Nevada has two CAAHEP-accredited sonography programs offering different degree levels and specialization tracks. Here’s what you need to know about pursuing sonography education in Nevada.
Accredited Sonography Programs in Nevada
Nevada has two Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited diagnostic medical sonography programs. Both prepare students for national ARDMS certification exams, though they differ in degree type and location.
| Institution | Location | Degree Type | Specializations | UD School Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas | Associate (AAS) | General/Vascular, Cardiac/Vascular | College of Southern Nevada |
| Great Basin College | Elko | Bachelor (BS) | Abdominal, OB/GYN, Vascular, Cardiac | Great Basin College |
College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas)
CSN offers two Associate of Applied Science degree tracks in the Las Vegas area. The General/Vascular Ultrasound Track prepares students for ARDMS exams in abdominal and OB/GYN specialties. The Cardiac/Vascular Ultrasound Track focuses on adult echocardiography and vascular imaging. Both programs are two years, and students can sit for ARDMS certification exams before graduation due to CAAHEP accreditation. Admission is limited and requires attendance at a health programs orientation.
Pima Medical Institute, located in Las Vegas and Henderson, also offers a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by CAAHEP, with concentrations in abdominal-extended and obstetrics/gynecology sonography.
Great Basin College (Elko)
Great Basin College is the only CAAHEP-accredited bachelor’s degree program in Nevada, located in Elko. The Bachelor of Science in Comprehensive Medical Imaging with an Emphasis in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a four-year degree designed for students with an associate degree or bachelor’s degree and completed program prerequisites. Students complete over 1,600 hours of clinical experience in real-world imaging environments. The program is offered on campus only and broadcast to other GBC campuses in Nevada; it is not available online. In 2023, GBC received $1 million in funding from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to expand training for sonographers across rural Nevada.
State Licensing Requirements
Nevada does not require licensure for sonographers. The state’s Department of Health does not issue a specific credential or license for diagnostic medical sonographers. However, employers universally require national ARDMS certification regardless of the lack of state licensure. All sonography graduates must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and a specialty exam (abdomen, OB/GYN, cardiac, or vascular) to earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) credential.
For a comprehensive overview of certification options and the path to credentialing, see the Licensing and Certification guide chapter.
Salary and Job Outlook in Nevada
Nevada sonographers earn above the national average. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers in Nevada is $94,370, compared to the national median of $89,340. Over 900 sonographers are currently employed in Nevada, and national projections indicate employment will grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
| Metric | Nevada | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $94,370 | $89,340 |
| Employment | 900+ | 75,000+ |
| Projected growth (2024-2034) | 13% | 13% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
Salary varies by location, employer, experience, and specialization. Las Vegas and Henderson have the highest concentrations of imaging centers and hospitals, offering more employment options and potentially higher pay. Rural areas like Elko have fewer positions but strong local healthcare infrastructure.
How to Get Started
If you’ve decided to pursue sonography in Nevada:
- Choose a CAAHEP-accredited program — either the two-year associate degree at CSN or the four-year bachelor’s degree at GBC.
- Understand the prerequisites and application requirements. Both programs have competitive admission processes; meet with program advisors early to confirm prerequisites are met.
- Plan for clinical rotations. Nevada programs require significant hands-on training in hospital and imaging center settings.
- Prepare for national certification. Once enrolled, study for the ARDMS Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and your specialty exam.
- Explore financial options. Check with your chosen program about scholarships, grants, and federal student loan programs.
Additional Resources
- Educational Pathways — Full overview of associate and bachelor’s degree programs
- Licensing and Certification — ARDMS certification pathways and requirements
- School Directory — Search all accredited programs and read full program profiles
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — National employment and wage data
- CAAHEP — Find an Accredited Program
Last verified: April 2026. Program details, specializations, and availability change frequently. Contact programs directly for current admission requirements, tuition, clinical placement sites, and program structure.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only. Verify current requirements directly with educational institutions, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and the Nevada Department of Health. Salary figures are based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Actual compensation varies by location, employer, experience, and specialization. These figures are not guarantees of earning potential. Inclusion of programs in this guide does not constitute endorsement.