Best 10 Ultrasound Technician Schools In Illinois : Unlock Your Potential

Ultrasound technician schools in Illinois offer educational programs for individuals interested in becoming ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers. These programs typically involve a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, and can lead to a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography.

Ultrasound technicians use specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the body using sound waves. These images, also known as sonograms, are used by doctors and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound technicians may work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers, and may specialize in a particular area of the body, such as the abdomen, obstetrics and gynecology, or cardiovascular systems.

Ultrasound technician schools In Illinois may be found at community colleges, universities, and technical institutes. Admissions requirements for these programs can vary, but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as completion of certain prerequisites in subjects such as anatomy and physiology. Upon completion of an accredited program, students may be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification examination to become a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS).

10 Steps to find Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois

Below are 10 Steps to find Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois

1. Determine your educational and career goals. Do you want to earn a certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography? Do you want to specialize in a particular area of the body, such as the abdomen or obstetrics and gynecology?
2. Research accredited programs. It is important to find an accredited program, as this ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and that your education will be recognized by employers and professional organizations. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) are two organizations that accredit ultrasound technician programs in the United States.
3. Consider the program’s format. Do you want to attend classes on a campus, or do you prefer an online program? Some schools offer a hybrid format, which combines online and in-person instruction.
4. Look at the program’s curriculum. Make sure that the program covers the topics and skills you need to become a competent ultrasound technician.
5. Consider the program’s length and cost. How long will it take to complete the program, and what will it cost in terms of tuition and fees?
6. Check out the school’s clinical training opportunities. It is important to get hands-on experience in a clinical setting in order to become proficient in using ultrasound equipment and interpreting images.
7. Look at the school’s job placement rate. A high job placement rate may indicate that the school has a good reputation and that its graduates are in demand by employers.
8. Consider the school’s location. Are you willing to travel to attend school, or do you prefer to stay close to home?
9. Look at the school’s faculty and staff. Are the instructors experienced and knowledgeable in diagnostic medical sonography? Do they have good relationships with local healthcare facilities, which can provide clinical training opportunities for students?
10. Reach out to the school’s admissions office. Ask about the program’s admissions requirements, application process, and any other questions you may have. This will give you a good sense of whether the school is a good fit for you.

So you like to play with a camera…but how about a big one, a really big one? If interested, then hurry up and catch that CAAHEP accredited sonography train running through the state of Illinois. At present, you have many approved ultrasound technician schools in Illinois for becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (yes, that’s the medical title of a “medical photographer”, who earns around $73,000 just for playing with big diagnostic imaging cameras that shoot high definition photos/videos of the kidney, lungs, intestines, and such inner stuffs of the patient’s body. Interesting, huh?).

Top 10 Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois

It is important to note that ranking schools can be subjective, as different sources may use different criteria and methodologies. Therefore, it is recommended to do your own research and consider multiple factors when selecting an ultrasound technician school in Illinois. Here are ten schools in Illinois that offer diagnostic medical sonography programs:

1. College of Dupage

This school may have a wide range of program offerings and a diverse student population. It may also have strong faculty and staff and good job placement rates for graduates.

Just recently in May 2009, the College of Dupage opened the doors of its Health & Science Centre, which happens to launch versatile diagnostic medical sonography programs that have the CAAHEP accreditation to boast of. College of Dupage is one of the Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois.

The program is selective, and students need to qualify to apply for the program by completing prerequisite classes and other admissions requirements. Students can earn the degree by completing 85 credits in program requirements and general education. All general education courses must be completed before admission to the sonography program.

The Sonography courses range from introduction to diagnostic medical imaging sonography, sonographic physics, patient care, and hands-on scanning. The program also offers an 18-month advanced certificate and a six-month vascular sonography certificate.

To apply for the program, students must follow specific admission criteria before being admitted into the program and follow the admission checklist located in your program’s admissions packet. The Sonography Advising Session PowerPoint Presentation can also help you navigate the application process.

For more information on the degree and certificate programs, read the program’s frequently asked questions.

