8 Best Ultrasound Technician Schools in Wisconsin – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Looking for a way to break into the Wisconsin healthcare field but not interested in direct patient care? As a graduate of one of the ultrasound technician programs in Wisconsin, you’ll have a positive impact on patients’ lives, but you won’t be working at the bedside. Ultrasound techs in the Badger State make $92,450 a year on average, and employment opportunities over the next decade are expected to increase by nearly 17 percent. Wisconsin ultrasound programs can usually be completed in one to two years, and many of them are offered online. Find out more by learning about the 8 best ultrasound technician schools in Wisconsin for 2024.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE HEALTHCARE SCHOOLS
WHAT ARE THE BEST ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN WISCONSIN?
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, below are the 8 best Ultrasound Technician programs in Wisconsin. The list includes both campus-based and online programs.)
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Bachelor of Science (Professional Courses)
As part of its commitment to train outstanding healthcare professionals, UWHC is offering a hospital-based program for aspiring sonographers through its School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
The first part of this program requires completion of the prerequisite courses at any one of the UWHC-affiliated colleges or universities, namely, Carroll University (Waukesha), Edgewood College (Madison), Marian University (Fond du Lac), and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After completion of the prerequisite courses, you will continue with the professional curriculum at UWHC. This professional curriculum has two tracks – Echocardiography and General – you can select either one of these tracks and participate in 40 hours of classroom instruction and clinical training each week.
2) Concordia University of Wisconsin - West Milwaukee
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Baccalaureate (
Diagnostic Medical Sonography &
Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Completion)
Concordia University of Wisconsin (CUW), founded in 1881 has a beautiful lake-facing campus that is spread over 200 acres and is furnished with latest educational requirements and world- class laboratories, where you hone your skills as a sonographer. Besides, a well-equipped library and impressive facilities for sports like baseball, hockey, football, and golf make your educational journey a rather cherished one.
CUW provides two options for aspiring sonographers –
The 4-year bachelor’s degree program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography: During the first two years, you will pursue pre-requisites and other required courses. Upon completion of these courses, you will apply for the DMS program where you will further your studies with another 2-years of the professional curriculum. Here you will have the opportunity to choose from two concentrations – General/Vascular and Cardiac/Vascular. Your classroom learning will take place at the Miller Park Way Center and clinical experiences will be scheduled at healthcare affiliates spread throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
The BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Completion Program: The program is designed for those who have passed the National AART exam are already are working as sonographers. This program allows you to transfer anywhere from 63 credits to 90 credits for your previous knowledge and education. Typically, students graduate in less than 18 months. You can either enroll online or choose to attend one of the nine campus locations in WI – Appleton, Beloit, Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, Mequon, Midtown, Miller Park Way and Waukesha.
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Founded in 1912, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), located in Green Bay is a nationally ranked college. The campus is equipped with labs that offer real-life hands-on experiences, where you are offered an opportunity to learn while you serve the community. Moreover, with students being under the guidance and supervision of licensed professionals a lot of learning happens by observation.
The curriculum of the associate degree DMS program offered at NWTC comprises 70 credits of intensive coursework (general + core), that will take you two years to complete. Every week excluding any additional assignments or assessments you will be required to undergo 40 hours of classroom learning and clinical training. The core courses are delivered through a hybrid format, in case you don’t have a computer/laptop, you can utilize the computer labs available on campus.
*Admission to this program is selective and requirements include passing the background check, completion of welcome-week program orientation, and a 4-hour job shadowing.
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) with innovative learning solutions and infusion of core abilities such as integrity, critical thinking, and communication skills prepares sonography students with personal development as well as a professional approach towards life and career.
The 70-credit associate degree program in diagnostic medical sonography at CVTC takes 2-years to complete. It starts each year in August and is delivered through personalized instruction in classroom settings and laboratories. You will also undergo a 7-month internship in a clinical setting to gain valuable real-world experience. The program primarily focuses on three specific areas – abdomen, OB/GYN and superficial ultrasounds of the breast, thyroid, musculoskeletal system, etc.
*As per the latest data, 92% of graduates successfully found employment with an average starting salary of $66,035 per year.
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Baccalaureate
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is one of the top research universities in the nation. With a faculty that actively participates in path breaking research, its health sciences division receives regular funding in the form of federal research grants. This sets the tone for students to learn and thrive in a climate of discovery and innovation.
The diagnostic medical sonography program in WI offered at UWM is a 4-year baccalaureate degree program. It comprises of a 2-year, 58-credit preclinical coursework which is designed to prepare you for the advanced 4-semester, 72 credits clinical and professional curriculum. The professional curriculum offers two options to choose from -
general/vascular or echocardiography/vascular sonography. Enrollment to the professional curriculum is very competitive and requires completion of general education courses, the preclinical courses with GPA of 3.0 or more, job shadowing, CNA course completion, CRP and AED training (100-hour patient care experience), and then finally clearing the interview.
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Baccalaureate
Founded by Dr. Julius Bellin in 1909, Bellin College is a private medical school located at Bellevue, a suburban area of Green Bay in the state of Wisconsin. Along with hi-tech facilities, Bellin also provides four simulation rooms which foster hands-on clinical experiences in hospital-like settings. It is among the 18 colleges in the nation that offer a bachelor’s in DMS with a vascular track.
This 3-year, full-time bachelors in diagnostic medical sonography prepares students with entry-level expertise in general and vascular sonography. Apart from the core curriculum focused on Ob/Gyn, abdomen, and vascular, this program also stresses on leadership and management skills, thus enhancing your career prospects. To help students practice skills gained in classroom and labs, over 1,200 clinical hours form an integral part of the program. With a student to faculty ratio at 8:1, you are guaranteed personalized attention during your classroom and clinical sessions.
*Bellin College doesn’t maintain any waitlist, which means; if you are accepted into the college, you can straight away get admitted into the program.
Accreditation: CAAHEP
Program Type: Associate (Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular)
Blackhawk Technical College is an ultrasound technician school in Wisconsin that focuses on employment ready training, by offering a curriculum that is relevant to the changes in the healthcare sector and a teaching methodology that empowers students and makes them life-long learners.
The two-year, 70 credit associate degree program at BTC is delivered through one or more of these flexible learning solutions - online, hybrid, ITV, and/or in-person training. The curriculum focuses on general sonography (Abdominal, OB/GYN, Pelvic) and vascular sonography; preparing you for a competent career in the field of diagnostic medical imaging. Admission requirements include a background check, proof of health insurance, completion of required courses and patient care training experience.
Accreditation: CAAHEP
In 1984, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center was started as a part of the Aurora Health Care system in Milwaukee. Being a teaching-hospital, the center facilitates the best and latest medical equipment to serve the academic needs of aspiring students. To become an ultrasound technician in WI you can consider its hospital-based diagnostic medical sonography program.
This 21-month program beginning in the last week of August can be pursued in either of the two tracks – General & Vascular Ultrasound and Adult Echocardiography & Vascular Sonography. Both tacks are a combination of didactic sessions in the classroom and laboratories, and clinical training at the Aurora-affiliated clinical centers. This full-time program is classified into five semesters; the third semester is 12 weeks long whereas other semesters (1, 2, 4 and 5) are 16 weeks in length.
*Please note to graduate you need to pass the SPI exam, vascular technology exam and any one of the other specialty exams offered by ARDMS. You will be eligible to take these exams 60 days prior to your graduation.
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