CNA to Sonographer
Build on direct patient care to enter diagnostic medical sonography, one of the highest-paid imaging careers.
Your path
Begin with CNA training and move into diagnostic medical sonography. Sonographers perform ultrasound exams, from pregnancy scans to heart and vascular imaging, and are among the better-paid imaging roles.
- Listed timeframe
- 2 years
- Programs to explore
- 289 DMS programs
- School locations
- See individual programs
Before you start
- 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- US citizen or eligible to work in the US
- Social Security number
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations and TB test
- Physical exam
- CPR or BLS certification
- Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI)
- Prerequisite courses (anatomy and physiology, microbiology)
- Minimum GPA
More about this path
Requirements. Sonography programs usually require anatomy and physiology, physics and college math.
Timeframe. 2 years is the timeframe listed for this path. Confirm the full timeline, including prerequisites and application waits, with your schools.
Locations. Programs are drawn from the credential directory. Check each school’s location, attendance, and residency requirements.
Annual pay by credential. Catalog averages for each credential, not one salary range.
- CNA-associated roles: $34,000/year
- DMS-associated roles: $84,000/year
Tuition, admission requirements and total time vary by school. Completing this path does not guarantee admission.
Programs on this path
Compare programs and keep your application steps in one place.
Ace Institute of Technology
New York, New York
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
AdventHealth University
Orlando, Florida
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Allen College
Waterloo, Iowa
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Alvernia University
Reading, Pennsylvania
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Alvin Community College
Alvin, Texas
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Institute-Clifton
CLIFTON, New Jersey
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Institute of Healthcare & Technology
Stratford, Connecticut
DMS Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Showing 8 of 289 programs
How this path works
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Compare DMS programs
Compare the connected programs and check prerequisites, costs and dates.
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Complete your CNA training
Pick a provider and finish the program and credential steps.
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Meet entry requirements
Prepare the experience, exams, and prerequisites your chosen programs require.
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Apply
Gather your documents and check each program’s requirements before you apply.
Completing this path does not guarantee admission. Each program sets its own requirements.
Common questions
What does a sonographer do?
They perform ultrasound exams and work with physicians to read them. Specialties include OB, cardiac and vascular.
How long does it take?
About two years for the program after prerequisites, plus a short CNA program first.
Is it hard to get in?
Programs are small. Prerequisite grades, an entrance exam and healthcare experience all count.
What credential do I earn?
An associate degree and ARDMS certification in your specialty.
Similar paths
Other routes students explore alongside this one.