Top Ultrasound Technician Schools in South Dakota

Diagnostic medical sonography is a field that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), offers many career opportunities. Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, are expected to see an excellent employment growth for the decade of 2012-2022. If you’re a South Dakota resident interested in becoming part of this growing field, read below and learn all about ultrasound technician schools or training programs in South Dakota.

Find Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in South Dakota

Both Education News and the National Center for Education Statistics report there is only one accredited ultrasound technician school in South Dakota: Southeast Technical Institute (STI) in Sioux Falls, SD. The good news for aspiring ultrasound technicians, however, is that Southeast Technical Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. An ultrasound technician must have completed training at an accredited school if they wish to become certified.

Sonography Education in South Dakota

Becoming an ultrasound technician or technologist requires completing an approved training program in diagnostic medical sonography. Students in this program complete didactic (classroom and lab) classes and participate in internships to receive experience performing various sonography procedures. Students complete courses in patient care technicians, cross sectional anatomy, acoustical physics and instrumentation, ultrasound physics and asepsis for sonography.

During the 7-month internship, the student will learn various areas of sonography, including abdominal and OB/GYN sonography. Upon completion of training, the student can take certification exams from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Although licensure is not required in South Dakota, obtaining certification can improve employment opportunities.

[qs_listing areaofinterest=”MEDICAL-ASSISTING” state=”NY” multidealer=”yes”]

Salaries for Ultrasound Technologists in South Dakota

As of May 2012, diagnostic medical sonographers in South Dakota earned a mean annual wage of $54,830. This amount, according to the BLS, is lower than the national average of $66,360. While the wages are lower in South Dakota, this state does have a higher than average share of employment in this profession. Obtaining certifications in various areas of sonography can help improve wage potential.

List of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs in South Dakota

Southeast Technical Institute offers two diagnostic medical sonography degree programs. Students can choose from the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or the Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology. While both 2-year programs, the diagnostic medical sonography program covers basic sonography, whereas the cardiac ultrasound program specializes in cardiac sonography.

Both programs requires completion of prerequisite courses and admission requirements specific to these programs. According to the school’s website, the total (tuition and fees) cost for each of these programs is around $25,000.

Medical Sonography Classes in South Dakota