Which Schools Offer Ultrasound Technician Programs in Chicago, IL?

Certificate and degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography will allow you to enter the medical profession at several levels depending on which degree program you choose to pursue. From certificate though bachelor's programs, Chicago has several schools to help you with your educational goals.

What You Need to Know

A few schools just outside of Chicago, IL, provide certificate and degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography. Degrees granted are the Associate in Applied Science or Bachelor of Science. These programs train prospective ultrasound technicians or provide advanced studies for those working in the field who wish to expand their clinical skills and possibly prepare for career advancement. As a student at any level, you will have the opportunity to learn sonographic techniques and practice on actual equipment in lab or clinical settings. Courses could include ultrasound physics, anatomy, healthcare ethics and math. Completion of a postsecondary program could lead to certification in the field. Depending on which program you select, you could earn your certificate or degree in anywhere from one to 4.5 years studying full time. Read more about these programs here to determine which one is a right fit for you.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Programs in the Chicago Area

College of DuPage

The College of DuPage's sonography certificate program is intended for students with experience in allied health and involves regular clinical rotations in addition to classroom instruction. You'll attend classes on weekday evenings and undergo clinical experience during daytime hours, at which time your professional conduct will be evaluated. Occasionally, weekend hours may be included in both the classroom and clinical portions of the program. In addition to the basic diagnostic medical imaging sonography certificate, DuPage also awards a specialized certificate program in vascular sonography, open to graduates of accredited sonography programs.

• Program Name: Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Advanced Certificate
• Program Length: 15 months, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,080 per year for in-district residents, $9,690 per year for in-state residents, $11,790 per year for non-Illinois residents (costs as of 2019)
• Prerequisites: 2-year degree and current licensure in an allied health science field (such as radiology, nursing, medical technology, etc.); coursework in math and pathophysiology for sonographers
• Requirements: tuberculosis test; current immunizations or completed official declination form; physical exam; drug test
• School Type: 2-year, public; approximately 24,900 students

Triton College

Triton's certificate program is exclusively available to those already registered as radiographers and provides both a theoretical overview and practical training in sonography. The program includes courses on topics such as ultrasound physics, diagnostic sonography and ultrasound film evaluation. You'll also be given the opportunity to offer clinical ultrasound services to patients.

• Program Name: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate
• Program Length: 3 semesters (including summer), full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,170 per year for in-district residents, $10,096 per year for in-state residents, $12,539 per year for non-Illinois residents (costs as of 2019)
• Prerequisites: at least a C in an anatomy and physiology course within the past five years
• Requirements: certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 10,529 students

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree Programs in the Chicago Area

College of DuPage

The associate degree program at DuPage is designed for students without a background in health science. Before you apply for acceptance into the sonography program, you'll need to complete general education courses and introductory courses in math and pathophysiology. The curriculum incorporates the coursework and clinical experience available in the school's sonography certificate program, including courses covering sonographic physics and legal issues. Laboratory sessions covering hands-on scanning and cerebrovascular sonography are also required.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $4,080 per year for in-district residents, $9,690 per year for in-state residents, $11,790 per year for non-Illinois residents (costs as of 2019)
• Prerequisites: completion of 25 general education credits (prior to applying to sonography program)
• Requirements: current immunizations or completed official declination form; physical exam; drug test
• School Type: 2-year, public; approximately 24,900 students

Willliam Rainey Harper College

The diagnostic medical sonography program at Harper College is designed for full-time students and offers daytime weekday classes. The program covers instruction in obstetric, abdominal, peripheral vascular and small parts ultrasound. After completing the first year, you can complete an optional summer course in laboratory techniques. Harper's location in Palatine is about 30 miles northwest of Chicago.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $3,684 per year for in-district residents, $9,852 per year for in-state residents, $11,664 per year for non-Illinois residents (costs as of 2019)
• Prerequisites: completion of one course each in human physiology, human anatomy, mathematics and composition
• Requirements: attendance at the school's imaging technology information session; tuberculosis test; current immunizations; health insurance coverage; physical exam; completion of National League for Nursing (NLN) test
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 13,530 students

Triton College

This Triton program includes introductory courses on subjects such as medical terminology and patient care and specialized instruction on topics such as ultrasound imagery, cross-sectional anatomy and allied health ethics. The program includes the opportunity for you to practice utilizing ultrasound techniques and equipment.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Program Length: 2.5 years (5 semesters)
• Tuition and Fees: $4,170 per year for in-district residents, $10,096 per year for in-state residents, $12,539 per year for non-Illinois residents (costs as of 2019)
• Prerequisites: completion of high school biology, physics, chemistry and algebra courses within the past five years
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 10,529 students

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Bachelor's Degree Programs in the Chicago Area

Benedictine University

Benedictine is a Catholic university located in Lisle, IL, about 25 miles west of Chicago. The diagnostic medical sonography program involves three years of academic instruction in subjects such as human anatomy, chemistry and biology, followed by an 18-month educational practicum at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. In order to apply for entry into this clinical portion of the program, you'll need to maintain a grade point average of 2.8 during your first three years. The application process will take place during your junior year and will be competitive.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Program Length: 4.5 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees: $34,290 per year (2018-2019 academic year)
• School Type: 4-year, private; approximately 2,718 undergraduate and 2,222 graduate students

To become an ultrasound technician one must study medical sonography, and in the Chicago area Benedictine University offers a full bachelor's degree program, the College of DuPage and Triton College offer both associate's and certificate options and William Rainey Harper College offers an associate's degree in the field.