The terms ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are regularly used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in New Jersey (NJ).
On this page, we interchange the terms ultrasound tech schools in New Jersey and sonography schools in New Jersey.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in New Jersey as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in NJ
Ultrasound techs in New Jersey will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Top Ultrasound Technician Schools in New Jersey
Ultrasound tech schools in New Jersey are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 8 accredited ultrasound tech schools in New Jersey.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Institute of Medical Science and Education | Piscataway | General | Certificate |
| Bergen Community College | Paramus | General, Cardiac | Associates Degree |
| Healthcare Training Institute | Union | General | Certificate |
| JFK Medical Center Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools | Plainsfield | General | Diploma, Associate |
| Medical Career Institute | Ocean | General | Certificate |
| Rowan College at Burlington County | Mount Laurel | General | Associates Degree |
| Rowan College at South Jersey | Sewell | General | Associates Degree |
| Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey | Newark | General | Certifcate, Bachelors |
| Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey | Scotch Plains | Cardiac | Certifcate, Bachelors |
Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
NJ Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in New Jersey. However, in today’s competitive jobs market certification is strongly recommended given that most employers seek certification as a mark of skills level and credentials.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
Successful completion of an approved program at an accredited school is an essential requirement to qualify to sit the certification exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in New Jersey you can contact;
State Board: NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Website: www.oplc.nh.gov
Phone: (603) 271-2152
Ultrasound Tech Salary in NJ
| Average Salary | $81,840 |
| Hourly Wage | $39.35 |
| Top 10% | $103,860 |
| Bottom 10% | $61,520 |
| Employed | 2,550 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in New Jersey is $81,840 and is 5% more than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $39.35.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in New Jersey has grown by 11%, or $7,990, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in New Jersey make an average salary of $103,860 whilst the bottom 10% or entry level ultrasound techs make just $61,520 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | $83,990 | $40.38 | 100 |
| Trenton | $86,350 | $41.51 | 120 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton | - | - | 60 |
Employment
There are currently 2,550 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in New Jersey (2021). This represents a growth of 12%, or 270 jobs, since 2016.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in NJ
Average salaries have experienced a rise of 11% since 2016 whilst the number of jobs for the profession in New Jersey has experienced a growth of 12% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in New Jersey.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $81,840 | 2,550 |
| X Ray Tech | $71,450 | 5,390 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $78,850 | 840 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $88,770 | 660 |
| MRI Tech | $85,420 | 880 |