How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Illinois 2025

If you're looking for a rewarding and potentially lucrative career in allied health, becoming an ultrasound technician, or diagnostic medical sonographer, may be the path for you. If you live in Illinois, there are a few basic steps you can follow to pursue this career path.

Perhaps you'd like to know more about how to become an ultrasound tech in Illinois. Keep reading as we explore common sonographer requirements, provide a step-by-step process you can follow, and answer some questions you may have.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

Ultrasound technicians are medical imaging professionals who use specialized equipment to take ultrasounds, or sonograms, of internal organs and other body structures. These images can help doctors diagnose certain medical conditions. Common ultrasound tech job duties include:

• explaining diagnostic imaging procedures to patients
• properly positioning patients for procedures
• operating ultrasound equipment
• cleaning and performing basic maintenance on equipment
• updating patient medical records

Ultrasound techs may also be called diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS), sonographers, and ultrasound technologists. They typically work in hospitals, physician's offices, imaging centers, and other types of outpatient facilities.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Illinois

There are a few ultrasound tech requirements you'll need to meet if you plan to follow this career path. Follow the steps below to start working toward future employment opportunities.

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Becoming an ultrasound tech requires postsecondary education, so you will need to meet basic entrance standards set by most schools. These requirements typically include having a high school diploma or equivalent and being at least 18 years old.

Depending on the school you attend, there may be other requirements as well. You may have to have to have a minimum GPA, submit standardized test scores, and undergo a background check or physical examination.

Step 2: Complete a Training Program

The schooling to become an ultrasound tech varies. You'll need to enroll in some kind of diagnostic medical sonography program, typically an associate or bachelor's degree program. Certificate programs are also available for those who already have training and experience in another healthcare field.

Your program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The top schools with accredited programs in the state are Joliet Junior College and College of DuPage. Their DMS programs will teach sonography principles through a blend of classroom instruction and clinical training.

Step 3: Get Certified

Once you've completed education requirements, you'll need to pursue professional certification. While Illinois doesn't require state licensure for ultrasound techs, most employers in the state prefer candidates with registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) credentials through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Candidates will be required to sit for two certification exams when pursuing these credentials: the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) test and a Specialty test in which they will be quizzed in one of five concentrations. Upon successful completion of these tests, candidates can begin pursuing employment.

Step 4: Look for Jobs

Most entry-level ultrasound techs work in hospitals. Top ultrasound tech employers in Illinois include Advocate Aurora Health, Northwestern Medicine, and OSF Healthcare.

Consider applying to healthcare facilities directly or look for open positions by searching online. The ARDMS provides a helpful job board; you may also want to attend hiring events to learn more about potential job opportunities.

Step 5: Maintain Certification

It's important to keep your RDMS credentials up to date. Not only does this show employers that you're committed to your career, but it may be required to keep your job.

You'll need to complete ARDMS-approved continuing education every three years to maintain your certification. Additionally, you'll need to demonstrate that you are in compliance with ARDMS standards and ethics and pay a renewal fee for your certificate every year.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Illinois

You can pursue a variety of specializations as an ultrasound tech. Some of the specialized career paths to consider include:

• Vascular sonographer: These healthcare professionals use vascular technology to take images of the heart and blood vessels. They may also be known as diagnostic cardiac sonographers or echocardiographers.
• Abdominal sonographer: Abdominal sonographers specialize in taking sonograms of the abdominal cavity. They must have advanced knowledge of structures and systems within the abdomen, often requiring additional training.
• Musculoskeletal sonographer: Musculoskeletal sonographers take images of the muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues throughout the body. They commonly help to diagnose structural injuries but may also look for other conditions or abnormalities.
• Neurosonolgy sonographer: These highly trained sonographers use special equipment to produce images of the brain. They sometimes help diagnose conditions located elsewhere in the nervous system as well.
• Obstetric and gynecologic sonographer: OB/GYN sonographers are ultrasound techs for babies, as their primary job is to produce images of unborn fetuses. They may also serve as ultrasound techs for pregnancy by providing updates on the baby's growth and looking for abnormalities that may develop.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Illinois

If you're still wondering what it takes to become a sonographer in your state, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Illinois?

If you qualify for a certificate program, you can graduate and start your ultrasound career in about 12 to 18 months. Associate and bachelor's degrees typically take longer; usually two and four years, respectively.

How Long Does It Take To Become an Ultrasound Tech After High School?

High school students rarely have the medical training and experience necessary to enroll in certificate programs. If they study full-time, they can complete an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography within two years or a bachelor's degree within four years. Part-time learners will take longer to graduate.

How Much Does It Cost To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Illinois?

Costs can vary widely depending on the type of program you enroll in and whether you attend a public or private school. Generally speaking, certificate programs can cost as little as $5,000; associate degrees typically range from $10,000 to $30,000; and bachelor's degrees may cost $30,000 to $60,000 or more.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Illinois?

The average median sonography tech salary in Illinois is $76,010 according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of earners make less than $52,380 each year; however, the highest 10% of earners make $100,970 per year or more.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're ready to begin your journey to becoming an ultrasound tech in Illinois, explore the colleges featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to find out more about their programs and to choose the best option for you.