Key Points

• Median Salary: Sonographers in Alabama earn a median annual wage of $65,020.
• Training Time: Most accredited associate degree programs take 2 years to complete.
• Certification: While not a state license, ARDMS certification is virtually required by employers.
• Job Outlook: The field is expected to grow by 13% nationally over the next decade.
• Program Cost: Tuition for a 2-year associate degree at an Alabama community college typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000.

What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create internal images of the body. These scans help doctors diagnose and monitor medical conditions.

Typical duties:

• Prepare patients and explain procedures
• Operate ultrasound machines
• Capture and review diagnostic images
• Share findings with physicians
• Follow imaging safety standards

Where Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Work?

You can find sonographers working in:

• Hospitals: General and specialized departments (e.g., obstetrics, cardiology)
• Private Clinics: Focused areas like women’s health or vascular imaging
• Imaging Centers: Dedicated facilities for diagnostic imaging
• Physicians' Offices: Supporting private practice care

There’s also flexibility! Sonographers can specialize in fields like:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
• Vascular Sonography
• Cardiac Sonography
• Abdominal Sonography

With demand rising, you’ll have plenty of options to find the best fit for you.

Requirements to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Alabama

To be competitive for jobs in Alabama, you need to meet specific educational and professional standards.

• Education: A high school diploma or GED is required to enter a college program. Most employers look for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from an accredited institution.
• Accreditation: It is highly recommended to attend a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This simplifies the certification process.
• Clinical Training: You must complete extensive hands-on clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics as part of your degree.
• Certification: Nearly all Alabama employers require you to be a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Alabama

Follow these steps to launch your career as a sonographer in Alabama.

1. Complete Prerequisites

Before you can enter a sonography program, you typically need to complete college-level prerequisite courses in subjects like anatomy and physiology, physics, medical terminology, and math. Check with your desired schools for their specific requirements.

2. Enroll in a CAAHEP-Accredited Program

Apply to and enroll in a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program. Alabama has several excellent options. Most programs offer 2-year associate degrees, and some offer certificate options for those who already hold a degree in another healthcare field.

3. Finish Your Clinical Training

Your program will include a significant clinical component, often totaling over 1,000 hours. You'll work directly with patients under the supervision of experienced sonographers at affiliated clinical sites throughout Alabama. This is where you build your practical skills.

4. Pass the ARDMS Exams

After graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program, you are eligible to sit for the ARDMS certification exams. You must pass two exams to become registered:

• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI): Covers the physics and technology of ultrasound.
• A Specialty Exam: Choose an area like Abdomen (AB) or Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN).

Passing both makes you an RDMS.

5. Apply for Jobs

With your degree and RDMS credential, you are ready to enter the workforce. Update your resume to highlight your clinical experience and any specialized skills. Apply to hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers across Alabama.