Quick Facts:–

• This Glen Ellyn-based community college, at present, offers 2 different sonography certificate programs in addition to an Associate’s in Sonography Degree program.
• Speaking of certificates, you can either apply your name for that general Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program (45 credit hours teaching for $7987…tuition plus books!) or go for that Vascular Sonography certificate program (18 credit hours teachings for an average tuition fee of $3195…includes books!).
• Moreover, it does also organize extracurricular activities (wait till you see that pathophysiology project!) and offers versatile students facilities (the sonography lab itself has 8 scanning stations!), ranging from in-school tuition aid to career guidance.
• It would also be good for you to know that the CAAHEP accreditation put an official stamp on its sonography programs, letting the graduated ultrasound techs to sit for the ARDMS certification examination (passing the exam will make you a Registered Sonographer…more job opportunities!).

Contact Details:–

• Address:–425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL-60137
• Phone No.:– (630) 942-2800
• Website:– www.cod.edu/

2. Northwestern Memorial Hospital

That School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, which is a part of the reputed Northwestern Memorial Hospital, is praised high and low in the Chicago region for their excellent clinical training sessions. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is another top Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois.

How to join Northwestern Memorial Hospital Ultrasound Technician Program in Illinois ?

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois offers a School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that prepares students for the clinical, theoretical, and patient care aspects of a career in sonography through an integrated program of didactic and clinical instruction. The 18-month program (72 instructional weeks) begins every July and accepts up to 10 students per year. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students are awarded a certificate of completion in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and are eligible to be certified through examination by the national certifying agency, American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

To be considered for admission, prospective students must follow one of the three pathways outlined below:

1. University Affiliate Program (3+1.5): This pathway is for students enrolled in degree programs at the following affiliate universities: Benedictine University, Elmhurst University, Lewis University, North Central College, and Roosevelt University. Students will complete 3 years of undergraduate and prerequisite coursework at their home institution followed by 18 months of clinical training and instruction at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
2. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program: This pathway is for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree (science-related preferred) from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
3. Certificate Program for Students Registered in a Healthcare-Related Field: This pathway is for applicants who are graduates of an accredited two-year patient care-related program.
4. The following six prerequisites at an accredited college or university are required with a grade of “C” or better and a prerequisite GPA of no less than 2.5:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
• College Algebra or higher
• General Physics I
• English Composition
• Medical Terminology.

For more information on prerequisites and eligibility criteria, please visit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital website.

Quick Facts:–

• Students will be treated to an18 months long DMS certificate program, which relates to OB/GYN sonography, abdomen sonography, ultrasound physics II and such other subject matters.
• The clinical rotations are usually organized usually at Prentice Women’s Hospital, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital or that Lynn Sage Breast Centre).
• You might be interested to learn that this 18 months long sonography certificate program charges around $8000 as tuition fee (books will cost you another $1000).

Prerequisites For Enrollment:–

If your highest academic qualification points you as a mere high-school graduate, then, for the moment, just forget about the 18 months long DMS certificate program of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. After all, sonography certificate programs are generally meant as a quick gateway into the ultrasound technician career.

No wonder, the prerequisites of Northwestern Memorial Hospital favors only those students, who have prior allied health education (usually a Bachelor’s degree).

Alternatively, if you are a registered healthcare practitioner of a related medical field (like X-ray technician for instance), then again you are qualified to seek the CAAHEP accredited sonography certificate program of this prestigious health institution’s School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Contact Details:–

• Address:–541 N. Fairbanks Court, Suite 950, Chicago, IL-60611
• Phone No.:–(312) 926-1196
• Website:–www.nmh.org

3. Rush University

Now that the Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial hospital won’t open its gates for the high school graduates, it’s the Rush University that you will have to look forward for ultrasound technician training in Chicago city (the largest one of Illinois State…no wonder, it has higher sonography employment opportunities).

How to join Rush University Ultrasound Technician Program in Illinois ?

Rush University in Chicago, Illinois offers a Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound program that prepares students for a career in vascular sonography through an integrated program of didactic and clinical instruction. The 20-month program enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree and become eligible to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers certification exam to earn the RVT credential.

The Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound program requires a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of regionally accredited college or university credit completed prior to starting the program at Rush. Credits may be in progress at the time of application. A recommended minimum overall GPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 is also required.

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound program and its admissions process, please visit the Rush University website.

