Learn about Indiana’s top Sonography programs in 2020
The state of Indiana is expecting strong job growth for trained, certified sonographers. CareerOneStop predicts that job availability for ultrasound technicians will increase by 22.4% by 2026. Sonography is seeing lots of momentum because of the high salary, high job outlook, and short education and training period. We will go into each of these topics later, as well as connect you with accredited ultrasound technician schools where you can receive the education you need to become a sonographer.
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CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Programs
The primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines as well as passed a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This ensures that the school can provide a high quality education to their students as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of a recognized Indiana DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography 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 semi-annual $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Indiana
The following ultrasound technician schools in Indiana have all been accredited by the CAAHEP and offer certificates or degrees in diagnostic medical sonography as of August 2020:
| 3 Accredited Schools | Campus Location |
|---|---|
| Franciscan Health Crown Point | Crown Point, IN |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Terre Haute, IN |
| University of Southern Indiana Indiana University Northwest | Evansville, IN Gary, IN |
A Closer Look at Indiana’s Three CAAHEP Accredited DMS Programs
Franciscan Health Crown Point
📍Campus Location
Franciscan Alliance Sonography
1201 South Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Lori Hult BS, RDCS, RVT
Email: Lori.Hult@franciscanalliance.org
Phone: (219) 757-6132
Program offered: Associate of Applied Science in Echocardiography
Job placement rate: 73%
Successful completion of ARDMS SP & I exam: 88%
Admittance: Up to 12 students accepted each year
Eligible to sit for ARDMS exam upon graduation: Yes. For admission procedures and guidelines visit. https://www.franciscanhealth.org/sites/default/files/documents/NWI_Echo_Admissions_Procedure.pdf
Additional program details: https://www.franciscanhealth.org/echoschoolnwi
Ivy Tech Community College – Terre Haute
📍Campus Location
Ivy Tech CC Sonography Program
8000 South Education Drive
Terre Haute, IN 47802
🏫 Contact Information
Program Director: Jennafer Grasfeder MLD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT RT(R)
Email: jgrasfeder@ivytech.edu
Phone (812)298-2237
Program offered: Associate of applied science degree in diagnostic medical sonography, with concentrations available in general, cardiac, and vascular sonography.
Program length: 67 credit hours, 6 semesters of full time attendance.
Tuition: $149.55 per credit hour
Eligible to sit for ARDMS exam upon graduation: Yes
Full program details: https://www.ivytech.edu/sonography/index.html
University of Southern Indiana
📍Campus Location
USI Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Boulevard, HP 3070
Evansville, IN 47712
Program offered: Bachelor of Science degree. Program pathways include General, Cardiac, and Vascular sonography.
2018 Job Placement rate: 100%
2018 ARDMS exam pass rate: 100%
For more information: https://www.usi.edu/health/diagnostic-medical-sonography/program-admission/
Full program details: https://www.usi.edu/health/diagnostic-medical-sonography/
Sam Callis, MHA, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, DMS instructor and Clinical Coordinator at University of Southern Indiana.
In the interview she conducted with us she passed on her thanks to her employer and alma mater, the University of Southern Indiana: “I also want to recognize and thank the exceptional faculty at the University of Southern Indiana for years of education, guidance, and inspiration, particularly the College of Nursing and Health Professions’ Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Health Administration Programs.”
Certification Requirements in Indiana
The state of Indiana does not require ultrasound technicians to obtain licensure or certification. However, many employers do require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn their certification is by taking and passing their exam. In order to qualify, you must meet their prerequisites. Once you have, you can take the exam at one of the locations in Indiana:
- 2629 Waterfront Pkwy E Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46214
- 9102 N Meridian St # 170, Indianapolis, IN 46260
- 3500 Depauw Blvd # 2080, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Besides graduating from a CAAHEP accredited school, the second easiest way to qualify for the exam is 12 months of full-time clinical experience. Request information from several ultrasound technician schools in Indiana to ensure that they meet the certification requirements you’re looking for.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
ARDMS testing prerequisites
Ultrasound Programs in Nearby States
How Much do Ultrasound Techs in Indiana Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Indiana is $71,350,* which is just below the the national mean of $75,780 (May 2019). Diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an associate’s degree, and it’s growing at a rapid pace.
Where you work, amount of education, whether or not you received certification from the ARDMS, and more play a role in how much you can earn. For example, outpatient care centers tend to pay the most, though hospitals have the highest employment numbers. In addition, diagnostic medical sonography is one of the highest paying careers available with just an Associate’s Degree, and it’s growing at a rapid pace. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree will open you up to higher paying positions as well.
Not all areas of the state pay the same. Below you will the average salary for a few metropolitan areas of Indiana as of May 2019:*
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Central Indiana | $66,290 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson | $74,710 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $63,380 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $66,840 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $63,710 |
Indiana City Spotlight: Indianapolis
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Indianapolis
If you’re considering attending a sonography program in Indianapolis, you’ll have the opportunity to combine a quality education with a good job market. Healthcare and social services is the top industry in terms of employment in Indianapolis, and job growth is predicted grow by 22.4% by 2026 (CareerOneStop).
As healthcare jobs are expected to grow with great momentum, now is a great time to choose a sonography or one of the many other allied healthcare programs.
Keep Exploring other States and Cities
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in Indiana do?
Sonographers do much more than just image internal organs. They also work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients, and evaluate the images they capture. Learn more on our ultrasound technician career overview page. Get a complete job description, as well as first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a sonographer.
How do I get started as a medical sonographer in Indiana?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started a formal post-education program, all the way through finding a job and advancing in your career. Get Started Now.
How long do I have to go to school?
Most degree programs are completed within two years, which will allow you to earn an Associate’s Degree. You can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.
How do I know if sonography is right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Click here to find out about the qualities that make a great sonographer.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry other than diagnostic sonography, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
*Conditions in your area may vary.