11 Best Sonography Programs In Omaha, NE (2023 Updated)
A career in sonography, also known as diagnostic medical ultrasound, is a growing and rewarding field. As imaging technology advances and the population ages, there is increasing demand for qualified ultrasound technologists. Students interested in pursuing sonography will find excellent program options in Omaha, NE.
This blog post explores the top sonography schools in the Omaha area based on ratings, offerings, and strengths. Whether you’re looking to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, these accredited programs provide the education and training needed to prepare for ARDMS certification exams and a career as an ultrasound tech.
Why Accreditation Matters in Sonography Training
Earning your degree from an accredited sonography program is crucial because it makes you eligible to sit for exams from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Passing these rigorous ARDMS tests is required for certification as an ultrasound technologist.
Accredited programs also ensure students receive well-rounded training covering ultrasound physics, instrumentation, image acquisition, protocols, and interpretation. Coursework combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on scanning experience in a clinical setting. This balanced approach develops the full range of diagnostic skills sonographers need.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Rating: (4.4)
Address: 42nd and Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198
Phone: (402) 559-4000
Website: unmc.edu
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is one of Omaha’s top choices for sonography training due to its respected faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and variety of medical disciplines. Students gain proficiency through labs with cutting-edge ultrasound equipment and clinical rotations in specialty areas like OB/GYN, vascular, cardiac, and more.
UNMC’s bachelor’s program includes all necessary coursework to prepare for ARDMS exams while the master’s program enables practicing sonographers to advance into education, management, or research roles. With a 140+ year history and as Nebraska‘s only public academic health sciences center, UNMC has established a legacy of excellence in healthcare education.
The sonography program faculty possess over 60 years of combined experience in clinical practice and teaching diagnostic medical ultrasound. Small class sizes also ensure specialized attention with a student-to-instructor ratio of just 5:1 in lab settings. Graduates consistently praise the high-quality education and hands-on training which provides a strong foundation for successful medical imaging careers.
Methodist College Sonography Institute
Rating: (4.2)
Address: 720 N 87th St, Omaha, NE 68114
Phone: (402) 354-7259
Website: methodistcollege.edu
Methodist College offers an intensive 18-month Diagnostic Medical Sonography program focused on abdominal, OB/GYN, breast, and vascular ultrasound. Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on training in the ultrasound lab.
The program provides over 1,100 hours of clinical education across major hospitals and clinics in the Omaha region. This extensive on-site experience produces graduates exceptionally prepared to enter the workforce and excel as entry-level sonographers.
Methodist College also stands out for its career support services assisting students with resume/cover letter preparation, networking, interview tips and job placement. With a track record of 100% ARDMS exam pass rates and job placement, Methodist College demonstrates its commitment to student success.
Vascular Institute of the Americas
Rating: (4.8)
Address: 10012 Nicholas St #250, Omaha, NE 68114
Phone: (402) 677-6886
Website: viaa.com
Those looking to specialize further may consider the Vascular Institute of the Americas. This facility provides cutting-edge certification programs in vascular sonography exclusively.
Students develop expert competency in using ultrasound to diagnose diseases affecting the carotid arteries, arteries in the arms and legs, and more. Training covers 2D imaging, color Doppler sonography, and advanced interpretative analysis.
With its 100% job placement rate, this highly-regarded vascular program is an excellent choice for launching a career as a vascular technologist. Graduates praise the knowledgeable instructors and top-tier clinical experience which fully prepared them to excel as vascular sonographers.
Career Outlook for Sonographers
These are just a few of Omaha‘s top-ranked sonography programs preparing students to meet growing demand for qualified ultrasound techs. With a bachelor‘s or associate degree from an accredited institution, graduates can expect to be well-positioned for good paying careers in this expanding field.
Employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 19% nationally through 2030, over 4 times faster than the average across all occupations according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This increase is attributed to an aging population, rising rates of chronic conditions, and improved insurance coverage for imaging procedures.
The average salary for sonographers in Nebraska is $76,750 annually as of May 2021 according to the BLS. Those with advanced vascular and cardiac specializations can earn over $90k. With ultrasound technology becoming an increasingly relied upon imaging technique, graduates of reputable sonography programs like these Omaha options can look forward to exciting and stable careers helping provide quality patient care.
Comparison of Top Programs
| Institution | Degree Offered | Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | BS, MS | 2 years |
| Methodist College | AS | 18 months |
| Vascular Institute of the Americas | Diploma | 12 months |
Admissions Requirements
While admissions criteria varies by program, sonography applicants generally require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed college-level prerequisites
- Common subjects: anatomy, physiology, medical terminology
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Entrance exam – TEAS scores
With many programs offering early assurance options, researching requirements for your school(s) of choice is advised to plan coursework accordingly. Competition is often high for limited sonography program seats.
Methodist College for example accepts just 12 students annually for their selective Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Applicants must achieve at least a 58% on the TEAS exam plus complete over 35 prerequisite credits focused in science and math.
ARDMS Sonography Exams
All accredited sonography programs prepare students to sit for their Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) exams from ARDMS – the leading credentialing organization for ultrasound technologists.
There are two components to earning RDMS certification:
- Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI): Assesses understanding of fundamental ultrasound physics, human anatomy, instrumentation, equipment operation, image acquisition, and safety protocols.
- Specialty Exam: Demonstrates competency in a selected concentration like OB/GYN, Abdominal, Breast, Fetal Echocardiography, Musculoskeletal, or Vascular Technology.
Passing both the SPI and chosen specialty exam qualifies graduates as RDMS certified sonographers. This certification is required for most clinical, education and management careers in ultrasound technology nationwide.
The Future of Ultrasound Imaging
Sonography students entering the field today will get to experience revolutionary technological advancements over their careers. These innovations will enable new diagnostic capabilities and enhanced image quality.
Key innovations on the horizon include:
- Widespread adoption of 3D/4D rendering
- Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for improved lesion detection
- Elastography for assessing tissue stiffness to identify abnormalities
- Handheld and portable ultrasound scanners
- Advanced software for automated functions like bone age assessment
- Fusion imaging merging ultrasound with CT, MRI
These are just some of the breakthroughs that will shape the future of sonography. Graduates of Omaha’s cutting-edge DMS programs will develop the foundational skills to harness these emerging technologies to improve patient outcomes throughout their careers.
Start Your Sonography Journey Today
This overview of Omaha’s top accredited sonography training programs shows that students have quality options when preparing for rewarding careers in diagnostic medical ultrasound.
With experienced faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, extensive clinical training, and job placement support, these colleges and institutes offer access to an exceptional education at the intersection of medicine and technology.
Prospective students are encouraged to connect with admissions staff to schedule tours and get their questions answered as the first step to pursue this growing career field. The need for skilled sonographers continues rising across Nebraska and nationwide. Now is an ideal time to get the proper DMS training and credentials to stake your place in this high-demand medical imaging specialty.