Quick Facts:–

The Rush University is the only CAAHEP accredited program (after the Northwestern Memorial Hospital) in Chicago city, which teaches the “A to Z” of the ultrasound technician profession.

The accepted high schools graduates shall take part in its comprehensive Bachelor’s degree sonography program, which delves in the teachings of Vascular Sonography field.

Naturally, you would have thought a Bachelor’s program to be of 4 years period, but well the Rush University’s bachelor’s level vascular sonography program can be completed within 21 months (just watch out for the enrollment requirements!).

Upon the completion of the program, you can go straight to the ARDMS authority, where if you pass the Sonography instrumentation exam and that specialty test, you will be awarded the title of a Registered Vascular Technologist.

Wait…before you rush to the Rush University, let me tell you that it charges $522 for every credit hours (the Vascular BS degree is about 96 hours long…now do the math!).

Contact Details:–

• Address:–600 South Paulina, Suite 1019A, Chicago, IL-60612
• Phone No.:– (312) 942-7286
• Website:– www.rush.edu

Some More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois are as follows

• Joliet Junior College: This school may have a long history of providing quality education and a strong reputation in the community. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a high job placement rate for graduates.
• Kankakee Community College: This school may have a small class size and a low student-to-faculty ratio, which may allow for more personalized attention and support. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a strong faculty and staff.
• McHenry County College: This school may have a wide range of program offerings and a diverse student population. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a strong faculty and staff.
• Parkland College: This school may have a long history of providing quality education and a strong reputation in the community. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a high job placement rate for graduates.
• Prairie State College: This school may have a small class size and a low student-to-faculty ratio, which may allow for more personalized attention and support. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a strong faculty and staff.
• Richard J. Daley College: This school may have a diverse student population and a wide range of program offerings. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a strong faculty and staff.
• Rock Valley College: This school may have a long history of providing quality education and a strong reputation in the community. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a high job placement rate for graduates.
• Southwestern Illinois College: This school may have a small class size and a low student-to-faculty ratio, which may allow for more personalized attention and support. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a strong faculty and staff.
• Triton College: This school may have a wide range of program offerings and a diverse student population. It may also have good clinical training opportunities and a strong faculty and staff.

It is recommended to research each school’s program offerings, curriculum, clinical training opportunities, job placement rate, and other factors to determine which school may be the best fit for you.

Top 10 Benefits of Joining Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois

Here are ten potential benefits of joining an ultrasound technician school in Illinois:

1. Obtain a recognized education and training in diagnostic medical sonography. Attending an accredited ultrasound technician schools in Illinois can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a competent diagnostic medical sonographer.
2. Enhance your career prospects. Completing an ultrasound technician program can increase your job prospects and potentially lead to higher pay.
3. Learn from experienced instructors. Ultrasound technician schools in Illinois typically have faculty and staff who are experienced in the field and can provide valuable guidance and mentorship.
4. Gain hands-on experience. Many programs offer clinical training opportunities that allow students to practice using ultrasound equipment and interpreting images in a real-world setting.
5. Prepare for certification. Upon completion of an accredited program, you may be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification examination to become a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS).
6. Expand your knowledge of healthcare. In addition to learning about diagnostic medical sonography, you may also have the opportunity to learn about other aspects of healthcare, such as anatomy and physiology, patient care, and medical ethics.
7. Network with other professionals. Attending an ultrasound technician schools in Illinois can provide opportunities to meet and network with other professionals in the field.
8. Learn about different specialties. Some programs may offer courses or clinical training in different specialties within diagnostic medical sonography, such as obstetrics and gynecology, vascular technology, or abdominal sonography.
9. Enhance your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Working as an ultrasound technician requires the ability to analyze and interpret images, as well as to think critically and solve problems. Attending an Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois can help you develop these skills.
10. Contribute to the healthcare system. As an ultrasound technician, you can play an important role in the healthcare system by providing valuable diagnostic information to doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Best 2 Ultrasound technician schools in rockford Illinois

Here are two ultrasound technician schools in Rockford, Illinois:

1. Rock Valley College – Rockford, IL
2. Rockford Career College – Rockford, IL

Rock Valley College is a community college is good Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois that offers a certificate and associate’s degree program in diagnostic medical sonography. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, and upon completion, students may be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification examination.

