Montana has a health care industry that has contributed significantly to the state’s economy in 2013. Health care services have driven job creation for years, which means that the ultrasound technician can play an important role in providing affordable, mostly non-invasive services to a diverse population. . As national healthcare rolls out, Montana will be an active participant in 2014 in the effort to ensure all state residents have access to necessary services.

Education

To become a diagnostic medical sonographer with the best employment opportunities, completion of a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is required. Accredited programs have proven to be of high quality and meet strict standards to prepare students to enter the healthcare field. Graduating students have been fully prepared to take the licensing exams offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Options for schooling

Montana does not have any CAAHEP-certified sonography programs. Attending a school with a CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound program is an important step to take before earning professional credentials through ARDMS. Those who want to become diagnostic medical sonographers fortunately have educational options that will allow them to continue their careers. The first option is to attend an online school that allows you to complete courses through distance learning. The second option is to attend an out-of-state school in a nearby state.

Option 1: Online Accredited Programs

CAAHEP accredits three programs that have online diagnostic medical sonography programs at the following schools:

• Washburn University (Topeka, Kansas)
• Jackson College (Jackson, Michigan)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI)

Each school follows CAAHEP requirements to offer programs consisting of high-quality online courses and a requirement to complete clinical training. Washburn University and Jackson College must approve the choice of facility for clinical training to ensure standards are maintained. However, schools try to be flexible in helping students find facilities that meet their needs in terms of location.

Option 2: Campus-Based Accredited Programs

Although Montana does not have schools with CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound programs, bordering states do. If someone prefers to attend an on-campus school, Idaho, South Dakota, and Wyoming each have a school that offers one or more degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. When you’re ready to review all of your school options, a great place to start your search is the School Directory. The site conveniently lists all the schools by state that offer accredited programs in diagnostic medical sonography.

Salary and Career Outlook for Sonographers in Montana.

Montana’s healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. From 2012 to 2013, the annual growth in the number of jobs was 8 and another 2 positions became available as replacement positions. From 2014 to 2021, statistics indicate the annual growth rate increases to 10 positions with another 3 to be replaced. In 2010 there were 150 sonographers employed, but by 2020 there are 240 projected positions for a 57.6 percent change.

The median annual salary figure for Montana diagnostic medical sonographers is $66,570, which is very close to the national average of $66,360 for the occupation. Montana is a large state and approximately 60 percent of the available positions are in two major cities. One-third or 50 professionals of the total ultrasound technicians employed statewide are in Billings and earn an average of $65,590 per year. Another 40 positions are employed in Great Falls with an average annual salary of $69,140. As of May 2012, there were no reported positions in eastern or central Montana, indicating possible opportunities in walk-in clinics, doctors’ offices, and mobile units in the future. Most of the current positions are in southwestern and western Montana.