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If you plan on working in the medical field in Washington, you should know there are many opportunities.
Working as an ultrasound technician is a fulfilling path, but there are some requirements to take into account.
We have brought you the info you need to have before pursuing your new career.
Training Requirements
In Washington, you should have an ultrasound certification even if it’s not required by law.
Most companies that hire do expect their employees to be licensed.
To get licensed, you first need to attend a training program in a school of your choice.
The program you choose should also be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
In an accredited program, you can receive your license right after finishing the program and passing the exam.
However, if you train through a non-accredited school, the criteria change.
In that case, you will need a mandatory internship as well as one year of work experience to apply.
Some of the ultrasound programs are short, while others are longer.
A simple diploma will not take more than a year of study.
A higher degree, such as a Masters’, Associates’ or Bachelors’, requires 2 to 4 years of education.
You can opt for in-person or online classes, or enroll in a part-time program if your schedule doesn’t allow full-time study.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Altierus Career Colleges | 2108 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Bellevue College | 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, Washington 98007 |
| Charter College | 7587, 17200 SE Mill Plain Blvd #100, Vancouver, WA 98683 |
| Charter College | 5278 outlet dr, Pasco, WA 99301, |
| Charter College | 595 Grant Rd #5, East Wenatchee, WA 98802, |
| Charter College | 2706 W Nob Hill Blvd #106, Yakima, WA 98902 |
| Charter College | 3700 Pacific Hwy E #150, Fife, WA 98424 |
| Charter College | 4520 Lacey Blvd SE #40th, Lacey, WA 98503 |
| Columbia Basin College | 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, Washington 99301 |
| Everest College | 2111 N Northgate Way #300, Seattle, WA 98133 |
| Seattle University | 900 Broadway, Seattle, Washington 98122 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 North Greene Street, Spokane, Washington 99217 |
| Tacoma Community College | 6501 S 19th St, Tacoma, Washington 98466 |
The certification exam is offered by the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI).
There are 10 centers in this state where you can sit for your testing.
Some of the subjects you will take in class include:
- Applied sciences
- Anatomy
- Medical terminology
You will also learn:
- Record-keeping
- Safety guidelines
- Effective communication.
The programs comprise both theory and hands-on practice where students learn how to operate the machines.
The Washington state also offers several specializations.
Some of these include:
- MRI technicians
- Radiology
- Cardiac imagery
- Obstetrics and gynecologic sonography
- Abdominal sonography
- Breast sonography
Pursuing a specialization will increase your chances of earning a higher wage.
The certification has to be renewed once at 24 months, after attending 24 extra hours of education.
Job Opportunities in Washington
As Washington focuses on medical care, you can look for jobs in any medical facility.
The salary you will earn varies based on your experience level, area, and qualifications.
On average, an ultrasound technician is expected to make about $81,708 a year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $83,697 |
| Spokane | $75,894 |
| Tacoma | $81,562 |
| Vancouver | $79,760 |
| Bellevue | $83,697 |
| Kent | $81,399 |
| Everett | $81,861 |
| Renton | $83,616 |
| Federal Way | $81,562 |
| Yakima | $75,723 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 100 | $84,450 | $40.6 | $123,630 | $43,330 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 50 | $94,400 | $45.38 | $114,320 | $48,790 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 90 | $85,400 | $41.06 | $121,320 | $44,420 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 1,050 | $100,950 | $48.54 | $135,730 | $48,630 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 220 | $78,830 | $37.9 | $116,520 | $46,350 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 50 | $103,840 | $49.92 | $127,590 | $84,660 |
| Yakima, WA | 40 | $93,490 | $44.95 | $108,350 | $75,240 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field will see a growth of 17% by 2026.
O*Net reports a 27% increase in ultrasound technician jobs until 2026.
Keep in mind that some schools also provide scholarships to students in need.
This will help you complete your program and start your new career.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State