Find Nevada’s Accredited Sonography Programs in 2025
Diagnostic medical sonographers play an important role in the health of their patients. Ultrasound techs use specialized equipment that emits sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, which are then interpreted by physicians in order to prevent diseases or help a patient heal from one. The images are also used to monitor the health of the fetus of a pregnant woman.
Sonography is becoming an increasingly popular career choice in part due to the relatively high salary and short education and training period. Learn more about these topics below, and connect with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Nevada
- Choose an Accredited Ultrasound Program. It’s important to choose a program that has been accredited, preferably by the CAAHEP. Nevada has 2 schools that offer degrees or certificates that have received this recognition. Review the prerequisites to be sure you are prepared to apply.
- Get Your Degree. Practicing sonographers must have at least an Associate of Science with a specialty in medical sonography. Some schools offer Bachelor’s degrees, and there are also accelerated certificate programs if you meet the educational and experiential requirements.
- Get Certified. Upon graduation, you’ll need to sit for your credential exams offered by the ARDMS or ARRT. Check with the school that you are considering applying to to make sure you will be prepared to meet the testing prerequisites.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
When a school or program is accredited, that means that they have been evaluated by an outside, independent agency and had the education that they provide reviewed. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the most widely recognized accrediting body for sonography programs. A school receives accreditation from the CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines. The school must also pass a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of an accredited Nevada DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional credentials in diagnostic medical sonography.
If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo $1,000 scholarship.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Nevada in 2025
The following schools offer degrees or certificates that have been accredited by CAAHEP as of November 2024:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada 6375 West Charleston Blvd. Sort Code WCK306 Las Vegas, NV 89146 |
Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Cardiac/Vascular Ultrasound | Course prerequisites with GPA of at least 2.5, plus minimum 20 hours of clinical observation | This is a Limited Entry Program. |
| Great Basin College 1500 College Parkway – Elko, Nevada 89801 |
Bachelor’s Degree or Certificate in DMS with specialties in ObGyn or Abdominal-Extended | This is a limited entry program. Previous degree required for entry. | Begin the application process here. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Ask an Expert
Lynn Nguyen, sonographer and co-host of “Sonographers in the Cities” podcast
Q: What made you decide to pursue sonography as your second career?
A: “I had considered other careers such as PA, like my teenage self had wanted, and nursing. However, I am now older and knew what I definitely wanted in my future career. After some late-nights thinking and researching, I knew DMS would be the right career for me. I wanted a profession where I can excel at a role while simultaneously helping others.”
Learn more about why Lynn chose medical sonography in her recent article.
Student Scholarships and Awards
Below are just a few of the scholarships and awards available to those who qualify in Nevada:
| 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 |
| Governor Guinn Scholarship Fund | Up to $10,000 | There are residential, GPA, and course requirements. | Learn more about the application process, including required forms, here. |
| Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Student Scholarship | $2,500 | Awarded to students enrolled in a CAAHEP accredited sonography or cardiovascular technology program. | Log in and complete an application. |
| Community Foundation of Northern Nevada | Varies | There are over 35 scholarships that are available exclusively to students in Northern Nevada. | The Foundation’s website will help determine which scholarships you are eligible to apply for. |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Nevada?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers working in Nevada in 2023 was $91,000. Conditions in your area may vary. Strong job growth is being seen across the country, and in Nevada’s sonography industry open positions are expected to increase by 15% by 2030 (O*Net).
Where you work, amount of education, whether or not you received certification from the ARDMS, and more can play a role in how much you earn. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, though hospitals have the highest employment numbers. In addition, diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an Associate of Science Degree, and it’s growing at a rapid pace. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree may open you up to higher paying positions as well.
Certification Requirements in Nevada
Nevada’s Department of Health does not require their diagnostic medical sonographers to possess credentials or certification. However, many employers do require professional certification, typically by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). This organization provides the most highly regarded certification to sonographers. The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. Once you have met the ARDMS’ prerequisites, there are two testing locations where you can take the exam in Nevada:
- 101 Convention Center Dr #330, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- 3230 E Flamingo Rd STE #1, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Las Vegas
Healthcare is a strong employer of residents of Las Vegas, and sonography in particular is seeing strong performance. Wages for diagnostic medical imaging professionals in Las Vegas are above the national average ($80,100 a year). In addition, jobs are expected to increase by 31% by 2030 (O*Net). Conditions in your area may vary.
The only CAAHEP accredited program for future sonographers to attend is also in Las Vegas at the College of Southern Nevada. Get started on a career as a sonographer and become a part of the booming healthcare industry by attending a school or program in the Las Vegas area.
