Fast-track Your Future in Ultrasound Technology with Chicago’s Top Accelerated Programs!
Dive into the dynamic world of medical imaging at the heart of Chicago, where leading institutions like the College of DuPage, Triton College, Midwestern Career College, and Northwestern Medicine offer state-of-the-art accelerated ultrasound tech programs.
These programs, ranging from 6-month specialized certificates to comprehensive 18-month courses, are designed to propel you into a rewarding career in sonography. Get ready to blend intensive hands-on training with cutting-edge theoretical knowledge, all in Chicago.
College of DuPage
Program Duration:
- Vascular Sonography Certificate: 6 Months
- Advanced Certificate in Diagnostic Medical: 18 Months
The College of DuPage offers two accelerated ultrasound programs: an 18-month Advanced Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography and a 6-month Vascular Sonography Certificate.
- 18-Month Advanced Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography (Ultrasound):
- Target Audience: This program is designed for graduates of accredited Medical Imaging programs in fields like Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, etc.
- Curriculum: Includes extensive didactic and clinical training in general and vascular sonography, covering areas such as abdominal/superficial structures, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular imaging techniques.
- Certification Eligibility: Upon completion, students are eligible for licensure exams in Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI), Abdomens & Superficial Structures, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Vascular Technology through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
- Program Structure: The program is full-time, primarily on campus, including clinical shifts at affiliated hospitals or clinics. Clinical shifts may include days, nights, and weekends.
- 6-Month Vascular Sonography Certificate:
- Target Audience: Primarily for currently registered sonographers or students enrolled in the Advanced General Sonography certificate program, aiming to specialize in vascular imaging.
- Curriculum: Focuses on high-frequency ultrasound techniques for diagnosing and treating disorders of arteries and veins.
- Certification Eligibility: Graduates can pursue licensure in Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Physics Instrumentation and Vascular Technology through the ARDMS.
- Program Structure: This is a mostly full-time program involving both campus-based instruction and clinical shifts at hospitals/clinics. Similar to the advanced certificate program, the clinical shifts can include various schedules.
Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in medical centers, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. The programs emphasize hands-on experience, professional skill development, and patient care. Graduates from these programs have opportunities for careers in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private offices, and may also pursue roles in education, administration, or as commercial application specialists for medical equipment companies.
Triton College: Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate
- Program Duration: 15 Months
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program at Triton College is an accelerated, comprehensive training designed for individuals already holding active status with recognized sonography or radiologic technologist credentials. This program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), requires 38 credits to complete and is structured across four semesters. Most students complete the program within 15 months.
Program Overview:
- Target Audience: The program is exclusively open to professionals with active certification from organizations like the American Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Board (NMTCB). This makes it ideal for advanced practitioners seeking to specialize further in sonography.
- Educational Scope: The curriculum spans core courses in ultrasound physics, sonographic principles, and specialized areas such as General Sonography, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Vascular Imaging. The program emphasizes developing skills in patient care, image analysis, ergonomic practices, and diagnostic proficiency in various sonographic procedures.
- Clinical and Academic Rigor: Students engage in both theoretical learning and hands-on clinical applications, including an externship. They must maintain a minimum grade of “C” in each required course, reflecting the program’s commitment to academic excellence and professional competency.
- Certification Preparedness: Graduates are prepared to excel in the SPI, Abdomen, and Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty exams by the ARDMS, ensuring they are well-equipped for professional practice in diverse healthcare settings.
- Prerequisites and Duration: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited program within the past five years or complete specific anatomy and physiology coursework if their graduation is older. The program is designed to be completed within a standard academic year, following a full-time study schedule.
- Future Opportunities: The certificate program is stackable, allowing graduates to potentially continue their education towards an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, broadening their career prospects.
Triton College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program offers a focused, intensive learning path for existing healthcare professionals to advance their expertise in sonography. With its robust curriculum, clinical exposure, and preparation for certification exams, this program stands out as a valuable opportunity for career advancement in the rapidly evolving field of medical imaging.
