Key Points

• A diagnostic medical sonographer performs imaging procedures that support medical diagnosis.
• You must complete specific college-level prerequisites and an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program.
• While Florida does not require a state license, employers strongly prefer national certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• The average salary for sonographers in Florida is $82,590 per year (BLS).
• Job outlook nationwide is 13% from 2024 to 2034.

Step 1. Meet Academic Prerequisites

Your first step is to complete the necessary academic prerequisites for entry into a sonography program. While a high school diploma or GED is a baseline requirement, Florida's accredited programs are highly competitive and mandate specific college-level coursework.

Common prerequisites include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
• Physics with Medical Applications
• College Algebra
• English Composition

Most programs require a minimum overall college GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 for consideration. You can start taking these courses at a local college to build your transcript.

Step 2. Complete an Accredited Sonography Program in Florida

After meeting the prerequisites, you must enroll in and complete a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This ensures your training meets national standards.

Most students pursue a two-year Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, which includes classroom instruction and extensive hands-on clinical training. Admission for 2026 cohorts is competitive, with specific application windows and points-based selection systems at colleges like Valencia, Miami Dade, and Santa Fe.

Training includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical practice, usually totaling around 800 to 1,000 clinical hours.

You can explore accredited options here:

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography classes near me in Miami
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography classes near me in Orlando
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography classes near me in Tampa
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography classes near me in Palm Bay
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography classes near me in North Port

Step 3. Pass the ARDMS Certification Exams

While Florida does not mandate a state license, virtually all employers require professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

This involves passing two exams:

• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam
• At least one specialty exam, such as Abdomen (AB), Breast (BR), or Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN)

For 2026, be aware that ARDMS has suspended online proctoring. All exams must be taken at authorized in-person test centers.

Step 4. Apply for Sonography Jobs in Florida

Once you are ARDMS certified, you can apply for sonography positions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and physicians' offices across Florida. Common workplaces include:

• Hospitals and imaging centers
• OB/GYN clinics and outpatient facilities
• Physician offices and urgent care clinics

You can also find current job openings in Florida through MyNextMove.

Strong communication skills and attention to detail are key traits employers value. Many graduates find employment within a few months after certification.

Step 5. Maintain Certification and Advance Your Career

To remain actively certified, you must meet ARDMS's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements. This includes annual renewal and completing 30 continuing medical education (CME) credits every three years.

The renewal deadline for 2025 is December 31. If you miss this deadline, you must pay additional fees to reinstate your credentials by specific dates in 2026 to avoid permanent revocation. Continual learning not only maintains your credentials but also opens doors for advancement into specialized roles like cardiac sonography, lead sonographer, or clinical instructor.

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