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Illinois is a good state to find employment as an ultrasound technician.
Most of these job openings are found in Chicago, the nation’s 3rd largest city.
Article Table of Contents
Salary Expectations
Illinois has a higher cost of living, compared to other states, and this means its inhabitants also earn more than the average.
Skills and expertise will have a say on how much a technician will earn.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $80,949 |
| Aurora | $80,233 |
| Naperville | $79,311 |
| Joliet | $78,658 |
| Rockford | $75,596 |
| Springfield | $70,486 |
| Elgin | $79,645 |
| Peoria | $73,763 |
| Champaign | $71,739 |
| Waukegan | $76,340 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 40 | $84,550 | $40.65 | $98,560 | $73,180 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 40 | $76,130 | $36.6 | $100,910 | $52,530 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 100 | $87,950 | $42.28 | $100,920 | $77,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 2,440 | $94,000 | $45.19 | $116,520 | $78,990 |
| Kankakee, IL | 40 | $87,750 | $42.19 | $112,820 | $66,010 |
| Peoria, IL | 130 | $87,170 | $41.91 | $98,520 | $77,110 |
| Rockford, IL | 110 | $87,770 | $42.2 | $101,690 | $65,580 |
| Springfield, IL | 110 | $84,850 | $40.79 | $103,280 | $65,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Licensing Regulations
It’s important to know that it’s not mandatory to have a license in Illinois to work as an ultrasound technician.
Most employers, however, will prefer someone who can prove their skills and knowledge in the field with certification.
These are issued to those who pass the exam organized by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Completing a long educational program that award diplomas at the Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s level, is also acceptable.
These training programs need to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
The ultrasound field has several specializations and this means there are training programs for all.
These specializations have some common curriculum, but also cover topics specific to the field, as seen below.
All the programs will also include around 1,500 actual clinical hours, to help the future professional become more accustomed to the equipment they’ll be using.
Scholarships might be available for some of the students, to help them get started with their new careers.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Benedictine University | 5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532 |
| Carl Sandburg College | 2400 Tom L. Wilson Boulevard, Galesburg, Illinois 61401 |
| College of DuPage | 425 Fawell Blvd Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 |
| College of Lake County | 19351 W Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030 |
| Danville Area Community College | 2000 E Main St, Danville, Illinois 61832 |
| Harper College | 1200 W Algonquin Rd Palatine, IL 60067-7398 |
| John A Logan College | 700 Logan College Drive Carterville, IL 62918 |
| Joliet Junior College | 1215 Houbolt Rd Joliet, IL 60431 |
| Kaskaskia College | 27210 College Rd, Centralia, Illinois 62801bv |
| Lewis University | One University Parkway, Romeoville, Illinois 60446 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 8317 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160, |
| Midwestern Career College | 20 North Wacker Drive Ste 3800, Chicago, Illinois 60606 |
| Northwestern Memorial Hospital | 541 N. Fairbanks Ct Suite 950 Chicago, IL 60611 |
| Rush University | 600 S. Paulina St Suite 1001 Chicago, IL 60612 |
| Southern Illinois University | 1365 Douglas Drive Carbondale, IL 62901 |
| South Suburban College | 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473 |
| Triton College | 2000 Fifth Avenue River Grove, IL 60171 |
| Vatterott College | 3609 North Marx Drive, Quincy, IL 62305 |
| Vatterott College | 110 Commerce Ln, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 |
Ultrasound Technology Coursework
The ultrasound machines are used by most doctors to have a look at their patient’s organs, and not only.
Expect to study, among others, the following topics:
- Introduction to Sonography
- Clinical Education in Sonography
- Sonographic Topics
- Abdominal Sonography
MRI Technology Coursework
Creating 3D images of the inner parts of the human body is really easy when using an MRI machine.
These are some of the classes for this specialty:
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Pathology
- Clinical MRI and Image Production
- Clinical Medicine
- Emerging MRI Technologies
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Classes
Sonography can be used on all body parts, and the technician is allowed to take X-rays and to administer dyes for specific procedures.
The programs for this field usually award Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees.
Some of the classes are:
- Sonographic Specialties
- Clinical Applications of Sonography
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Computerized Sonography
Vascular Sonography Classes
Taking pictures of blood vessels and other structures around them can be difficult.
The training for this specialty will include:
- Cerebrovascular Disease and Assessment
- Extremity Venous Disease and Assessment
- Ultrasound Physics
- Abdominal Vascular Disease and Assessment
Radiology Tech Courses
Just like other specialties, radiology is very important when trying to set a diagnose.
The classes need to be strict on safety and to include:
- Principles of Radiographic Imaging
- Advanced Radiographic Procedures
- Radiographic Pathology
- Advanced Medical Imaging
Echo Tech Classes
Helping doctors taking care of their patients’ hearts and cardiovascular systems, is what these technicians do.
They need at least an Associate’s degree in this field.
These are some of the specific classes for this field:
- Echocardiography Techniques
- Pediatric Echocardiography
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Echocardiography Clinical Rotation
Extra Info
Community colleges and small universities are more likely to have training programs for future ultrasound technicians.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State