Ultrasound Tech Programs in Chicago

Midwestern Career College's Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a comprehensive program designed to equip students for careers in sonography, a medical field utilizing high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images of the body's internal structures. The program is offered at both the Chicago and Naperville campuses in Illinois, with the next enrollments scheduled for May 2024 (Chicago) and January 2024 (Naperville). The curriculum, adhering to guidelines set by relevant professional bodies, includes extensive coursework in sonographic physics, scanning principles, and specialized areas like abdominal, vascular, and OB/GYN sonography, coupled with a mandatory clinical externship of 380 hours. This hybrid format program, combining online and in-person classes, spans 80 instructional weeks across five terms.

Graduates of this program are eligible for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) sonography exam, and may qualify for the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), subject to certain prerequisites. This field is witnessing a notable growth, with a 10% employment increase projected from 2021–2031, offering graduates diverse opportunities in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and other healthcare settings. For more detailed information, including costs and class schedules, prospective students are encouraged to contact Midwestern Career College directly.

Midwestern Career College

Roosevelt University in Chicago offers a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, part of a range of health care professions distinct from nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. The program includes coursework at Roosevelt University followed by clinical training at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and NorthShore Health Systems. It emphasizes providing diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and patient care services. Admission to the clinical training is competitive and not guaranteed, requiring a minimum GPA and completion of specific prerequisite courses.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a comprehensive educational pathway, structured as a 3+1.5 program. The first three years consist of academic coursework at Roosevelt University, with the final 18 months dedicated to full-time clinical training. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for a career in sonography, preparing students for roles in various healthcare settings. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for certification exams, paving the way for professional practice in this in-demand field.

Roosevelt University

The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago offers a specialized 18-month program focused on preparing students for careers in sonography. This comprehensive program, beginning every July and accepting up to 10 students, integrates clinical and theoretical instruction to cover all aspects of sonography. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate and are eligible for certification exams by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, the program provides a blend of didactic learning and hands-on clinical training using state-of-the-art equipment. It includes rotations across various Northwestern Medicine departments and affiliated hospitals. The program emphasizes quality patient care, technical proficiency, and ongoing professional development, making it ideal for those seeking a robust education in diagnostic medical sonography.

Northwestern Medicine

Triton College offers an accredited program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, aimed at training students to become competent entry-level general sonographers. The program, located in River Grove, Illinois, emphasizes providing patient services using diagnostic ultrasound under a physician's supervision. It focuses on developing students' skills in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains, preparing them for employment in medical centers and hospitals.

The program offers two pathways: an Associate in Applied Science Degree and a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Accredited by the CAAHEP upon recommendation from the JRC-DMS, the program's curriculum includes courses in ultrasound physics, anatomy, and various sonography specialties. The program's goal is to prepare students to pass relevant ARDMS exams, ensuring their readiness for professional practice in this rapidly growing field.

Triton College

College of DuPage, located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, offers an extensive Sonography program, which includes an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography and certificates in ultrasound and vascular sonography. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in diagnostic medical sonography, a field that uses sound waves to produce images for medical diagnosis. Covering a broad range of courses from sonographic physics to patient care, the program equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

The sonography programs at College of DuPage are selective, requiring students to meet prerequisites and other admissions criteria. The college is known for its small class sizes, experienced instructors, and state-of-the-art equipment, providing a conducive learning environment for aspiring sonographers. Graduates of the program are eligible for licensure in various American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) specialties, and the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

College of DuPage

Chicago Medical College offers a hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, blending two weeks of online theory classes with two weeks of clinical bedside patient care training. The program is scheduled throughout 2024 with various start dates, offering flexibility for enrollees. It's crucial for students to have the necessary technology to participate in the online portion. The curriculum aligns with the California Department of Public Health's requirements, encompassing 60 hours of lectures and 100 hours in a clinical setting. Upon completion, students are eligible for the state certification exam.

Financially, the program includes an enrollment fee and subsequent weekly payments, covering aspects like training, study materials, and Live Scan fingerprinting. Not all fees are refundable, and prospective students should consult the finance department for details. Additionally, the college provides various medical and health-related courses, backed by experienced professionals who adopt an engaging and innovative teaching approach. Contact information is available for those seeking further details or enrollment.

Chicago Medical College

Harper College, located in Palatine, Illinois, offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This program trains students to become proficient sonographers, specializing in the use of ultrasound equipment to produce diagnostic images of internal body structures like the abdomen, pelvis, and neck. Aimed at preparing students for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings, the curriculum includes thorough instruction in abdominal, small parts, vascular, obstetrical, and gynecological ultrasound, along with a significant clinical hospital experience component.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring a high standard of education and training. Graduates are equipped to secure their American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography credentials and are prepared for specialties in abdomen and obstetrics/gynecology, with additional instruction in vascular sonography. The program is noted for its limited enrollment, ensuring personalized and detailed instruction, with a focus on developing both technical skills and professional competencies in the field.

Harper College

Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois, offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, a program that prepares students to become proficient sonographers. This seven-semester, full-time day program is designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in various sonography concentrations, including Abdomen-Extended, OB/GYN, and Vascular Sonography. The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and extensive clinical experiences at local hospitals and healthcare organizations, ensuring that students gain hands-on expertise in sonographic examinations.

The program is selective, admitting up to 20 students each fall. Admission requirements include prerequisite courses in physics, biology, and mathematics, as well as a mandatory information session. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue credentials through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and are equipped for employment in diverse healthcare settings. The program's focus on critical judgment and the ability to provide healthcare services makes it a robust training ground for aspiring sonographers.

Joliet Junior College

Rush University's Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound program is a comprehensive, full-time, on-campus program designed to prepare students for a career as vascular sonographers. The 20-month program, located in Chicago, Illinois, equips students with essential skills in ultrasound scanning, image analysis, and communication, crucial for assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with blood vessel disorders. The curriculum includes classroom learning, lab work, observation of patient examinations, and extensive hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of credentialed vascular sonographers. Students complete rotations at multiple vascular laboratories, both within and outside the Chicago area, providing them with diverse exposure and practical experience in the field.

The program's focus is on using a teacher-practitioner model, where experienced practitioners teach both in the classroom and in clinical settings. In the second year, students perform vascular examinations on patients, enhancing their skills in real-world environments. Additionally, the program prepares students for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification exam, allowing them to earn the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential. Graduates of the program have historically shown high success rates in job placement and credentialing.

Rush University

The University of Illinois College of Medicine offers a specialized one-year fellowship in Emergency Ultrasound, designed for medical professionals who aim to excel in ultrasound education in both academic and emergency department settings. The program, based in Chicago, Illinois, emphasizes a comprehensive approach to learning, combining didactic education, quality assurance training, academic mentoring, clinical research, and hands-on experience. Tailored to individual fellows' career goals, the fellowship ensures competency across all core point-of-care ultrasound applications, with additional training in hospital credentialing, billing programs, curriculum development, and organizing POCUS training courses. The fellowship includes weekly QA sessions, pelvic ultrasound training, an ultrasound journal club, and practical scanning shifts, offering a robust educational experience that prepares graduates for certification and leadership roles in the field.

The program prides itself on adapting to the specific interests and aspirations of each fellow, whether aiming for a role in an academic center or as an ultrasound director in a community institution. Opportunities for further advancement include a two-year fellowship option with advanced degrees, combined fellowships in International and Resuscitation, and a longitudinal teaching scholars program. The fellowship is led by Dr. Joseph Colla and Dr. Pavitra Kotini-Shah, experienced professionals committed to mentoring fellows towards achieving excellence in emergency ultrasound.

University of Illinois College of Medicine