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West Virginia offers many opportunities for ultrasound technicians.
If you want to start a career in the industry, check out our article below for tips and info.
Training Requirements in West Virginia
Just like in many other states, West Virginia does not require its ultrasound techs to hold a license.
Getting certified, however, will bring you more job opportunities from hiring companies.
Before you can get a license, you need to enroll in a training program.
You should consider becoming a member of The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
This allows you to get certified after you take an exam.
If the school you opted for is not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health, the criteria changes.
You will have to take:
- Mandatory internship,
- Acquire 60 hours of education
- Bring specific paperwork.
Only after you met the criteria you will be allowed to register with the ARDMS.
The training programs last for 1 to 4 years depending on your degree.
If you opt for a diploma, you will need to take a year of study.
However, higher degrees like associate’s or bachelor’s require 2 to 4 years of study.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| BridgeValley Community and Technical College | 2001 Union Carbide Drive South Charleston, WV 25303 |
| St. Mary’s Medical Center | 2900 First Ave Huntington, WV 25702 |
| United Hospital Center, Inc. | 327 Medical Park Drive Bridgeport, WV 26330 |
| University of Charleston | 158 Dye Drive Beckley, WV 25801 |
| West Virginia University Hospitals | PO Box 8062 Medical Center Drive Morgantown, WV 26506 |
During this time, you will attend both theory and practice hours.
Some of the topics covered in class are:
- Patient care
- Ultrasound principles
- Anatomy
- Record keeping
- Effective communication
Programs in West Virginia also offer various specializations, which will help with taking your career to a new level.
Some of these specializations include:
- Fetal echocardiography
- Abdominal sonography
- Neuro sonography
- Musculoskeletal sonography
- Obstetric sonography
- Breast sonography
These specializations are followed by an exam managed by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
In order to maintain your license, you need to have it renewed once at 24 months.
You will also need to take 24 additional hours of education before you can renew it.
Right now, there are 2 exam centers in this state.
The ultrasound technician programs are available both online and in person.
Most students prefer to enroll in a full-time program, but part-time courses are also available.
Job Opportunities in West Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this industry will experience a growth of 39% by 2024.
Most job opportunities in West Virginia are located in Charleston.
Your salary as an ultrasound technician will vary according to your qualifications, experience, and location.
A report released in 2015 states that a median salary for a sonographer in this state is $56,300 a year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $69,689 |
| Huntington | $67,570 |
| Morgantown | $74,899 |
| Parkersburg | $67,937 |
| Wheeling | $74,899 |
| Weirton | $74,630 |
| Fairmont | $74,899 |
| Martinsburg | $84,287 |
| Beckley | $69,077 |
| Clarksburg | $67,325 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 30 | $64,790 | $31.15 | $78,540 | $55,310 |
| Charleston, WV | 110 | $71,150 | $34.21 | $86,260 | $60,810 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 110 | $71,100 | $34.19 | $91,620 | $55,180 |
| Morgantown, WV | 90 | $77,380 | $37.2 | $98,720 | $64,850 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 50 | $68,230 | $32.81 | $77,800 | $64,100 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 30 | $71,800 | $34.52 | $92,870 | $58,720 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 30 | $69,250 | $33.29 | $79,020 | $56,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
After graduating, you can find employment in imagery centers, doctor’s offices, hospitals or clinics.
The first step in starting a career in the field is by choosing the right training program for you.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State