Key Points

• A medical sonographer (also called a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound tech) performs ultrasound imaging for diagnostic and treatment planning.
• Training usually lasts 18–24 months through certificate or associate degree programs.
• To become a medical sonographer in Texas, complete an accredited program and pass the ARDMS certification exam.
• The average medical sonographer salary in Texas is $85,030 per year ($40.88 per hour) (BLS).
• Job growth is 13 % from 2024 to 2034, faster than average.

Steps to Become a Medical Sonographer in Texas

1. Meet the medical sonographer requirements

Before applying to a diagnostic medical sonography program in Texas, make sure you meet the following:

• High school diploma or GED
• Prerequisites in biology, anatomy, and physics
• Background check and immunization records
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

These sonographer education requirements prepare you for both academic and clinical training.

2. Complete an accredited sonography program in Texas

Enroll in a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Most students choose:

• Certificate Program (12–18 months)
• Associate Degree Program (18–24 months)

Program coursework includes:

• Ultrasound physics and instrumentation
• Anatomy and pathophysiology
• OB/GYN and vascular sonography
• Patient care and clinical rotations

Compare diagnostic medical sonography schools in Texas on Dreambound to find accredited options that fit your schedule and budget, and whether financial aid may be available.

3. Earn your ARDMS or ARRT certification

After graduation, apply for certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
These credentials validate your expertise and are required by most employers.

ARDMS – Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)

To earn the RDMS credential:

• Pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam
• Pass one specialty exam within 5 years, such as:
  • Abdomen (AB)
  • OB/GYN (OB/GYN)
  • Breast (BR)
  • Pediatric Sonography (PS)
  • Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
• Exams may be taken as “On Demand” (90-day window) or “Windowed” (specific test dates)
• Maintain your credential through annual attestation and CME credits

ARRT – Credential in Sonography or Vascular Sonography

You can also pursue the ARRT (S) or ARRT (VS) credentials by:

• Completing an ARRT-approved educational program
• Holding at least an associate degree
• Meeting ARRT’s ethics, education, and exam requirements
• Passing the ARRT sonography exam to earn certification
• Renewing annually and completing continuing education (CE) every two years. Learn more about renewals

Earning either the ARDMS RDMS credential or ARRT certification qualifies you for most diagnostic medical sonographer jobs in Texas.

4. Apply for medical sonographer jobs

Once certified, you can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, OB/GYN offices, or diagnostic imaging centers.
Typical responsibilities include performing ultrasound exams and assisting physicians with image interpretation.

Find current sonographer job openings in Texas through MyNextMove.

Medical Sonographer Salary in Texas

The medical sonographer salary in Texas averages $85,030 per year ($40.88 per hour), according to BLS data.

Here’s the average salary range based on experience level:

• Entry-level: $65,000 – $80,000
• Mid-career: $84,000 – $98,000
• Experienced: $100,000 – $110,000

Salaries are typically higher in major cities such as Dallas, Houston, and Austin, where demand for certified sonographers continues to rise.