Illinois Ultrasound Tech Programs

How to Become a Sonographer in Illinois and Sonography Programs in Illinois

If you're interested in learning about how to become a sonographer in Illinois and sonography programs in Illinois, it may help to first understand what this job entails. Diagnostic medical sonographers operate imaging equipment that takes images of the body's internal organs. There are many different specialties that a sonographer can work in, including abdominal sonography, breast sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, neurosonography, and obstetric and gynecologic sonography. Each area focuses on a different part of the body and is used to diagnose a specific set of problems or conditions. Obstetric sonography is used to monitor the growth of the baby in the mother's womb.

To become a diagnostic medical sonographer, you should obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in this field. There are several schools in Illinois that offer appropriate programs. These include: * Harper College Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Sonography * John A. Logan College Associate in Applied Science with specialization in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography * Rush University Bachelor of Science in Vascular Ultrasound * Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences with specialization in Medical Sonography * Triton College Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography These programs will prepare graduates for a career in this field.

If you have already obtained a bachelor's degree in a related field, you can become a diagnostic medical sonographer by completing a certificate program. These are available for some associate degree graduates as well. Nurses or paramedics who are interested in this specialty may pursue such certification. Triton College offers a certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. Applicants with a Bachelor of Science or two-year medical credential can take the 18-month certification program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. An advanced certificate in cardiac sonography is available from John A. Logan College. The College of DuPage offers certificates in diagnostic medical imaging sonography and diagnostic medical imaging vascular sonography.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2011, sonographers in Illinois had a mean annual wage of $66,180. Those with earnings in the top ten percent of their occupation made more than $90,490 while those in the bottom ten percent earned less than $43,100. The job outlook for this career is excellent. Employment for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by 44 percent over the 2010 to 2020 decade. This is much faster than average. If you're interested in learning about how to become a sonographer in Illinois and sonography programs in Illinois, you'll find this is an intriguing area of study to follow.