Chicago is home to several distinguished ultrasound tech programs, offering flexible learning options that integrate online and on-site training.
These online programs are great for aspiring sonographers, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Key institutions such as Midwestern Career College, Joliet Junior College, and Northwestern Medicine provide ultrasound tech programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with online learning compoenents.
These programs offer diverse specializations and prepare students for certifications and various levels degrees and training, ensuring a robust start to a career in this growing field.
Midwestern Career College: AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Midwestern Career College in Chicago offers a forward-thinking Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, uniquely combining online learning with in-person training. This hybrid program is designed for those aspiring to become sonographers, professionals skilled in using sound waves to produce internal body images for medical diagnosis.
Hybrid Learning Approach
- Naperville Campus: Offers a hybrid study format with enrollment for Spring 2024.
- Chicago Campus: Admits students for the Fall 2024 cohort, providing a blended online and on-site learning experience.
- Alternate Programs: For immediate starts, consider the AAS in Surgical Technology or Clinical Medical Assisting programs.
Curriculum and Hands-On Training
The program’s comprehensive curriculum includes patient care, equipment handling, clinical procedures, and a significant externship for practical experience. Notable courses cover Sonographic Physics, Scanning Principles, and specialized areas like Abdomen, Vascular Ultrasound, and OB/GYN Sonography. The curriculum aligns with the standards of ASRT and ACR.
Certifications and Career Prospects
Upon completion, graduates are prepared for the ARRT sonography exam and potentially qualify for RDMS certification via ARDMS, subject to prerequisites. The field offers robust growth, with a 10% increase in job opportunities projected from 2021 to 2031.
Program Duration and Externship
Spanning 80 instructional weeks over 5 terms, the program includes an essential 380-hour externship, providing real-world industry exposure.
Additional Resources
The college offers a Career Training Readiness Quiz and additional resources, including a Career OneStop video, for comprehensive insights into the sonography career.
Contact and Further Details
Prospective students interested in this hybrid program can reach out to Midwestern Career College or visit their program webpage for more information.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Program | Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
| Location | 203 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60601 |
| Phone | (312) 236-9000 ext. 1 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes? | Hybrid format (combination of online and in-person) |
| Program Duration | 80 instructional weeks/5 terms |
| Class Schedules | Not specified |
Joliet Junior College: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois, offers an innovative online component within its Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, catering to students aspiring to become skilled health care professionals in sonography. This seven-semester, full-time program, admitting up to 20 students each fall, combines in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical clinical instruction. The curriculum emphasizes sonographic examinations in varied concentrations, including Abdomen-Extended, OB/GYN, and Vascular Sonography.
Program and Admission Overview
The DMS program has selective admissions, requiring prerequisites in physics, biology, and mathematics. Applicants must attend a mandatory information session and satisfy health requirements like vaccinations, alongside passing drug screening and criminal background checks. Graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and are prepared for certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Clinical Experience and Educational Focus
Despite its online components, the program ensures extensive clinical exposure in local healthcare settings, providing practical experience in diverse ultrasound techniques. This comprehensive training enables graduates to efficiently conduct sonographic examinations across multiple domains.
Program Accreditation
The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography Program at Joliet Junior College is endorsed by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), recommended by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
Career Pathways
Upon completion, opportunities abound in hospitals, outpatient centers, and diagnostic facilities. Graduates can also explore advanced roles in management, education, or administration within the sonography field.
Contact and Enrollment Details
Prospective students seeking more information about online class options, curriculum, and enrollment procedures can visit the Joliet Junior College website or contact their academic advising team.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Program | Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
| Location | 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL, 60431 |
| Phone | (815) 729-9020 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes? | Two online courses within the program (DMS 113 and DMS 120) |
| Program Duration | Seven semesters, full-time day program |
| Class Schedules | Predominantly face-to-face with essential clinical experiences at local healthcare institutions |
Northwestern Medicine: School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, offers a comprehensive 18-month Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, blending online and on-campus learning. The program, enrolling up to 10 students each July, leads to a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. It prepares graduates for certification exams by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), including specialized areas like Abdomen and OB/GYN. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the program is based on the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) standards.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The curriculum integrates didactic learning with clinical training, utilizing Northwestern Medicine’s state-of-the-art facilities. Students receive hands-on training under the guidance of experienced sonographers and physicians. The program aims to create entry-level general sonographers adept in patient care and encourages continuous professional growth.
Clinical Experience and Academic Standards
Clinical rotations are based around the Chicago campus, involving diverse departments within Northwestern Medicine. The program mandates maintaining a 2.0 GPA and at least a 75% score in clinical and didactic courses.
Program Format and Scheduling
This full-time program requires on-campus and clinical site attendance, operating five days a week. It includes a blend of in-person and online coursework, providing flexibility in learning. The academic calendar includes standard holidays and a winter break, spanning from July to December of the following year.
Faculty and Admission Requirements
The faculty includes seasoned sonographers and healthcare professionals. Admission is open to a range of candidates, including university-affiliated students, post-baccalaureate applicants, and professionals in healthcare-related fields. A minimum GPA of 2.5 and completion of prerequisite courses are among the eligibility criteria.
Health Standards and Technology Requirements
Students must comply with health standards, including background checks, drug screening, and CPR certification. Technical standards for successful program completion are specified. Additionally, students need access to a computer with specific hardware and software for the hybrid courses.
Application Process and Accreditation
The application involves submitting various documents and a $25 fee. The program is accredited by CAAHEP and meets Illinois Board of Higher Education standards, ensuring its recognition as a legitimate educational institution.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Program | Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
| Location | 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Suite 950, Chicago, Illinois 60611 |
| Phone | (312) 926-6609 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes? | Blended format with some online components |
| Program Duration | 18 months (72 instructional weeks) |
| Class Schedules | Full time, on-site attendance required, 8 hours/day, 5 days/week |