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The sonography field keeps growing in Virginia, so it may be a good idea to start a new career.
However, there are some aspects you need to consider before working in the field.
Check out the info below for more information.
Training Requirements in Virginia
Sonographers in this state don’t really need a license to perform, but one could be useful when looking for a job.
The first step you need to take is to start your training in a community college or school.
It will be easier if the program you enroll in is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health.
The program varies depending on the level of education you want to pursue and your time.
An ultrasound tech diploma only takes a year to complete.
Higher education like a Masters, Associate’s or Bachelor’s can take between 2 to 4 years to finish.
In this state, you can take a course physically or in person.
Full time and part-time classes are also offered by several schools.
The training course is followed by an exam, after which you will receive a license issued by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Virginia offers numerous exam centers all throughout the state.
You can also choose to study in a non accredited school, but the requirements are different.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| ECPI University | 5555 Greenwich Rd Ste 300, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | 6699 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA 22150 |
| Northern Virginia Community College | 4001 Wakefield Chapel Rd, Annandale, Virginia 22003 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | 501 College Drive Charlottesville, VA 22902 |
| Southside College of Health Sciences | 430 Clairmont Ct, Suite 200 Colonial Heights, VA 23834 |
| Tidewater Community College | 1700 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453 |
| Tidewater Community College | 3303 Airline Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701 |
| Tidewater Community College | 121 College Place, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 |
You will have to finish:
- a mandatory internship
- gather 60 credit hours of education before applying.
Candidates are also required to submit documentation that proves the criteria were met.
After receiving your certification, it needs to be renewed every other year.
For this, you must take 24 extra hours of education.
Regardless of the program, you enroll in, you will have to take some specific ultrasound classes.
Some of these include:
- Recordkeeping,
- Effective communication,
- Learning how to operate the machines.
You will also have to attend a number of practice hours.
Virginia also allows you to get specialization, such as cardiac imagery, MRI tech or x-ray tech.
Any of these will provide you with extra credentials, which will result in improved work opportunities.
Job Opportunities in Virginia
There are numerous medical facilities where you can work as an ultrasound therapist in Virginia.
These include:
- Hospitals,
- Clinics
- Doctor’s offices.
In Virginia, ultrasound jobs are expected to increase by 32% until 2024.
According to a report from 2015, the median salary for an ultrasound tech is $69,800 per year in this state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $73,140 |
| Norfolk | $72,038 |
| Chesapeake | $71,946 |
| Arlington | $84,669 |
| Richmond | $76,676 |
| Newport News | $71,671 |
| Alexandria | $84,669 |
| Hampton | $71,671 |
| Roanoke | $70,659 |
| Portsmouth | $72,038 |
Regional Salary in Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | 60 | $81,470 | $39.17 | $96,830 | $77,390 |
| Lynchburg, VA | 80 | $77,600 | $37.31 | $96,070 | $59,950 |
| Richmond, VA | 430 | $82,910 | $39.86 | $102,710 | $64,550 |
| Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | 400 | $80,360 | $38.63 | $100,120 | $62,400 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | 30 | $83,390 | $40.09 | $99,310 | $67,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
This means that there are plenty of career growth opportunities for those working in the field.
All you need to do is choose the right school to train at, after which you can get hired in a location of your choice.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State