Find Accredited Sonography Schools in Iowa
Iowa is considered the heart of the Midwest and an agricultural state. Many of its attractions are associated with outdoor recreation, such as boating on Clear Lake or hiking in Backbone State Park. The largest city in the state, Des Moines is the center of the culture, arts and health industry. Diagnostic medical sonographers will find a variety of work settings throughout the state, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and research hospitals.
Sonography Education in Iowa
Three schools in the state of Iowa offer ultrasound programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Allen College in Waterloo offers a certificate program in general sonography and a bachelor’s degree in general sonography. Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines offers an associate degree program with a concentration in cardiac ultrasound or general ultrasound.
The University of Iowa Health Care academic medical center in Iowa City offers even more options. Students can earn a certificate in cardiac sonography, general sonography, or vascular sonography. They also have the option of earning a Bachelor of Science degree through the Radiation Sciences degree program at Carver College of Medicine. Once again, students have the option of concentrating their studies on general ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound, or vascular ultrasound. Completion of programs at all three schools qualifies ultrasound technology students for sonography certification hosted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Salaries and Career Outlook for Sonographers in Iowa
Although Iowa starting salaries for sonographers are close to the national average for starting salaries, they don’t increase as quickly with experience. In fact, statistics indicate they are consistently lower with the Iowa median median salary at $57,500 and the national median salary at $65,900.
Projected growth in job openings over the decade from 2010 to 2020 is 42 percent, and job growth is on track in 2013. There were approximately 540 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in 2010 and projection statistics for 2020 indicate that 760 will find employment by 2020. More than 40 percent of the jobs are available in the four cities of Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines. Median salaries for 2012 were pretty close across the state, ranging from a low of $58,130 in the Northwest Iowa metropolitan area to $62,180 in Omaha-Council Bluffs Northeast. Experienced ultrasound technicians will find excellent income opportunities in small population areas like Manchester and Nashua.
A list of the best schools for the study of diagnostic medical sonography in Iowa
School Name: Allen College
Address: 1990 Heath Street, Waterloo, IA – 50703
City: Waterloo
Contact person: Evalene Martin
Contact phone: 319-226-2048
Program: Accredited Certificate Program
Accreditation: Accredited by CAAHEP
School Name: Mercy College of Health Sciences
Address: 928 Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, IA – 50309
City: Des Moines
Contact person: Adrienne St. Clair
Contact phone: 515-643-6610
Program: Accredited Associate Degree Program
Accreditation: Accredited by CAAHEP
School Name: University of Iowa Health Care
Address: C723 GH 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA – 52242
City: Iowa City
Contact person: Stephanie Ellingson
Contact phone: 319-356-4871
Program: Accredited Certificate Program and Accredited Baccalaureate Degree
Accreditation: Accredited by CAAHEP