Key Points

• What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer? A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a specialized healthcare professional who uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create detailed images of the body's organs and tissues for medical diagnosis.
• How to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Tennessee? To become a sonographer in Tennessee, you must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited educational program and earn a national certification from an organization like ARDMS.
• Length of training for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: An associate's degree program typically takes two years, while a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete.
• Average Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in Tennessee: The median annual salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Tennessee is approximately $74,070.
• Number of employment of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Tennessee: As of May 2024, there were approximately 1,630 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers employed in Tennessee.

What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (also called an Ultrasound Technician) is a healthcare professional who operates ultrasound imaging technology to capture detailed images of internal organs, blood flow, and soft tissues. These images help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare patients for ultrasound procedures and explain the process.
• Operate ultrasound machines to capture high-quality diagnostic images.
• Analyze images for abnormalities and document findings.
• Collaborate with doctors and radiologists to assist in patient diagnosis.
• Ensure patient safety by following imaging protocols.

Where Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Work?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals: Sonographers can be employed by large hospitals or medical centers, where they may work in different departments such as radiology, obstetrics, or cardiology.

• Clinics: Many clinics, including private practices and outpatient facilities, employ sonographers to perform diagnostic imaging procedures.

• Imaging Centers: Dedicated imaging centers often hire sonographers to conduct ultrasound exams for patients referred by healthcare providers.

• Research and Education: Some sonographers work in research institutions or educational settings, where they conduct studies, train future sonographers, or contribute to advancements in the field.

Requirements to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Tennessee

While Tennessee does not issue a specific state license for sonographers, the industry standards are high, and employers have clear, non-negotiable requirements for all candidates.

• Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED, along with specific prerequisite courses (like anatomy and physics), to enter a sonography program.
• Accredited Program: You must graduate from a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This is the gold standard and is required for certification.
• Professional Certification: Virtually all employers in Tennessee require sonographers to hold a professional certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or a similar national body.

How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Tennessee?

Following a structured, step-by-step process is the most efficient way to launch your career in this field. This intelligent guide is designed to be easily understood and followed.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can apply to a sonography program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete prerequisite college-level courses, which typically include anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, physics, and college math. Strong grades in these courses are essential for a competitive application.

2. Enroll in a CAAHEP-Accredited Program

Your most critical step is to gain acceptance into a CAAHEP-accredited sonography program. An associate's degree is the most common path and takes about two years. These competitive programs combine intensive classroom and lab instruction with hundreds of hours of required clinical training in local hospitals and imaging centers.

3. Earn Your Professional Certification

After graduation, earning your professional certification is the final step to becoming a qualified, hirable sonographer. This credential is the universal standard that proves your expertise to employers across Tennessee and the nation.

How to Get a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certification in Tennessee?

To earn the prestigious Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential from ARDMS, you must:

• Graduate from your CAAHEP-accredited program.
• Pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, which covers the physics of ultrasound.
• Pass a specialty exam in an area like Abdomen (AB), Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), or Adult Echocardiography (AE).

4. Apply for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Jobs

With your RDMS credential, you are now ready to enter the professional workforce. A great resource to explore the skills and knowledge employers seek is MyNextMove.org.

How to Get a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job in Tennessee?

Create a professional resume that prominently features your RDMS certification and lists your clinical rotation sites and experiences. Search for openings on the career pages of major Tennessee healthcare systems like HCA Healthcare, Ballad Health, and Ascension Saint Thomas. Network with your clinical instructors and contacts, as the sonography community in Tennessee is well-connected.

5. Pursue Advanced Education

Your initial certification is just the beginning. To increase your salary and career opportunities, you can earn additional certifications in other specialties like vascular (RVT) or pediatric sonography. Many sonographers also pursue a bachelor's degree to move into leadership, education, or research roles.