Key Points

• What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer? 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? You must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited educational program and earn a national certification from an organization like ARDMS. While there is no state-specific license, this certification is required by law for practice in many settings.
• Length of training: An associate's degree program typically takes two years to complete. Certificate programs for those with prior healthcare experience can take 12-18 months.
• Average Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in Tennessee: The median annual salary in Tennessee is around $76,750, with experienced professionals earning more.
• 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 a wide range of medical conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare patients for procedures and explain the process to ensure they are comfortable.
• Operate sophisticated ultrasound equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images.
• Analyze images for quality and identify any abnormalities for the physician's review.
• Collaborate with doctors and radiologists to assist in patient diagnosis and care.
• Maintain patient records and ensure safety by following strict imaging protocols.

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. This guide is designed to be easily understood and followed.

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements Before applying to a sonography program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. 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. Start by exploring accredited programs on Dreambound to see specific school prerequisites.

2. Enroll in a CAAHEP-Accredited Program

Your most critical step is to graduate from a sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This is the gold standard for sonography education and a non-negotiable requirement for professional certification. An associate's degree is the most common path and takes about two years, combining intensive classroom instruction with hundreds of hours of required clinical training.

3. Earn Your Professional Certification

After graduation, you must earn a professional certification to become a hirable sonographer. This credential proves your expertise to employers across Tennessee. To earn the prestigious Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), you must:

• Graduate from your CAAHEP-accredited program.
• Pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam, which covers the physics of ultrasound and has a fee of $275.
• Pass at least one specialty exam in an area like Abdomen (AB), Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), or Adult Echocardiography (AE).

4. Find a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job

With your RDMS credential, you are ready to enter the workforce. Create a professional resume that prominently features your certification and lists your clinical rotation sites. 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 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.

Sonography Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee offers several pathways to becoming a sonographer, including certificate, associate's, and bachelor's degree programs. The cost varies significantly by the type of institution and program.

• Certificate Programs: Designed for those with prior healthcare education, these can cost between $13,000 and $14,000 in tuition. However, the total cost of attendance at some university-based programs can exceed $65,000 when factoring in fees and living expenses.
• Associate's Degrees: Offered at community colleges, in-state tuition for these programs can be as low as $4,500 per year.
• Bachelor's Degrees: University programs typically have higher tuition costs, averaging around $18,000 per year for a four-year degree.

Dreambound offers a comprehensive directory of vocational training programs, making it easy to find and compare sonography schools in Tennessee. To find classes near you, check out specific listings for sonography training in Memphis and Knoxville.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Tennessee

In major metropolitan areas like Nashville and Memphis, the median annual salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is approximately $87,000 as of early 2026. Top earners in the 75th percentile can make over $96,000 annually. Nationally, the median annual wage for sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the number of specialty certifications held.