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 Pennsylvania (PA).
On this page, we switch between using the terms ultrasound tech schools in Pennsylvania and sonography schools in Pennsylvania.
Below you will find information on the steps to becoming an ultrasound tech in Pennsylvania as well as information on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
How to Become an Ultrasound Technician in PA
Ultrasound techs in Pennsylvania 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 Accredited Ultrasound Tech Schools in PA for 2023
Ultrasound tech schools in Pennsylvania 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 13 CAAHEP accredited ultrasound tech schools in Pennsylvania.
| College | Metro Area | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Community College of Allegheny County | Monroeville | Program Info |
| Crozer-Chester Medical Center (Keystone) | Upland | Program Info |
| Great Lakes Institute of Technology | Erie | Program Info |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Harrisburg | Program Info |
| Lackawanna College | Scranton | Program Info |
| Misericordia University | Dallas | Program Info |
| Mount Aloysius College | Cresson | Program Info |
| Northampton Community College | Bethlehem | Program Info |
| Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences | Lancaster | Program Info |
| Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences | Reading | Program Info |
| South Hills School of Business and Technology | State College | Program Info |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia | Program Info |
| Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood | Program Info |
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.
PA Certification and Licensing Requirements
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania you can contact;
State Board: State Board of Medicine
Website: dos.state.pa.us/med
Phone: (717) 783-1400
Ultrasound Tech Salary in PA
| Average Salary | $68,490 |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $32.93 |
| Top 10% | $92,010 |
| Bottom 10% | $50,050 |
| Employed | 2,840 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Pennsylvania is $68,490 and is 12% less than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This translates to an hourly pay of $32.93.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Pennsylvania has risen by 4%, or $2,480, 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 Pennsylvania make an average salary of $92,010 whilst the bottom 10% and entry-level ultrasound techs make just $50,050 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Reading earn the highest average salaries in Pennsylvania at $79,650 per annum. Those working in Erie earn the lowest average salaries at $59,020 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $72,240 | $34.73 | 180 |
| Erie | $59,020 | $28.38 | 110 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $72,620 | $34.91 | 1,470 |
| Pittsburgh | $63,100 | $30.34 | 620 |
| Reading | $79,650 | $38.29 | 70 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton | $65,030 | $31.26 | 170 |
| York-Hanover | $73,710 | $35.44 | 40 |
Employment
There are currently 2,840 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Pennsylvania (2021). This represents a growth of 12%, or 310 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Pennsylvania are based in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in PA
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 4% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Pennsylvania have 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 Pennsylvania.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $68,490 | 2,840 |
| X Ray Tech | $56,440 | 9,790 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $59,770 | 3,550 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $74,430 | 860 |
| MRI Tech | $63,910 | 1,880 |