How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Florida (2026)

Q: Who earns more, RN or sonographer?

While registered nurses (RNs) earn an average of about $89,000 per year, sonographers earn $82,590 annually on average in Florida. However, specialized sonographers in areas like echocardiography or vascular imaging can earn higher pay.

Q: Do you need a license to be a sonographer in Florida?

Florida does not require a state license for diagnostic medical sonographers. However, nearly all employers require national ARDMS certification as the standard for employment.

By Athena KanUpdated May 20, 2026

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A diagnostic medical sonographer uses specialized imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose and monitor medical conditions. In Florida, this role offers strong job prospects, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 13% national employment growth for sonographers between 2024 and 2034. As of May 2024, medical sonographers in Florida earn a mean annual wage of $82,590 ($39.71 per hour).

Here's how to become a medical sonographer in Florida.

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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.

How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Florida

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:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a sonographer in Florida?

After completing college-level prerequisites, it typically takes two years to complete a full-time Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

What is the quickest way to become a sonographer?

The quickest path is to complete your prerequisite courses, enroll in an accredited two-year associate degree program, and pass your ARDMS certification exams immediately after graduation.

Who earns more, RN or sonographer?

While registered nurses (RNs) earn an average of about $89,000 per year, sonographers earn $82,590 annually on average in Florida. However, specialized sonographers in areas like echocardiography or vascular imaging can earn higher pay.

Do you need a license to be a sonographer in Florida?

Florida does not require a state license for diagnostic medical sonographers. However, nearly all employers require national ARDMS certification as the standard for employment.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a medical sonographer in Florida can lead to a rewarding and stable healthcare career. With an average annual salary above $80,000 and high demand across hospitals and clinics, now is an excellent time to enter the field.

To explore your next step, check out these helpful guides:

Compare accredited programs, tuition, and flexible schedules through Dreambound and start your journey toward becoming a certified medical sonographer today.