Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois (Become a Sonographer)

It is our suggestion that people interested in technology in combination with the desire to help people should pursue an education at one of the ultrasound technician schools in Illinois.

These programs will help to put you in a position for a solid education after which you will get the ability to earn an above-average salary.

The job outlook is high as well, making the sonography profession even more attractive.

Another reason is that in Illinois the number of employment opportunities is expected to increase by 12.1% by 2026 according to CareerOneStop.

In addition, Illinois has the 5th highest level of employment for techs in the nation.

To make you acquainted with all these topics later, and provide you with necessary information related to accredited schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer, we have written the following article and we believe that you will find it useful.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois

The first step you need to take is to request information from a school of interest and speak with a representative.

He/she will discuss with you your interests and desires and make sure that their programs align with your long-term career goals.

The best suggestion is that you select a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program to attend.

So that a school or program can become accredited, it has to undergo a rigorous review by an outside agency and the primary accreditation body in sonography is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Accredited school or program must have met the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews.

The following list is made to enable you to find ultrasound technician schools in Illinois that have been accredited by CAAHEP and which offer degrees or certificates in diagnostic medical sonography:

• College of DuPage – 425 Fawell Blvd Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
• Harper College – 1200 W Algonquin Rd Palatine, IL 60067-7398
• John A Logan College – 700 Logan College Drive Carterville, IL 62918
• Joliet Junior College – 1215 Houbolt Rd Joliet, IL 60431
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital – 541 N. Fairbanks Ct Suite 950 Chicago, IL 60611
• Rush University – 600 S. Paulina St Suite 1001 Chicago, IL 60612
• Southern Illinois University – 1365 Douglas Drive Carbondale, IL 62901
• Triton College – 2000 Fifth Avenue River Grove, IL 60171

Attending and successfully completing a recognized Illinois DMS program is a direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, and a specialty exam.

You should think about receiving professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography, even though many states do not require sonographers to have it.

Those students who are currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program are also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo semi-annual $1,000 scholarship.

If you are wondering what you can expect from your ultrasound tech training program, we would be glad to inform you that during your studies, you will get plenty of hands-on experience, a solid understanding of human anatomy, and strong ultrasound techniques.

Some programs lead to an Associate’s degree, while more in-depth programs may lead to a Bachelor’s degree in ultrasound technology, which will determine the length of your education.

You can obtain your certificate or associate degrees in MRI, ultrasound technology, cardiac and vascular sonography, or radiologic technology.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Illinois

As it has already been mentioned, the state of Illinois does not legally require certification to be an ultrasound technician.

Nowadays, there are employers who prefer or require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) to make sure that they have the best possible staff.

The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam and this is available only to those who meet the prerequisites.

Once you have met all the qualifications, you can take the exam at one of the various locations in Illinois:

• 425 N Martingale Rd #220, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• 1827 Walden Office Square Suite #540, Schaumburg, IL 60173
• 2301 22nd St, Oak Brook, IL 60523
• 3000 Professional Dr, Springfield, IL 62703
• 200 W Adams St # 1105, Chicago, IL 60606
• 111 E Wacker Dr #515, Chicago, IL 60601
• 4507 N Sterling Ave # 301, Peoria, IL 61615
• 103 Airway Dr, Marion, IL 62959

Medical Imaging Organizations for Illinois

Becoming a member of various organizations that are designed to benefit the members in a specific profession would be a good decision.

In sonography, there are national and state-level associations that may help you in a variety of ways, no matter whether you are an already established sonographer, or you are just entering this field.

You can benefit from networking opportunities, continuing medical education (CME) credits, and staying current on the ever-changing technologies.

It is worth mentioning that most organizations have annual membership fee requirements.

Below are a few of the organizations available to medical imagers in Illinois:

• Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISSRT)
• Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA)
• Illinois Primary Healthcare Association

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Illinois

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for sonographers in Illinois is $95177.

If you belong to those at the top of their profession, you can earn a mean annual salary of $109830, while those with entry-level positions and lower education earn $84286 a year in Illinois.

The factors that can determine your salary is where you work, your years of experience, and whether or not you are ARDMS certified.

You can also look into the average salary for each job title below: 

• Ultrasound Technician  – 17% expected job growth by 2024, $74,710 per year
• Echo Tech – 16% expected job growth, $55,600 per year
• Vascular Sonographer – 16% expected job growth, $55,600 per year
• MRI Technologist – 3% expected job growth by 2024, $69,100 per year
• Cardiac Sonographer – 16% expected job growth, $55,600 per year
• Radiology Tech – 2% expected job growth, $60,210 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

You should have in mind when looking for an ideal job that those who work in outpatient care centers earn more than their counterparts.

Also, a person with an Associate’s Degree can earn a base wage, while receiving a Bachelor’s Degree will open you up to more high paying positions.

Location can also greatly impact your salary and the following table shows how much ultrasound techs earn in different major cities of Illinois.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Illinois