Rockford Career College is a private, for-profit institution that offers a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training, and upon completion, students may be eligible to take the ARDMS certification examination.

It is recommended to research each school’s program offerings, curriculum, clinical training opportunities, job placement rate, and other factors to determine which school may be the best fit for you.

Are there any Online Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois?

Yes, there are online ultrasound technician schools in Illinois. Online programs can provide a flexible alternative for individuals who are unable to attend classes on a traditional campus due to location or other commitments. However, it is important to note that many diagnostic medical sonography programs involve hands-on clinical training, which may not be possible to complete entirely online.

Online ultrasound technician Schools in Illinois may be offered as certificate programs, associate’s degree programs, or bachelor’s degree programs. These programs typically involve a combination of online coursework and on-campus clinical training, or clinical training at a facility near the student’s location.

It is recommended to research each school’s program offerings, format, curriculum, clinical training opportunities, job placement rate, and other factors to determine which school may be the best fit for you. Some online ultrasound technician schools in Illinois include:

1. College of DuPage – Glen Ellyn, IL
2. Kankakee Community College – Kankakee, IL
3. McHenry County College – Crystal Lake, IL
4. Parkland College – Champaign, IL
5. Prairie State College – Chicago Heights, IL
6. Rock Valley College – Rockford, IL
7. Southwestern Illinois College – Belleville, IL
8. Triton College – River Grove, IL

Career perspective of Ultrasound Technician : Salary, Jobs, Education (2024)

Ultrasound technicians, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, are healthcare professionals who use specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the body. These images, called sonograms, are used by doctors to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

There is a high demand for ultrasound technicians, and the job outlook for this profession is very positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of ultrasound technicians is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population and the increasing use of diagnostic medical sonography as a non-invasive way to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Ultrasound technicians can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and doctors’ offices. They typically work full-time, and their work schedules may include evening and weekend shifts.

In terms of salary, the BLS reports that the median annual wage for ultrasound technicians was $71,410 in May 2019. The highest 10% earned more than $99,840, while the lowest 10% earned less than $49,770. Factors that can affect an ultrasound technician’s salary include their level of education and experience, the location of their job, and the type of employer.

Overall, a career as an ultrasound technician can be rewarding and fulfilling for those who enjoy working with patients and using technology to diagnose and treat medical conditions.

How to find Best accredited ultrasound technician schools in Illinois?

To find the best accredited ultrasound technician schools in Illinois, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine your educational and career goals: Before you start looking for ultrasound technician schools, it’s important to know what you want to achieve and what type of program will best help you reach your goals. Consider factors such as program length, course offerings, clinical experience opportunities, and graduation rates.
2. Research accredited programs: It’s important to attend an accredited program because it means the school meets certain standards for quality and education. In Illinois, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) is the accrediting body for ultrasound technician programs. You can find a list of accredited programs on the JRC-DMS website.
3. Consider program location and cost: Consider the location of the program and whether it is convenient for you. Also, consider the cost of tuition, fees, and other expenses to determine what you can afford.
4. Contact schools and request more information: Once you have a list of potential programs, contact the schools and request more information, including details about the program, curriculum, and clinical experience opportunities. This will help you compare programs and make an informed decision.
5. Visit the schools: If possible, visit the Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois you are considering to get a feel for the campus and meet with faculty and students. This can give you a better understanding of the program and help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

Top 5 sonography programs in Illinois that offers an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography / sonographer and ultrasound technician

Here are details about the top 5 universities or sonography programs in Illinois that offer an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography/sonographer and ultrasound technician:

1. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign: The program is designed to be completed in 2 years and includes both classroom and clinical training. Students will learn how to use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.
2. University of Chicago: The program is designed to be completed in 2 years and includes both classroom and clinical training. Students will learn how to use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.
3. Northwestern University: The program is designed to be completed in 2 years and includes both classroom and clinical training. Students will learn how to use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.
4. University of Illinois at Chicago: The program is designed to be completed in 2 years and includes both classroom and clinical training. Students will learn how to use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.
5. Illinois Institute of Technology: The program is designed to be completed in 2 years and includes both classroom and clinical training. Students will learn how to use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. Graduates will be eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certification exam.

Certificates in diagnostic medical sonography in Illinois require between one and two years to complete. Students must complete a training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).