How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Indiana 2025

Becoming an ultrasound technician, or medical sonographer, is a rewarding career that combines both patient care with the use of diagnostic imaging technology. Ultrasound techs use specialized equipment to capture images of the body's internal structures, which helps physicians diagnose and treat various medical conditions.

Ultrasound tech requirements include education, hands-on training, and certification. Read on to learn how to become an ultrasound tech and start your career today.

What Is an Ultrasound Technician?

An ultrasound technician, also called a diagnostic medical sonographer, operates specialized equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to take images of the inside of the body. These images help doctors detect and monitor medical conditions or guide certain treatments.

Ultrasound techs work closely with patients throughout the entire imaging process, explaining procedures and helping them feel at ease. Strong communication skills are a must to be successful in this role.

Typical job duties include:

• setting up, operating, and maintaining ultrasound equipment
• preparing patients for exams
• taking clear, accurate images
• reviewing images with doctors
• keeping accurate patient records

Ultrasound techs commonly work in clinics, physicians' offices, outpatient centers, imaging centers, and hospitals.

How To Become an Ultrasound Tech in Indiana

If you're interested in a career in medical imaging, there are a few steps you have to complete before you can start working as an ultrasound tech in Indiana. Below, we'll discuss the basic requirements for this health profession.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The first step to becoming an ultrasound tech in Indiana is to earn a high school diploma or GED. This is a basic requirement you'll need before applying to any accredited diagnostic medical sonography program.

Step 2: Enroll in an Accredited Program

The next step is to enroll in a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The curriculum includes a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and coursework in areas like anatomy, medical terminology, and imaging techniques. You can search for programs at https://www.caahep.org. Most schools will list their specific ultrasound tech requirements, such as prerequisite courses or minimum GPA, in their admissions information.

Step 3: Become Certified

After completing your schooling to become an ultrasound tech, you can pursue certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) by passing relevant certification exams. Indiana does not currently require ultrasound technicians to be certified, but most employers prefer or require ARDMS certification.

To become certified, you'll need to pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and a specialty exam in your chosen specialization, like abdominal, cardiac, or obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). After you pass both exams, you'll earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential, which will go a long way in helping you find entry-level roles.

Types of Ultrasound Technician Careers in Indiana

Ultrasound technicians in Indiana can specialize in various areas, including:

• Abdominal sonography: Sonographers in this area take images of abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, or pancreas to check for signs of illness.
• Vascular sonography: A vascular sonographer uses ultrasound technology to look at how blood flows through veins and arteries. These scans help find areas of poor circulation, narrowing of vessels, or clots.
• Cardiac sonography (echocardiography): A cardiac sonographer takes detailed images of the heart. These scans are helpful for checking overall heart health or identifying any problems.
• Musculoskeletal sonography: Sonographers in this area take images of muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. These scans are helpful for diagnosing problems like arthritis and sports injuries.
• OB/GYN sonography: An ultrasound tech for pregnancy works closely with expectant patients to monitor the baby's growth and development. This role is often referred to as an ultrasound tech for babies, since it involves capturing detailed images of the baby throughout each stage of pregnancy.
• Breast sonography: A breast sonographer uses ultrasounds to examine breast tissue for abnormalities or other changes, often to follow up on a mammogram.

FAQs About How To Become an Ultrasound Technician in Indiana

Now that you understand the basic requirements and career options for ultrasound technicians in Indiana, you may have further questions about getting started in this career. Below, we've answered a few of the most common questions about how to become an ultrasound tech to help you navigate the next steps.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Indiana?

You can become an ultrasound tech in Indiana in about two to four years, depending on the type of degree you decide to pursue. An associate degree in ultrasound technology, which typically takes about two years to complete, is ideal for students who want a shorter, more affordable route into their career and prefer hands-on learning in a smaller college setting. A bachelor's degree, which usually takes around four years to complete, is ideal for students who are interested in long-term career growth or advanced roles in sonography.

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

After high school, it generally takes between two and four years to become an ultrasound technician, depending on the type of diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) degree program you choose.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Ultrasound Technician in Indiana?

An associate degree at most community colleges typically costs between $11,000 and $25,000, while a bachelor's degree can range from $15,000 to $33,000. You should also budget for additional expenses like textbooks, uniforms, clinical supplies, and other school fees. Many schools offer financial aid for eligible students to alleviate some of these costs.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Tech Make in Indiana?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the average sonography tech salary in Indiana is $81,140 per year. However, it's important to note that salaries will vary depending on a person's level of education, experience, employer, and other factors.

Become an Ultrasound Technician

If you're interested in becoming an ultrasound technician in Indiana and you're ready to take the next step, explore the programs on Learn.org to find a DMS program that fits your goals.