Find North Dakota’s Sonography Programs in 2025
Diagnostic medical sonographers, often referred to as ultrasound technicians, use special equipment to image the inside of the body. Physicians then use those images to detect, diagnose, and treat disease. As a sonographer, you get to be part of the process of providing essential care for patients.
Sonography as a career is growing in popularity because of the potential for a high salary and the relatively short education and training period. Jobs are expected to increase by 26% by 2030 (O*Net) in North Dakota, placing it among the top 12 states in terms of employment growth.
Learn more below, and connect with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
For a program to be accredited, it means that it has met the standards and passed the program reviews set by an outside agency. This certifies that the quality of education the program or school provides is up to standard. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the primary accrediting body for sonography and other medical imaging programs. A school has to meet their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines before it can become accredited.
The successful completion of an accredited North Dakota DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification 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. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in North Dakota in 2025
The following schools offer sonography degree or certificate programs that have been accredited by CAAHEP as of November, 2024:
| School | Programs | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismark State College 1500 Edwards Avenue Bismarck, ND 58506 |
24-month AAS degree in diagnostic medical sonography. | This is a highly competitive program and students will be evaluated on a number of factors. Certain college-level courses must be completed prior to application. | Applications are due by April 1st for a Fall start. |
| Sanford Medical Center 3148 Fiechtner Dr S Fargo, ND 58103 |
Sanford offers a Bachelor’s degree or a Certificate program in Adult-Cardiac, Vascular, or Abdominal-Extended/ObGyn sonography. | Certain prerequisite courses must be completed or in progress prior to application for program admission.
Applicants must also have patient-care experience. |
Learn more about the program offered in partnership with NDSU. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Certification Requirements in North Dakota
In 2015, North Dakota became the third state in the country to require practicing sonographers to obtain certification. The North Dakota Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board states that applicants must complete an application, pay any required fees, complete a registry (such as the ARDMS), and pass a Criminal History Records Check.
Passing the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exam will satisfy one of the required certification steps set forth by the state. The ARDMS is the most highly regarded certification body for ultrasound technicians, and the only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify for the test, you must meet their prerequisites. Once you have, you can take the exam at the only testing location in North Dakota:
- 4501 Coleman St #201, Bismarck, ND 58503
Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in North Dakota to ensure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for. You may even want to talk to prospective employers about the certification and educational requirements they have.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in North Dakota?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2023), the mean annual salary for sonographers in North Dakota is $80,380. In addition, sonographers in the top 90th percentile for their field made a mean annual wage of $95,510, while those in the bottom 10th percentile earned up to $65,000. Conditions in your area may vary.
The salary sonographers 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 benefit programs in addition to a base salary. Additionally, receiving an Associate’s Degree is required to become an entry level sonographer, while earning a Bachelor’s Degree can qualify you for high ranked positions where you can earn a higher salary.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Fargo
Attending a sonography program in the Fargo area (such as the Sanford Medical Center) can set you up nicely for a career where the demand for trained and qualified healthcare workers has grown in correlation with increasing the population.
In 2018, U.S. News and World Report ranked North Dakota as the 15th best state in the nation, and 4th in terms of opportunity. Sonographers working in Fargo in 2020 earned a mean annual salary of $70,010 (BLS 2020). In addition, job growth is predicted to increase by 26% by 2026 (O*Net).
Get started on a career as a sonographer and become a part of the booming healthcare industry by attending a school or program near Fargo.
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in North Dakota do?
Sonographers do much more than just image internal organs. They also work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients, and evaluate the images they capture. Learn more on our ultrasound technician career overview page. Get a complete job description, as well as first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a sonographer.
How do I get started as a medical sonographer in North Dakota?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started a formal post-education program, all the way through finding a job and advancing in your career. Get Started Now.
How long do I have to go to school?
Most degree programs are completed within two years, which will allow you to earn an Associate’s Degree. Program lengths may vary depending on particular program requirements. You can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.
How do I know if sonography is right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Click here to find out about the qualities that make a great sonographer.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry other than diagnostic sonography, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
