Best Ultrasound Technician Programs in Bellevue Washington

Key Takeaways

• Bellevue College offers the most recognized and competitive Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program in Bellevue, accredited by CAAHEP.
• Nearby programs such as Lake Washington Institute of Technology and Seattle-area colleges expand specialization and bachelor’s degree options.
• Tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $12,000 per year for in-state students, excluding clinical and supply costs.
• Graduates in Washington State earn average salaries between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, depending on specialty and experience.
• Successful applicants typically complete extensive science prerequisites and clinical observation before admission.

Why Study Ultrasound Technology in Bellevue, Washington?

Bellevue is part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area, one of the strongest healthcare markets in the Pacific Northwest. Major employers include Overlake Medical Center, EvergreenHealth, UW Medicine, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. These hospitals and clinics partner with local schools to provide required hands-on clinical training.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow nationwide. In Washington State, demand remains especially strong due to an aging population and expansion of outpatient diagnostic services. The state consistently ranks above the national average for sonographer pay.

Top Ultrasound Technician Programs in and Near Bellevue

1. Bellevue College – Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology

Location: Bellevue, WA
Degree: Associate in Applied Science (AAS-DTA)
Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited

Bellevue College offers the most established and competitive ultrasound technician program in Bellevue. Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs ensures graduates are eligible to sit for ARDMS certification exams immediately upon completion.

Program Highlights

• Intensive professional-technical curriculum
• Clinical placements at major regional healthcare facilities
• Training in abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and vascular sonography
• High ARDMS exam pass rates

Admissions Overview

Admission is selective and requires completion of prerequisite coursework such as anatomy and physiology, physics, medical terminology, and patient care fundamentals. Applicants typically must maintain a competitive GPA and complete observation hours in a diagnostic imaging setting.

Estimated Costs

In-state tuition for the full program generally ranges from $10,000 to $12,000, excluding textbooks, uniforms, immunizations, and exam fees.

Best for: Students seeking a highly regarded, accredited program located directly in Bellevue with strong clinical affiliations.

2. Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech)

Location: Kirkland, WA (15 minutes from Bellevue)
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science options and related imaging programs

While best known for its Bachelor of Applied Science pathways, LWTech offers healthcare and imaging-related programs that complement sonography careers. Students sometimes complete initial allied health training here before applying to specialized sonography programs.

LWTech is regionally accredited and known for strong workforce placement outcomes. Its proximity makes it a practical alternative or academic stepping stone.

3. Seattle-Area CAAHEP Accredited Programs

Expanding your search radius increases specialization options such as adult echocardiography or vascular technology. Top accredited programs within commuting distance include institutions in Seattle and surrounding cities.

These programs may offer:

• Direct-entry echocardiography tracks
• Bachelor of Science degrees
• Advanced imaging internships
• Specialized pediatric or cardiac sonography training

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

SchoolDegree TypeAccredited (CAAHEP)LengthEstimated In-State TuitionClinical Training IncludedBellevue CollegeAASYes2 Years$10,000 to $12,000YesLWTechBAS / Allied Health PathwaysVaries by program2 to 4 Years$6,000 to $9,000 per yearYesSeattle-Area ProgramsAAS or BSYes (select schools)2 to 4 Years$8,000 to $15,000+Yes

What Makes a Program “The Best”?

CAAHEP Accreditation

This is the most important factor. Graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program allows students to sit for ARDMS certification exams without additional work experience requirements.

Certification Exam Preparation

The best programs integrate registry exam preparation into coursework, focusing on Sonography Principles and Instrumentation and specialty exams.

Clinical Placement Network

Strong hospital partnerships lead to better training experiences and job placement opportunities. In Bellevue, connections to Overlake, Swedish Medical Center, and EvergreenHealth are valuable advantages.

Graduate Outcomes

Ask programs about:

• Graduation rates
• ARDMS pass rates
• Job placement rates within six months

Admission Requirements in Bellevue Area Programs

Competitive sonography programs typically require:

• Completion of anatomy and physiology I and II
• College-level physics
• Medical terminology
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 or higher
• Healthcare observation or volunteer experience
• Background check and immunizations

Because seats are limited, early preparation and strong academic performance significantly improve acceptance chances.

Career Outlook and Salary in Washington

Washington State consistently ranks among the top-paying states for diagnostic medical sonographers. Average annual wages range from approximately $85,000 to over $105,000 depending on specialty, experience, and employer.

Specializations such as cardiac sonography and vascular technology often command higher salaries. The Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma metro area offers some of the strongest compensation due to healthcare demand and cost of living.

How to Choose the Right Program for You

Step 1: Confirm Accreditation

Verify CAAHEP status through the official directory before applying.

Step 2: Evaluate Commute and Schedule

Clinical rotations often start early in the morning. Consider proximity to campus and training sites.

Step 3: Compare Total Costs

Include uniforms, liability insurance, certification exams, and transportation to clinical sites.

Step 4: Ask About Clinical Assignments

Exposure to multiple specialties increases employability after graduation.

Step 5: Consider Long-Term Goals

If you plan to pursue leadership or management roles, a bachelor’s degree pathway may offer long-term advantages.

Local Employment Connections

Bellevue-area programs frequently collaborate with:

• Overlake Medical Center
• EvergreenHealth
• UW Medicine
• Swedish Medical Center
• Virginia Mason

Strong clinical impressions often translate directly into employment offers after graduation. Many employers prefer hiring students who have already trained within their departments.

Is Bellevue the Right Place to Start Your Sonography Career?

For students seeking high earning potential, competitive healthcare networks, and access to accredited training, Bellevue stands out as one of the best cities in Washington to become an ultrasound technician. With careful planning, strong prerequisite preparation, and enrollment in a reputable accredited program, graduates can enter a stable and well-compensated healthcare career in as little as two years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ultrasound Programs in Bellevue

Which ultrasound program in Bellevue is CAAHEP accredited?

Bellevue College offers a CAAHEP-accredited Diagnostic Ultrasound Technology program. This accreditation lets you sit for ARDMS exams right after graduation, without needing extra work experience first.

How much does it cost to become an ultrasound technician near Bellevue?

In-state tuition usually ranges from about $6,000 to $12,000 per year, depending on the school and degree. You should also budget for books, uniforms, immunizations, clinical fees, and ARDMS exam costs.

What prerequisites do you need for Bellevue-area sonography programs?

Most programs expect you to complete anatomy and physiology I and II, college physics, and medical terminology, with a GPA around 2.5–3.0 or higher. You also usually need healthcare observation hours, up-to-date immunizations, and a background check.

How much can you earn as an ultrasound technician in Washington State?

Diagnostic medical sonographers in Washington typically earn about $85,000 to $105,000 per year, depending on your specialty, experience, and employer. Cardiac and vascular sonography roles often pay on the higher end of that range.

How long does it take to complete an ultrasound program near Bellevue?

Most associate degree ultrasound programs take about two years once you finish your prerequisites. Bachelor’s degree options and advanced specialties may take three to four years total.