Are you going to study sonography in Virginia? Virginia is a beautiful state with places that attract visitors from all over the country. Attractions like Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg, and Arlington National Cemetery are popular year-round. Virginia is also a favorite for avid sportsmen and has some of the most visually stunning areas in the country, such as the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Highlands. Virginia has a philosophy of health care that includes health equity, healthy living, and high-quality birth and early childhood health services. It would not be surprising if job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers exceeds projections as more areas are added to the state’s health care programs.
Sonography Education in Virginia
For many students, the idea of attending a Diagnostic Medical School in Virginia sounds great. The good news is that Tidewater Community College offers accredited associate degrees with a general concentration in ultrasound technology. However, two other schools also offer the same degree, with the option of training at Northern Virginia Community College or Southside Regional Medical Center. All three schools offer CAAHEP-accredited sonography training programs. The curriculum teaches the proper use of ultrasound equipment to identify human pathologies. Virginia does not require licensure, but all sonographers in the state must obtain ARDMS accreditation to ensure consideration for the maximum number of positions.
Salaries and Career Outlook for Ultrasound Technicians in Virginia
There are currently 1,330 diagnostic medical sonographers working in Virginia, but the number of ultrasound jobs is growing. The statistics include long-term estimates that project growth of 70 new positions each year, bringing the total employment to 1,680 ultrasound technologists in 2020. This represents a 40 percent change between 2010 and 2020, meaning that sonographers will find numerous opportunities. One of the reasons attributed to the job growth in 2013 is related to the Affordable Care Act, which encourages states to provide greater access to health care for underserved populations, including seniors. The median annual salary in 2012 was $70,840 according to federal statistics. Virginia has a number of reputable medical facilities, including the University of Virginia Medical Center and Lynchburg General Hospital. In addition to traditional jobs, there are also opportunities to get involved in ultrasound technology research efforts.
A list of the best schools for the study of diagnostic medical sonography in the state of Virginia
School Name: Northern Virginia Community College
Address: 6699 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield 22150
City: Springfield
Contact person: Anita Freeman
Contact phone: 703-822-9048
Program: Associate Degree
School Name: Tidewater Community College
Address: 1700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach 23453
City: Virginia Beach
Contact Person: Felicia Toreno
Contact phone: 757-822-7271
Program: Associate Degree
School Name: Southside Regional Medical Center
Address: 737 South Sycamore St, Room 120, Petersburg 23805
City: Petersburg
Contact person: Ziffie Thomas
Contact phone: 804-765-5912
Program: Associate Degree
School Name: Piedmont Virginia Comm College
Address: 501 College Dr, Charlottesville 22902
City: Charlottesville
Contact person: Elaine Nichols
Contact phone: 434-961-6582
School name: Ecpi University
Address: 1001 Omni Blvd Ste 200, Newport News 23606
City: Newport News
Contact Person: Kathryn Sheets
Contact phone: 757-873-2423