Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois

The field of diagnostic medical sonography is growing rapidly.  Pursuing your education at one of the ultrasound technician schools in Illinois will help put you in a position for a solid education combined with the ability to earn one of the highest salaries available with just an Associate’s Degree.

How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Illinois

• Find the right program. It’s important to choose an accredited program to apply to, preferably one that has been accredited by the CAAHEP. This will ensure that the education meets or exceeds industry standards. Illinois has 10 programs across the state that have received this recognition.
• Get your degree. To qualify for entry-level positions, you must have at least an Associate of Science degree in DMS. Some Universities offer Bachelor’s degrees in sonography, or accelerated certificate programs for those who already hold a degree in patient care.
• Receive your credentials. You need to receive your RDMS credential in order to be considered for most jobs. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program or receiving your Bachelor’s degree will qualify you to sit for the exam administered by the RDMS.

Connect with Educational Programs near You

Why Should You Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?

A school or program becomes accredited once it has undergone rigorous review by an outside agency. This is a testament to the quality of the education that the institution provides. The primary accrediting body in sonography and medical imaging is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school or program must meet the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit, to become accredited.

The successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited Illinois DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.

If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Illinois in 2026

The following ultrasound technician schools in Illinois have all been accredited by CAAHEP and offer degrees or certificates in diagnostic medical sonography as of May 2025:

Illinois Student Scholarships

Financing your education is one of the biggest concerns for most students and their families.  The information can be overwhelming, as are the cautions on how to avoid scams.  Learn more by visiting our Financial Aid Portal.

Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those students who qualify in Illinois:

Is Sonography a Good Career Choice in Illinois?

Yes, a career as an ultrasound tech can be a great choice!  Find out if it’s for you with our self-assessment.

• Job Growth and Availability: There were over 3,150 working sonographers in Illinois in 2020, and this number is expected to increase by 14% by 2030 (O*Net).
• Salary:  Illinois’ sonographers earned a mean annual salary of $90,690 in 2023 (BLS).
• Education:  Most entry-level jobs require just a 2-year Associate of Science in DMS degree. There are 8 accredited ultrasound schools across the state of Illinois.

How Much Do Ultrasound Techs Make in Illinois?

According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for sonographers in Illinois is $90,690 in 2023, or $43,60 an hour. Those at the top of their profession with earnings in the 90th percentile earned a mean annual salary of $112,820, while those in the lowest 10th percentile earned up to $67,810 a year in Illinois. Conditions in your area may vary.

Where you work, your years of experience, and whether or not you are ARDMS certified all directly affect how much you can earn. For example, those who work in outpatient care centers tend to earn more than their counterparts. In addition, an Associate Degree is required for entry-level sonography positions where you can earn a base wage, while receiving a Bachelor’s Degree may open you up to higher paying positions.

Location can also impact your salary. The following table shows how much ultrasound techs earn in different areas of Illinois: (conditions in your area may vary)

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Illinois

The state of Illinois does not require certification to be an ultrasound technician. However, most employers prefer or require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The only way to earn ARDMS certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you must meet one of their prerequisites.

Additional Certification Information

Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Tips on Passing the SPI

Medical Imaging Organizations

It’s common to find organizations designed to benefit the members in a specific profession. In sonography, there are national and state-level associations that may help you in a variety of ways. Networking opportunities, continuing medical education (CME) credits, and helping you stay current on the ever-changing technologies are some of the reasons why you may consider joining an organization. Most have annual membership fee requirements.

Below are a few of the organizations available to medical imagers in Illinois:

• Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISSRT)
• Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA)
• Illinois Primary Healthcare Association

City Spotlight: Chicago

Ultrasound Technician Schools in Chicago

Chicago, sometimes referred to as “the city that works”, has a positive employment outlook. The Chicago/Naperville/Elgin metro area has the 3rd highest employment level in the country for ultrasound technicians (BLS, 2021). In addition, the mean annual salary for registered sonographers in the Chicago area is $85,190.

Pursuing your degree at a sonography school in Chicago should pay off with good employment opportunities, as health care has been identified as the third fastest growing industry in the city.

There are two CAAHEP accredited sonography programs in Chicago: Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University.

Limited English Proficient (LEP) Individuals

It is estimated that almost 21% of individuals in the United States speak a language other than English at home, according the the US 2020 Census. As a result, the healthcare industry is concerned that Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, who are the fastest growing population in the country (US Department of Education), may not be receiving optimal health care in the US.

The 1.2 million citizens in Illinois who speak English as a 2nd or 3rd language may have difficulty understanding the information presented to them by their physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who speak a second language may have increased job opportunities available to them because Illinois has traditionally been a destination-state for immigrants, and the demand for bilingual healthcare workers is increasing.

Other resources:

• Getting started
• Sonographer overview
• Degrees
• What makes a great sonographer
• Allied Health Careers & Education
• Other jobs in healthcare

* In some cases, salary and employment figures are based on a national average and may vary by location.  Conditions in your area may vary.