Are you considering a career in healthcare, but not sure if nursing or being a doctor is right for you? Have you thought about pursuing diagnostic medical sonography? As an ultrasound tech, you can play a crucial role in patient care without years of medical school. By obtaining highly detailed images using specialized technology, sonographers provide data that helps physicians assess medical conditions and guide treatments.
This growing field offers the chance to start your career in as little as two years with an associate degree. Ultrasound technicians earn competitive wages in the Chicago area‘s bustling healthcare job market. Read on for insights on launching your sonography training at one of the area‘s top programs. With dedication and proper education, you can gain skills to pursue meaningful work helping people at an exciting time in this constantly advancing field.
Sonography Career Outlook in Chicago
The job growth outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers and vascular technologists is excellent not just in Chicago, but across the country. According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for sonography professionals nationwide are expected to increase by 17 percent through 2030.
This growth significantly outpaces the average across all occupations. In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, the BLS projects 22 percent growth in sonography jobs over this period. With demand increasing and baby boomer sonographers retiring, newly trained ultrasound techs should have plentiful career opportunities and earning potential.
| Occupation | 2020 Median Pay | Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $77,790 | 17% |
| Cardiovascular Technologists | $69,750 | 14% |
Why Seek CAAHEP Accredited Sonography Training?
While certificate programs allow entry into the field more quickly, pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree better prepares you for advanced specialties. Graduating from an accredited program also makes you more competitive. The most widely recognized accreditor for diagnostic medical sonography and echocardiography certificate and degree programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The CAAHEP seal signifies that a sonography program meets rigorous curriculum, faculty, clinical experience and other standards. Attending an accredited program verifies to future employers that your education thoroughly prepared you for the profession. Accreditation also streamlines eligibility for the ARDMS specialty exams.
While CAAHEP accredits entire sonography programs, ARDMS handles certifying individual ultrasound technicians once working in the field. Passing exams like Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) makes you more marketable.
In-Depth Look at Top Chicago Sonography Programs
The Chicago metro area boasts a wide array of CAAHEP accredited programs, preparing ultrasound technicians at excellent community colleges and universities. When weighing options, look for strong clinical experience components in hospital/clinic settings. Also examine each program‘s graduate certification pass rates.
Here‘s an overview of a few standout programs:
Triton College
Location: River Grove, IL
Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: 2 years
Clinical Hours: 1,000+
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Triton‘s highly regarded program provides rigorous Sonography education plus essential real-world clinical training. Students develop expertise in abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology and vascular ultrasound. The curriculum aligns with ARDMS certification exams. Graduates have achieved strong pass rates.
Malcolm X College
Location: Chicago, IL
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Program Length: 2 years
Clinical Hours: 1,200
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Malcolm X College, part of City Colleges of Chicago, offers an affordable path to begin a Sonography career. Students gain significant hands-on experience in the on-site lab, then refine skills during clinical rotations at facilities including University of Chicago.
College of DuPage
Location: Glen Ellyn, IL
Degree: Associate of Applied Science
Program Length: 2 years
Clinical Hours: 1,200
Accreditation: CAAHEP
COD‘s rigorous cardiovascular sonography program provides specialized training in adult cardiac and vascular ultrasound. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, testing protocols and interpreting results. Clinical placements focus on advanced, specialized vascular procedures.
University of Illinois at Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Program Length: 4 years
Clinical Hours: 1,800
Accreditation: CAAHEP
UIC‘s competitive program is the only CAAHEP accredited bachelor-level Sonography offering in Chicago. Students split time between classroom instruction, hands-on labs and clinical work. Year 3 involves rotations in various specialties before selecting a concentration.
Compare Area Sonography Programs
| Institution | Degree | Length | Tuition^ | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triton College | Associate | 2 years | $13,350* | Moderately Competitive |
| Malcolm X College | Associate | 2 years | $7,900*^ | Less Competitive |
| College of DuPage | Associate | 2 years | $12,180* | Very Competitive |
| University of Illinois-Chicago | Bachelor | 4 years | $32,736# | Very Competitive |
^ Estimated based on 2022-2023 data
*For in-district students
What to Look for in a Sonography Program
- Accreditation: Confirm CAAHEP or other approval
- Admissions competitiveness: More indicates stronger reputation
- Hands-on training: Lab for scanning practice essential
- Clinical hours: 500-1,200+ conveys depth of experience
- Specialties covered: Cardiac, vascular, OB-GYN ultrasound, etc.
- Faculty credentials: Expertise elevates instruction
- Certification exam pass rates: Key indicator of outcomes
Pursuing Your Passion for Helping People
If you possess strong interpersonal abilities, keen attention to detail, comfort with technology and a patient, caring nature, sonography could prove a fulfilling career choice. With dedication and proper Sonography education, you can develop expertise in producing images that provide invaluable medical intelligence – and positively impact people‘s lives.
Chicago offers top-tier training programs, affordable pathways and plentiful job possibilities. As you weigh options for launching this meaningful allied health career, determine whether a 1-2 year accelerated track or 4 year immersive program best suits your learning style and aspirations in this multifaceted diagnostic field.
I welcome any questions as you research sonography programs in Chicago. Please reach out if you would like any guidance or perspective to help make this important decision as you plan your educational journey ahead!
Jennifer Walsh, MHS, RVT
Medical Education Consultant