When choosing the right educational institution for yourself or your child, it is very important that it has accreditation issued by the main organization that accredits sonography programs in the USA and that is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Why is this so significant?
Well, a school that receives accreditation from CAAHEP must have met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines.
That means passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit, and proving that they can provide a high-quality education to their students so that they can enter the healthcare workforce.
Those students who successfully manage to complete a recognized Minnesota DMS program can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam, and then receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
Plus, those currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program are eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship.
The following schools offer sonography programs that have been accredited by CAAHEP in Minnesota:
- Mayo Clinic – College of Medicine & Science – 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905
- St Cloud Technical and Community College – 1245 15th Street North St. Cloud, MN 56303
- St. Catherine University – 2004 Randolph Ave Fontbonne 15 St. Paul, MN 55105
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Minnesota
It is considered great that there are no licensure or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers in Minnesota, as many people just wish to start working after getting a degree.
However, once you apply for a job, you will notice that those who possess certification are given preference.
Actually, receiving an ultrasound tech license in Minnesota can put you ahead of other job candidates due to the fact that many employers prefer or require certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) to be sure that they hire highly skilled professionals.
The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam.
There are several locations where you can take the certification exam in Minnesota:
- 7101 Northland Cir N # 102, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
- 792 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379
- 5905 Golden Valley Rd Suite 2, Golden Valley, MN 55422
- 1544 Greenview Dr. SW # 1, Rochester, MN 55902
- 2610 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55114
- 5601 Green Valley Dr #150, Bloomington, MN 55437
- 3459 Washington Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
Once you are ready to apply for an ARDMS examination, you should log in to MY ARDMS and choose Apply Online.
Then, you need to complete the online application form and submit payment.
The required supporting documentation must be submitted within 21 days of applying online by uploading it into your MY ARDMS account.
Documentation required with the application is:
- Copy of an official transcript from a two-year allied health education program with a state-specific number of credits.
- Copy of education program certificate, certification, or license.
- Letter from a supervising physician, ARDMS-Registered sonographer/technologist, or the educational program director indicating a minimum of 12 months of full-time clinical/ vascular experience.
- Signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each appropriate specialty area(s)
- Copy of non-expired government-issued photo identification (ID) with signature
Financial Assistance for Sonographers in Minnesota
Ultrasound Schools Info – $1,000 – It will be awarded to an aspiring sonographer currently accepted to or enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited DMS program.
Medical Imaging Organizations for Minnesota
If you want to get promoted, achieve advanced education, and connect with other healthcare workers, you should become a member of medical imaging organizations throughout Minnesota.
That way you will get access to a vast network of societies and organizations that can support you in your education and professional career goals.
If you are currently working as or considering becoming a sonographer in Minnesota, we suggest that you contact the MIDWEST Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound.
Resources for Minnesota medical imagers and healthcare workers are the following:
- Minnesota Radiological Society
- Minnesota Medical Association
- Minnesota Hospital Association
- Minnesota Hospital Jobs
Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Minnesota
If we take a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average annual salary for sonographers in Minnesota is $94807.
In addition, ultrasound techs working in Minnesota earned approximately $39.01 an hour.
There is a lower number of highly educated and experienced professionals who managed to earn an annual mean wage of $109402, while those who have just finished their education and got entry-level jobs earned a mean salary of $83958 a year.
You need to bear in mind that your annual income can be affected by many things such as the size of the imaging department where you work, the location of the facility, your requirements, level of education, and certification, as well as a number of patients.
Larger facilities might offer employment benefits, while smaller centers may offer more flexibility and higher wages.
The majority of ultrasound techs in Minnesota can look for a job in general and surgical hospitals, physicians’ offices, and diagnostic imaging centers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 1,590 ultrasound technicians work in Minnesota and a 17% percent increase in available positions across Minessota is expected which could potentially provide many additional ultrasound technician jobs.