Modesto is a city in California that has successfully blended urban living with small town charm. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, residents enjoy activities like rafting on the Stanislaus River and horseback riding at one of the many ranches. The food options cover the spectrum from meals at four-star restaurants to an abundance of locally produced fruits, vegetables and walnuts. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Modesto, California will also find a strong healthcare system serving a regional area.
Sonography Education in Modesto, California
The only way to obtain a credential as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is by passing ARDMS examinations. However, certain prerequisites must be met first. The programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) most thoroughly prepare students to master the exams at any point in time and ensure students have met clinical training requirements. In 2014, the accredited ultrasound technician program closest to Modesto is Merced College in Merced, California.
Since ultrasound technician schools limit the number of applicants, it may be necessary to find a program further away. If the student needs financial help for sonography study, there are many different types of scholarships, grants and loan packages available. The school financial aid office is a good place to begin the search, but many scholarships are available outside the schools. The Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is the best starting point.
There are more than 18,000 enrolled at Modesto Junior College in day and evening classes. Within a 30 mile radius are three more universities and colleges with total enrollments of over 19,000 students.
Salary Fact and Job Outlook for Sonographers in Modesto, California
Modesto Diagnostic Medical Sonographers earned significantly more than the national average annual wages for ultrasound technicians. In May 2013, Modesto sonographers earned $77,230 in average annual wages or $37.13 per hour. Nationally, the average wages in May 2013 were $67,170, meaning Modesto sonographer wages were 15 percent higher. The bottom 10 percent of sonographers in Modesto were earning 92 percent of the average national wages.
Modesto is in Stanislaus County, California that is projected to see net job growth of 30 percent for the period 2010 to 2020 for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. In terms of wages and employment opportunities, Modesto is an excellent location.
A List of Best Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs in Modesto and Nearby Cities in California
School Name: Merced College
Contact Person: Cheryl Zelinksky
Contact Phone: (209) 384-6170
Program: Certificate
School Name: Community Regional Medical Center
Contact Person: Joy Guthrie
Contact Phone: (559) 459-2731
Program: Certificate
School Name: Foothill College
Contact Person: Kathleen Austin
Contact Phone: (650) 949-7304
Program: Certificate and Associates Degree
School Name: Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
Contact Person: Dorsey Ballow
Contact Phone: (510) 231-5083
Program: Certificate and Bachelors Degree
Nearby States with Accredited Sonography Programs
In 2014, you can find more accredited ultrasound technician schools in the following nearby states:
- Arizona (3 schools)
- Nevada (1 school)
