Alabama, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is home to one of the longest navigable waterways in the country. Although formally known for its agricultural based economy, Alabama has since invested heavily in aerospace, banking, education, and health care. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state’s largest employer and is affiliated with the UAB health system which is one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States. As of 2012, there were about 1,080 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in the state of Alabama. Total employment of ultrasound technicians in the state is expected to reach 1,450 by 2020.
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Alabama earn a median wage that is lower than the national average although this may be attributed to the lower cost of living. Employment for ultrasound technicians in Alabama is fast growing with total employment set to increase by 48% from 2010 through 2020, slightly faster than the growth rate slated for the United States.
Certification Requirements in Alabama
Certification is not a requirement for employment as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Alabama. Individuals pursuing a career as an ultrasound technician in Alabama may opt to enroll in a program from a school that is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). There are 5 diagnostic medical sonographer programs in Alabama that are CAAHEP accredited. Many employers may encourage and oftentimes require that their ultrasound technicians are certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Sonography Programs in Alabama
Ultrasound technician schools in Alabama offer 1-year certificate programs and 2-year associate degrees in cardiac, vascular, neurosonograpy, radiology, musculoskeletal, and general diagnostic medical sonography. In these ultrasound classes you may learn about the basic functions of human organs and also how to operate specialized medical equipment and technology.
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Alabama
In 2013, the annual median salary of an ultrasound tech in Alabama was $49,800, significantly below the national median salary of $63,400. The top 10% of earners in Alabama earned an average salary of $69,200 while those in the bottom 10% of earners pulled a salary of $24,800. Diagnostic medical sonographers receiving an hourly wage in Alabama earned a median hourly wage of $23.92.
According to the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, employment is expected to grow 48% from 2010 reaching a total employment figure of 1,450 diagnostic medical sonographers by 2020. Project annual openings due to growth is net replacement is slated at 60 per year.
Alabama Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (all) | $23.92 | $49,800 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $26.23 | $54,600 |
| Dothan, AL | $22.81 | $47,400 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $19.03 | $39,600 |
| Huntsville, AL | $25.10 | $52,200 |
| Mobile, AL | $19.69 | $41,000 |
| Montgomery, AL | $25.71 | $53,500 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $25.36 | $52,700 |
Source: Alabama Wage Information (2013)
Recommended Programs
More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alabama
Other popular schools for future ultrasound technicians in the state of Alabama include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Cardiac and Vascular Institute of Ultrasound | 2936 North McVay Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36606 |
| George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, Alabama 35077 |
| H Councill Trenholm State Technical College | 1225 Air Base Blvd, Montgomery, Alabama 36108 |
| Institute of Ultrasound Diagnostics – (Mobile) | 1 Timber Way, Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527 |
| Lurleen B Wallace Community College | 1000 Dannelly Blvd., Andalusia, Alabama 36420 |
| Virginia College – Birmingham | 488 Palisades Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35209 |