Why Sonography Programs Use the TEAS
Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is one of the most competitive allied health programs to get into. Sonographers earn strong salaries, enjoy excellent job growth, and complete their training in roughly two years — which means applicant pools are large relative to available seats. Most CAAHEP-accredited sonography programs admit between 8 and 20 students per cohort, making every component of your application critical.
The TEAS exam is used by the majority of associate-degree sonography programs as a standardized measure of academic readiness. Some programs use the HESI A2 or accept either exam. A few bachelor's-level and certificate programs have different entrance requirements, but the TEAS remains the most common admissions exam across the field.
Typical Score Requirements
Sonography TEAS requirements vary by institution, but programs generally fall into three tiers.
Minimum-threshold programs require composite scores between 58% and 62%. These programs set a floor for eligibility but use points-based ranking to select from qualified applicants. Meeting the minimum gets you into the pool but doesn't guarantee admission. Mayo Clinic's sonography program and several community college programs in this range report highly competitive applicant pools where actual admitted scores run well above the published minimum.
Mid-range programs require composite scores between 62% and 68%, often with section-specific requirements. Eastern Florida State College, for example, requires a 60% overall composite plus a 65% minimum on Reading Comprehension. Central New Mexico Community College requires a 60% composite on each individual TEAS attempt, with section minimums achievable across multiple sittings.
Competitive programs set requirements at the 70th percentile or higher. Touro University California requires scores in the 50th percentile minimum, with preference given to applicants scoring at or above the 70th percentile. Programs at this level are often bachelor's-degree or accelerated certificate tracks with especially small cohorts.
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How Sonography Admissions Differ from Other Allied Health Programs
Sonography admissions tend to be more holistic than some other allied health programs. In addition to TEAS scores and GPA, many programs require or strongly encourage observation hours (typically 8-30 hours shadowing a working sonographer), essays, letters of recommendation, and sometimes interviews.
Points-based selection is the norm. Wake Tech Community College explicitly states it uses a competitive point system rather than a waitlist — meaning your ranking among applicants determines admission, not when you applied. Most sonography programs follow this model.
Another key difference: sonography programs often accept applications only once per year, typically for a fall start. The application window may open 6-12 months before the program begins, and TEAS testing windows can close months before the application deadline. Planning ahead is essential.
Some programs allow you to combine section scores across multiple TEAS attempts. Eastern Florida State and CNM both allow this — if you hit the required minimum on Reading in your first attempt and Math in your second, both count. This is more lenient than programs that require all minimums on a single sitting, but you still need a minimum composite score on each individual attempt.
Which TEAS Sections Matter Most for Sonography
Science (30% of total score): Sonography is fundamentally a science-based profession. You'll study anatomy extensively, and your ability to produce diagnostic-quality images depends on understanding body structures and their relationships. The TEAS Science section's emphasis on human anatomy and physiology aligns directly with sonography coursework.
Reading (31% of total score): The largest section by weight, and some programs set separate Reading minimums. Sonographers must interpret clinical orders, understand patient histories, and follow protocols — all reading-intensive tasks. Strong reading comprehension is a baseline requirement for the profession.
Math (22% of total score): Sonography involves physics concepts (sound wave properties, imaging parameters) and some mathematical calculations. While the TEAS Math section doesn't test ultrasound physics directly, the foundational math skills it assesses are prerequisites for the physics coursework you'll encounter in the program.
English & Language Usage (17% of total score): Sonographers document findings and communicate with physicians and patients. Professional communication skills matter in this field, even though this section carries the least weight on the exam.
Preparation Strategy for Sonography Applicants
Start with a diagnostic. Sonography programs are competitive enough that you need to maximize every section of your TEAS score. A diagnostic identifies your weakest area so you can allocate study time efficiently. StudyBuddy offers a free TEAS diagnostic that pinpoints your weakest section in about 15 minutes — no account required.
Aim well above the minimum. Because sonography programs are so competitive, treat the published minimum as a floor, not a target. If a program requires 60%, aim for 75%+. Your TEAS score is one of the few differentiators you have in a points-based system.
Complete A&P and any physics prerequisites early. Anatomy & Physiology coursework provides a major advantage on the TEAS Science section. If your program also requires physics or ultrasound physics as a prerequisite, that coursework reinforces the scientific reasoning skills tested on the TEAS.
Complete observation hours early. Many sonography programs require documented shadowing hours as part of the application. Don't wait until the last minute — clinical sites may have limited availability, and completing this requirement early lets you focus on TEAS preparation during the final weeks before the application deadline.
Research your program's score combination policy. If your target program allows combining section scores across multiple attempts, you can strategize — focus intensively on your weakest sections for each attempt rather than trying to peak on everything simultaneously. But verify this policy before relying on it.