Midwestern Career College: AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Program Duration: 18 Months
The Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offered by Midwestern Career College in Chicago, Illinois, is an accelerated and comprehensive program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for entry-level positions in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. The program is available at two campuses, Naperville and Chicago, and offers a hybrid study format.
Program Overview:
- Educational Focus: The program emphasizes practical skills essential in the sonography field, including patient care, equipment handling, clinical procedures, and a clinical externship for real-world application. It covers key areas like Sonographic Physics and Instrumentation, Scanning Principles and Protocols, and specialized domains such as Abdomen, Vascular Ultrasound, and OB/GYN Sonography.
- Certifications: Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) sonography exam. Additionally, the program may qualify graduates for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), contingent upon meeting specific prerequisites.
- Program Duration: The program is structured over 80 instructional weeks across 5 terms. This includes 380 hours of mandatory externship, providing hands-on experience in a professional setting.
- Career Outlook: The field is growing, with a projected employment increase of 10% from 2021 to 2031. Graduates are prepared for various roles in hospitals, diagnostic medical centers, mobile ultrasound companies, medical clinics, and physicians’ offices.
- Campus and Study Format: The program is offered at both the Naperville and Chicago Main campuses in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person learning. Enrollment for the Naperville campus begins in January 2024 for the Spring term, while enrollment for the Chicago Main campus opens in May 2024 for the Fall cohort.
- Academic Standards: The curriculum aligns with the standards set by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the American College of Radiology (ACR), and other relevant organizations. The program is structured to ensure graduates are well-prepared to take and pass certification exams and excel in their careers as skilled healthcare professionals.
- Additional Information: For more detailed information or to assess personal suitability for the program, Midwestern Career College offers resources like a Career Training Readiness Quiz and additional information through Career OneStop videos.
Midwestern Career College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program provides a thorough, accelerated path to a career in sonography, combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training and preparation for professional certification.
Northwestern Medicine: Ultrasound Certificate Program
- Program Duration: 18 Months
The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago offers an 18-month certificate program designed to provide comprehensive training in both clinical and theoretical aspects of sonography. The program, starting every July, accepts up to 10 students annually.
Program Highlights:
- Curriculum and Training: The program spans 72 instructional weeks, covering fundamental and advanced topics in sonography. Students engage in various abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, superficial parts exams, and procedures, along with introductions to neurosonology and peripheral vascular imaging. The curriculum includes courses such as Fundamentals of Sonography, Patient Care and Management, Sectional Anatomy for the Sonographer, and Ultrasound Image Critique.
- Clinical Rotations: Clinical education is a key component, with students attending assignments within a 35-mile radius of the campus, including rotations at Northwestern Medicine departments and affiliated hospitals. This hands-on training is facilitated using advanced diagnostic equipment such as Siemens S2000 Touch 1, Philips IU22, and GE LogiqP6.
- Faculty and Instruction: The program’s faculty comprises board-certified physicians, resident physicians, ARDMS registered sonographers, and designated clinical instructors, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
- Program Mission and Goals: The mission is to prepare students to become entry-level sonographers with a focus on providing quality patient care and fostering a lifelong desire for professional and academic excellence.
- Accreditation and Certifications: The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Graduates are prepared to take certification exams by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, including Sonography Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen, and OB/GYN.
- Program Delivery: The program utilizes a blended format, combining on-site attendance at the Chicago campus and clinical rotation sites with online components for some courses and assignments.
- Admission Requirements: The program is open to individuals from various educational backgrounds, including those with a bachelor’s degree, graduates of accredited two-year patient care-related programs, and students enrolled in affiliate university programs. Prerequisites include courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology, College Algebra, General Physics, English Composition, and Medical Terminology.
- Technical and Health Standards: Applicants must meet technical standards and health requirements, including a criminal background check, drug screening, CPR certification, and personal medical insurance.
The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Northwestern Medicine offers a rigorous and comprehensive training program, combining classroom learning with extensive clinical experiences, designed to produce skilled sonographers ready for professional certification and a successful career in the medical imaging field.