Ultrasound Technician Schools in Iowa (Top Sonography Programs)

Ultrasound Technician Schools in Iowa

In Iowa, ultrasound tech jobs are meant to grow by 25% until 2024, which means there are plenty of opportunities in this state.

The state does not require a license to practice, however, many companies do request it.

The ultrasound tech certifications in Iowa are managed by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Let’s have a look at the requirements and training schools in this state.

Training Requirements

The certification programs usually last for about 12 months.

However, if you are looking to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, these last between 2 and 4 years.

You will also need 30, 60, or 120 credits to complete training.

Make sure the chosen training program also includes around 1700 hours of practice in a clinic or hospital setting.

After the program is completed, you will need to pass an exam.

The school you choose should be based on how long you are willing to study.

School Name Address
Allen College 1990 Heath St, Waterloo, Iowa 50703
Eastern Iowa Community College District 101 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801
Iowa Central Community College 1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Mercy College of Health Sciences 928 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
St Luke’s College 2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, Iowa 51104
University of Iowa 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Vatterott College 7000 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321

Some schools also offer scholarships to students in need, which will help you start off your career.

The program coursework for ultrasound techs includes:

  • Sonographic Cross-Sectional Anatomy
  • Principles of Imaging
  • Procedures of Medical Imaging
  • Professional Ethics in Sonography

Specialization coursework

If you get a specific specialization, you will be able to get a better job and thus a higher salary.

Annual Salary Range:
$60K
$73K
$80K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Des Moines $73,877
Cedar Rapids $72,457
Davenport $72,128
Sioux City $63,537
Iowa City $71,861
Waterloo $69,036
Ames $73,189
West Des Moines $73,877
Ankeny $73,877
Council Bluffs $72,200

Regional Salary in Iowa

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Cedar Rapids, IA60$79,510$38.23$97,540$64,540
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL80$73,020$35.1$85,430$59,950
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA140$79,220$38.09$98,350$64,530
Iowa City, IA70$72,250$34.74$82,760$65,480
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD30$73,550$35.36$83,400$60,270
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA40$76,560$36.81$84,850$62,000
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, OCC Code 29-2032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

These specializations are as follows:

MRI Technology programs

The mandatory classes include:

  • Radiographic Imaging Equipment
  • Radiographic Pathology
  • Clinical Experience in MRI Technology

MRI techs take 3D scans of the body and use them in diagnostics.

Vascular Sonography Programs

This specialization deals with blood vessels in diagnostics.

The classes include:

  • Cardiovascular Monitoring
  • Scanning Applications
  • Ethical Issues in Healthcare
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Radiology Tech Classes

This deals with scanning techniques in diagnostics, as well as safety and imagery.

The classes include:

  • Radiation Protection
  • Imaging Techniques
  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • Physics of Medical Imaging

Echo Tech Classes

This specialization deals with the heart and preventing heart disease.

Coursework includes:

  • Sonography Physics
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiac Pathology Studies
  • Interdisciplinary Cardiac Imaging

During your training, you will also be taking classes on:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Diagnostic Procedures I, II, III
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Patient Safety and Procedures
  • Inter-professional Issues
  • Basic Math, English and Sciences courses

Exam requirements

After graduation from a school that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, you will need to pass an exam.

The ARDMS site is a good resource in learning more about the exam requirements.

Sometimes, those that work in the field for up to a year without a license are also accepted to take the exam.

How to Get Hired in Iowa

Many of the state’s employers are located in Des Moines, the biggest city of the state.

As an ultrasound tech, you can find a job at one of the many companies available in the city or in other smaller cities.

USA Ultrasound Technicians by State


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