909 |
Vanderbilt University Medical Center | 1161 21st Avenue S MCN-RR1215 Nashville, TN 37232 |
Volunteer State Community College | 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, Tennessee 37066 |
Certification Requirements
Although Tennessee does not require ultrasound techs to get a certification, having one will land you a job faster.
The available programs can be taken online or in person, but also full time or part-time.
To get certified. you should attend a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
You can also choose a specialization, such as:
- X-ray technician,
- Cardiac imaging,
- Sonography,
- Radiography,
- MRI
Regardless of the specialty you choose, you will still attend classes related to:
- Patient relations
- Medical record-keeping
- CPR training,
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Medical ethics
- Medical psychology
During your classes, you will also learn how to operate the devices needed to take images of the human body.
The specializations deal with the same thing, but in specific medical fields.
After you completed your training program, you will also need to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam.
If you choose to enroll in a program that is not accredited, you can still receive a certification.
Currently, Tennessee offers 4 centers where you can take the certification exam.
Job Opportunities in Tennessee
After getting your certification, you can apply for jobs and get hired by a medical facility.
Some of the best places to get employed are hospitals and imagery centers.
In Tennessee, most ultrasound tech jobs are available in bigger cities.
Luckily, the prognosis for this field is quite promising.
It is expected that ultrasound jobs will see a growth of 27% until 2026.
As reported by our source, the current average salary for an ultrasound technician in Tennessee is $69,506 per year.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Nashville | $70,947 |
Memphis | $70,898 |
Knoxville | $70,730 |
Chattanooga | $68,976 |
Clarksville | $68,771 |
Murfreesboro | $70,411 |
Franklin | $70,697 |
Jackson | $70,362 |
Johnson City | $66,585 |
Hendersonville | $70,840 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chattanooga, TN-GA | 200 | $72,940 | $35.07 | $88,810 | $58,110 |
Clarksville, TN-KY | 40 | $68,870 | $33.11 | $87,870 | $39,940 |
Jackson, TN | 70 | $73,590 | $35.38 | $79,730 | $63,340 |
Johnson City, TN | 50 | $77,640 | $37.33 | $99,900 | $66,010 |
Knoxville, TN | 240 | $74,180 | $35.66 | $93,590 | $48,860 |
Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 410 | $72,050 | $34.64 | $91,770 | $49,200 |
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 710 | $77,310 | $37.17 | $100,830 | $62,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
The income you will be making highly depends on the area you live in, as well as your specialization.
You can also become a member of some organizations in order to gain more info and job opportunities.
Some of these are the Tennessee Radiological Society and the Tennessee Hospital Association.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
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