Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in the care of their patients. They use special equipment that emits sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. These images are used by physicians to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as monitor the health of the fetus of an expectant mother.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Montana
- Choose a school to apply to and make sure you meet their prerequisites. It’s important to check the accreditation of the program as well as the school, and if possible, choose one that has been accredited by the CAAHEP.
- Get your degree. The minimum required is a two-year Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography. If you meet the educational and experiential requirements, you may qualify for an accelerated certificate program. There are also bachelor’s degrees offered by some Universities.
- Get the credentials. Prospective employers will want to see that you have been certified by the ARDMS. Be sure the school that you are applying to will help you meet the prerequisites necessary to sit for their exams.
Accredited Sonography Schools Serving Montana in 2025
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the preferred accrediting body for programs in diagnostic medical sonography. Unfortunately, as of October 2023, there aren’t any such programs in the state of Montana.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Accreditation:
City College at Montana State University in Billings
3803 Central Avenue Billings, Montana 59102
Associate of Applied Science in DMS
Student Scholarships and Awards
Below are just a few of the scholarships and awards available to those who qualify in Montana:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| Treacy Foundation Scholarship | $3,000 | Freshman or sophomore college students residing in Montana with 60 or less college credits. | Complete an application. |
| Raymond Davis Scholarship | $1,000 or more | Full-time undergraduate student with two completed years of college or a graduate student in pursuit of a degree related to imaging. | Complete an application. |
| Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program | Up to $8,000 | Enroll in a qualifying program, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be willing to work in a Medically Underserved Area for twelve months. | Complete an application. |
Sonography Certification Requirements in Montana
Montana doesn’t currently require licensure or certification for practicing diagnostic medical sonographers. However, as many employers do prefer or require certification, it’s a smart thing to consider if you want to have an advantage over other potential job candidates.
The most highly regarded certification is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you must meet their prerequisites. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of the two testing locations in Montana:
- 111 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
- 404 N 31st St, Billings, MT 59101
Additional Certification Information
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Montana?
The mean annual salary for sonographers working in Montana in 2023 was $86,510 or $41.59 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Those at the top of their field in the 90th percentile earned a mean annual wage of over $100,000 a year, while those in the bottom 10th percentile made up to $61,000. Conditions in your area may vary.
The salary you earn depends on a number of factors, including type of employer, level of education and experience, and geographic location. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, while larger imaging centers and hospitals typically offer competitive benefit programs as well as a base salary. Additionally, receiving an Associate of Science Degree is required to become an entry level sonographer, while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can open you up to higher paying job positions.
Medical Imaging Organizations for Montana
Healthcare workers in Montana have access to a vast network of societies and organizations that can support them as they pursue their education and professional careers.
If you are currently a sonographer or considering becoming one in Montana, we suggest that you connect with your local chapter of medical imaging related organizations, such as the Midwest Society of Diagnostic Ultrasound.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Billings
Billings, which has been ranked #1 among small metro areas, remained stable through the recession that gripped the rest of the nation. Unemployment has remained well below the national average, and healthcare is one of the major employment industries.
According to a report from the Billings Chamber of Commerce, “the city’s medical corridor provides the most advanced healthcare services in a four-state area, including Wyoming and the Dakotas”.
Attending a sonography program in Billings, or pursuing a degree or certificate in a field in allied health, will make you a competitive candidate in the growing healthcare market.
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