The Top 12 Sonography Programs in Reno, NV for 2026
Sonography, also known as ultrasound technology, is a growing allied healthcare field that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic medical images. With the aging population and advancements in ultrasound technology, sonographers are in high demand across the country, including in Reno, Nevada.
If you‘re considering a meaningful career in healthcare that doesn‘t require years of medical school, a sonography program may be a great fit. Reno offers several excellent options when it comes to sonography programs. This definitive guide examines the top 12 sonography programs available in Reno as of 2024.
1. Carrington College
Carrington College has been providing practical nursing and healthcare training for over 50 years. The Reno campus offers an Associate Degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that equips students with skills across three major concentration areas: abdominal sonography, OB/GYN sonography, and echocardiography.
The 73-credit program combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience. Modern ultrasound lab equipment ensures students gain significant hands-on practice. The curriculum covers sonography physics, pathophysiology, anatomy, patient care, and scanning protocols. It is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Tuition: $47,792
Program Duration: 21 months
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
2. Truckee Meadows Community College
In addition to various healthcare degrees, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) provides a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Advanced Certificate. This program prepares already credentialed healthcare professionals to specialize in ultrasound technology.
The 63-credit curriculum includes abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and vascular sonography. State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical placements ensure students gain considerable practical experience. TMCC‘s sonography certificate holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Tuition: $8,943 in-state; $20,601 out-of-state
Program Duration: 5 semesters
Admissions Requirements: Allied health degree or certification
3. Milan Institute – Reno
The Milan Institute‘s Reno campus offers a 84-week cardiovascular sonography program focused on adult echocardiography. This 1,845 hour full-time program provides rigorous preparation for entry-level careers in cardiac ultrasound.
In addition to classroom instruction in sonography physics, anatomy, scanning protocols, and pathophysiology, students complete over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience. The program utilizes industry-standard ultrasound equipment similar to what students will encounter in the workplace. Milan Institute is accredited by ABHES and many graduates attain registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RDCS) credentials.
Tuition: $31,999
Program Duration: 84 weeks
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
4. Brightwood College
Brightwood College provided career-focused training, including medical assisting and diagnostic technology programs. However, as of December 2018, all Brightwood College and Brightwood Career Institute campuses have closed nationwide. Students are encouraged to research sonography programs available from other accredited institutions in northern Nevada.
5. Unitek College
Unitek College offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree program across multiple campuses, including Reno. This 88-credit program covers principles of ultrasound physics, instrumentation, abdominal and obstetrical-gynecological sonography.
Unitek College uses simulations and lab practice to supplement lectures and prepare students for over 700 hours of clinical externships. The program culminates in a comprehensive skills assessment. Unitek College currently holds institutional accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program itself is programmatically accredited by CAAHEP.
Tuition: $47,525 total
Program Duration: 73 weeks
Admissions Requirements: High school completion
6. Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute previously offered medical assistant, veterinary assistant and pharmacy technician programs at its Reno campus. However, PMI closed its Nevada locations in 2016. Interested students should consider Unitek College, Milan Institute and Carrington College for sonography training in Reno.
7. Sierra Nevada University
While primarily a liberal arts college, Sierra Nevada University has plans to launch a Bachelor‘s of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography starting in 2024. This 4-year program will combine general education courses with professional sonography curriculum and over 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical training.
The degree aims to graduate competent and compassionate sonographers prepared for entry-level careers in ultrasound technology. Check the Sierra Nevada University website for updates on this upcoming program.
Expected Tuition: To be announced
Expected Program Duration: 4 years
Expected Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
8. Lake Tahoe Community College
Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) located in nearby Incline Village offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This 5-semester program provides classroom, lab, and clinical education across abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, vascular, and superficial structure sonography.
Hands-on simulated experience takes place in the college‘s ultrasound lab outfitted with industry-standard equipment. Students also complete clinical rotations at partner medical facilities gaining real-world experience producing diagnostic images. LTCC‘s sonography program is accredited by CAAHEP.
Tuition: $12,540 total
Program Duration: 74 weeks
Admissions Requirements: Applicant screening required
9. Nevada Career Institute
While not located in Reno itself, Nevada Career Institute (NCI) based in Las Vegas offers a Cardiovascular Sonography associate degree. This 83-credit program combines on-campus labs and over 1,500 hours of clinical externships to provide a comprehensive educational experience in cardiac ultrasound technology.
Students take courses in ultrasound physics, cardiac anatomy, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, and echocardiographic procedures. NCI‘s program aims to instill the skills and knowledge graduates need to pass ARDMS exams and thrive in entry-level sonography careers.
Tuition: $41,965 total
Program Duration: 88 weeks
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED
10. Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College (WNC) in Carson City provides various healthcare programs and transfer degrees leading to 4-year universities. However, WNC itself does not currently offer a diagnostic medical sonography program or courses. Interested students should instead consider the aforementioned sonography programs available in Reno.
11. University of Nevada, Reno
The University of Nevada – Reno is a public research university offering various healthcare-related programs through departments like community health sciences and physiology & cell biology. However, UNR does not have a diagnostic medical sonography major or direct degree pathway for aspiring sonography professionals.
Prospective students would likely need to complete an allied health associate degree elsewhere to pursue ultrasound technology careers or a bachelor‘s healthcare degree at UNR followed by a post-graduate sonography certificate program.
12. Oregon Institute of Technology
While not located in Nevada, the Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) offers both campus-based and online pathways to becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. Programs include a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and a post-baccalaureate certificate for those who already hold a bachelor‘s degree.
Both on-campus and online options blend classroom instruction with over 1,800 hours of hands-on clinical training. Courses cover ultrasound physics, instrumentation, sectional anatomy, pathophysiology, patient care, and scanning techniques. Oregon Tech‘s flexible online program allows students to earn an accredited sonography degree without relocating.
Tuition: Varies by program
Expected Program Duration: Varies from 1-4 years depending on prior degree
Admissions Requirements: Bachelor‘s degree (for certificate); High school diploma or equivalent (for Bachelor‘s)
When researching sonography programs available in the Reno area, here are some key factors to consider:
Accreditation Status
Seeking CAAHEP or ABHES accredited programs help ensure quality standards are met. Graduating from an accredited program is required for most certification exams.
Program Costs
Compare tuition rates and financial aid options across institutions. Seek federal student aid to help fund sonography degrees.
Hands-on Training
Prioritize programs providing extensive access to ultrasound lab equipment and simulations. 500+ hours of clinical training is also essential.
Faculty Expertise
Learning from instructors with professional sonography experience enhances the educational experience.
Career Support
Look for career guidance, resume assistance, networking events and job/internship placement services.
Convenience
Consider commute times to campus. Online sonography programs allow more flexibility.
With multiple exceptional sonography programs available, Reno offers prospective students various pathways to launch rewarding careers using ultrasound technology to provide patient care.