This page covers accredited sonography programs available in Virginia, state licensure requirements, salary information, and how to get started if you’re pursuing diagnostic medical sonography in the state.
Accredited Sonography Programs in Virginia
Virginia has five CAAHEP-accredited sonography programs offering Associate of Applied Science degrees. Most programs can be completed in two to three years of full-time study and include both classroom and clinical training components.
| Institution | Location | Degree Type | Specializations | UD School Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) | Arlington | Associate of Applied Science | Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Adult Cardiac, Vascular | Northern Virginia Community College |
| Tidewater Community College (TCC) | Virginia Beach | Associate of Applied Science | Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology | Tidewater Community College |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) | Charlottesville | Associate of Applied Science | Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology | Piedmont Virginia Community College |
| Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) | Richlands | Associate of Applied Science | Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology | Southwest Virginia Community College |
| Southside College of Health Sciences | Colonial Heights | Associate of Applied Science | Abdominal-Extended, Obstetrics & Gynecology | Southside College of Health Sciences |
All programs listed above are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam, which most employers require regardless of Virginia’s licensure rules.
State Licensing Requirements
Virginia does not require state licensure for sonographers. The state has no licensing board or mandatory credentialing requirement specific to diagnostic medical sonographers or ultrasound technicians.
However, employers in Virginia typically require national certification through ARDMS (or, less commonly, ARRT). While not legally mandated by the state, certification is the practical standard across Virginia’s healthcare facilities.
Salary and Job Outlook in Virginia
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Virginia earn competitive wages. Based on 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for sonographers in Virginia is $86,120, slightly below the national median of $89,340.
| Metric | Virginia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $86,120 | $89,340 |
| 10th percentile | ~$64,000 | $64,760 |
| 90th percentile | ~$100,000+ | $123,170 |
| Employment | ~1,100 | 57,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2024.
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Virginia’s robust healthcare infrastructure supports steady job availability for qualified sonographers.
Actual salary varies by employer, location within the state, experience, and specialization. Urban centers like Richmond, Arlington, and Virginia Beach typically offer higher wages than rural areas.
How to Get Started
- Choose a CAAHEP-accredited program. Start with one of the five accredited schools listed above. Consider location, program specialization, and admission requirements.
- Understand the prerequisites. Most programs require high school completion or equivalent and some college coursework in sciences and mathematics.
- Plan for certification. After completing your degree, you’ll be eligible to sit for the ARDMS exam. Plan 3-6 months of study and review before the exam.
- Explore financial options. Inquire about financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans at your chosen program. Community colleges often offer lower tuition than private institutions.
Cost of Living and Employment Context
Virginia’s cost of living varies significantly by region. Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria) has a higher cost of living than much of the state, but also higher average sonographer wages. The state capital region (Richmond) and Charlottesville offer a middle ground. Southwest Virginia is more affordable, though fewer specialized imaging facilities may limit certain job opportunities.
Most of Virginia’s accredited programs are at community colleges, which typically cost $5,000–$8,000 per year in tuition (in-state rates). Southside College of Health Sciences is a private institution with higher tuition. Factor in living expenses, clinical rotation travel, and certification exam fees ($350–$500) when budgeting.
Additional Resources
- CAAHEP Program Search: caahep.org
- ARDMS Certification: ardms.org
- BLS: bls.gov/ooh
Last verified: April 2026. Program details, specializations, and availability change. Contact institutions directly for current information, admission timelines, and tuition. This information is provided for general guidance only.