Find Tennessee’s Sonography Programs in 2025
Ultrasound technologists are an essential part of today’s healthcare teams, working closely with physicians to capture detailed images of internal organs and tissues. These images are critical for diagnosing and treating illness, monitoring pregnancies, and ensuring patient well-being. With Tennessee’s growing healthcare landscape, pursuing a career in sonography here offers great potential.
Tennessee ranks 15th in the nation for its concentration of sonography jobs, and with a projected 28% job growth by 2030, the demand for skilled ultrasound technologists continues to rise. Whether you earn an associate degree or a certificate in sonography, you’ll be well-positioned for entry-level roles in the state’s leading hospitals and imaging centers, from Nashville to Memphis and beyond.
Sonography is a career where you can truly make a difference in the lives of your patients, and choosing Tennessee for your education is a smart step toward success.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Tennessee
- Apply to an Accredited Ultrasound Program. It’s important to select a program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) if possible. This will ensure that the program meets industry standards.
- Get Your Degree. Sonographers must have at least an Associate of Science Degree in DMS in order to be eligible for entry-level positions. Some schools offer Bachelor’s Degrees or Accelerated Certificate programs to those who already hold a degree.
- Pass the Certification Exam. You will need to get your credentials from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which means you’ll have to pass their Principals and Instrumentation exam and a specialty exam. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will automatically qualify you to sit for the tests.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
Choosing an accredited program is one of the most important steps when considering which school to attend. Being accredited means that the program or institution has undergone a rigorous program review by an unaffiliated outside party. For sonography and other medical imaging and technician programs, the gold standard of accreditation is from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Each of these schools has met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these recognized Tennessee ultrasound technician programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Tennessee in 2025
Of the many factors to consider when choosing your program, accreditation should be towards the top. The following schools have programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as of October 2024:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health Sciences University 1003 Monroe Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
Bachelor of Health Sciences with DMS Major | 24 hours or pre-program coursework, cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better | Application period is 3/1 – 6/1 each year. Get started here. |
| Chattanooga State Community College 4501 Amnicola Hwy CBIH-124 Chattanooga, TN 37406 |
12-month certificate in:
|
Minimum AAS degree in patient-care related field, plus certification in that field | See the application checklist. All app materials due by March 15th of each year. |
| Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare 1265 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 |
15-month General Sonography or 15-month Cardiac Sonography Program | Applicant must have AA degree in patient-care related field, or a Bachelor’s degree. Job shadowing in DMS dept. preferred | Application due by October 15th of each year. |
| South College Nashville Learning Site 616 Marriott Drive Nashville, TN 37214 |
Associate of Science in General DMS | Certain course prerequisites must be met with a GPA of 2.75+. Must also have 5 documented hours observation in an ultrasound clinic. | Applications are accepted throughout the year. |
| South College – Knoxville 3904 Lonas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909 |
Associate of Science in General DMS | Certain course prerequisites must be met, and a minimum of 5 documented hours observation in an ultrasound clinic. | Applications are accepted throughout the year. |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center 1161 21st Avenue S MCN-RR1215 Nashville, TN 37232 |
18-month certificate program in General Sonography | AAS in direct patient-care field or a Bachelor’s degree. Certain course requirements must also be met with a grade of “C” or better. | Applications are due by March of each year. |
| Volunteer State Community College 1480 Nashville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066 |
Certificate in General Medical Sonography | AAS in direct patient-care related field, a Bachelor’s degree, or a 3+1 pre-DMS degree from Middle TN State University | Application packet can be found here. |
| * This information is gathered from multiple reliable sources and is provided free of charge. We strive to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but we welcome any updates or corrections. Please feel free to contact us with any revisions or new information. | |||
Ask an Expert: What Are “Clinicals”?
Author Samantha Callis, MHA, ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT
Clinical experiences (commonly called clinical) are courses that take place in the clinical environment. This could include hospitals, outpatient imaging departments, and standalone imaging centers. Instead of being seated in a classroom, you will be actively involved with clinical staff and patients. Clinical instructors or preceptors are two terms often used to describe someone who is in charge of student teaching for clinical assignments. This person also serves as the liaison between you and the clinical coordinator.
The clinical coordinator is a faculty member in your sonography program that carries out administrative tasks related to the clinical experiences of students. It is important to note, you will likely work with several different sonographers and other healthcare professionals. Your education will benefit from a diverse range of sonographers. Everybody has something to offer!
Learn more about the education and training required to be an ultrasound tech in the new book “Diagnostic Medical Sonography – The Definitive Guide to Planning Your Career“ by Samantha Callis, MHA, ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT. Available now on Amazon.
Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Tennessee
The state of Tennessee does not require licensure or certification to be an ultrasound technician. However, gaining certification can put you ahead of the rest when it comes to searching for a job as many employers do require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Obtaining Your Credentials
The ARDMS is the primary licensing and certification agency for sonographers. The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing their exam.
The ARDMS has a list of prerequisites that are required in order to sit for the exam. Graduating from a program accredited by the CAAHEP is probably the most common, though there are several others.
There are numerous testing centers throughout Tennessee. Coordination to sit for the exam is typically facilitated by the school you’re attending. Testing centers can be located on the website of the administrator, PearsonVue.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in TN?
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Tennessee made an annual mean wage of $74,070 in 2023, or $35.61 per hour. Starting salaries for an entry level sonographer were up to $54,000 per year. Conditions in your particular area may vary.
Your salary as a sonographer in Tennessee can vary based on several factors, including the type of facility where you work. Most sonographers in the state are employed at hospitals or imaging centers, with larger facilities often offering comprehensive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. On the other hand, smaller clinics and practices may provide greater job flexibility, giving you more control over your schedule and work-life balance.
Growth in the industry is expected to be strong, with a 28% increase in jobs expected by 2030.
Job Growth and Salary for Ultrasound Technologist in Tennessee
- Mean diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Tennessee is $74,070
- In 2020, there were 1,620 sonographers employed in TN
- That figure is expected to grow by 28% by 2030
Highest Paying Areas for Ultrasound Techs in Tennessee in 2024
| Location | Median Salary Data |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $72,050 |
| Nashville | $77,310 |
| Chattanooga | $72,940 |
| Jackson | $73,590 |
| Knoxville | $74,180 |
Medical Imaging Membership Associations
Most lines of work have membership associations that professionals can belong to. Benefits can include networking opportunities, continuing education, and career and leadership development, to name a few. Dues are typically required, though membership is most often optional. Below are some member organizations and associations in Tennessee that offer similar opportunites.
Tennessee Radiological Society
Tennessee Hospital Association
Tennessee Medical Association
Nashville Academy of Medicine
Caring for Patients Who Are Limited English Proficient
Tennessee has a growing population of individuals who speak English as a second language. This puts a unique demand on both the health care and the educational system, and creates new job opportunities for graduates who are bilingual or multi-lingual.
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee downtown skyline
It’s a great time to pursue a career as a sonographer in Nashville, as strong growth is expected in the medical imaging field, as well as in other allied health careers. Nashville is one of the fastest growing job markets in the country, and health care workers represent one in every eight jobs, creating over 13 billion in personal income each year. The median annual salary for ultrasound technicians in Nashville in 2022 was $75,210.
Pursuing your diagnostic medical imaging degree in Nashville will put you in the middle of a growing field in a city with strong economic ties; and there are several sonography schools or allied health programs to choose from, in the city or nearby.
- South College
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ultrasound technician do in Tennessee?
Ultrasound technicians in Tennessee work with advanced imaging technology to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions. They are essential in hospitals and imaging centers across the state. Learn more at: ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com/ultrasound-technician. Get a complete job description, including first-hand accounts from professionals in the field.
How do I get started as a sonographer in Tennessee?
From selecting a program to securing a job, we’ll guide you through each step. Whether you’re in high school or looking to change careers, Tennessee offers pathways to becoming a sonographer. Get Started Now.
How long do sonography programs take?
Most degree programs in Tennessee can be completed within two years, although specific program lengths may vary depending on the institution.
How do I know if sonography is the right career for me?
Success as a sonographer in Tennessee requires both technical skills and the ability to work closely with patients. Discover if you have what it takes to thrive in this rewarding field.
What other healthcare careers are available in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s healthcare sector offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond sonography. Explore additional options here.
