Ultrasound technician (ultrasound tech) and diagnostic medical sonographer (sonographer) are very similar careers and are typically used to describe the same or very similar programs of study in Iowa (IO).
For the purpose of this guide, we shall use the terms ultrasound tech schools in Iowa and sonography schools in Iowa interchangeably.
Below you will find information on requirements to become an ultrasound tech in Iowa as well as details on some of the top ultrasound technician schools and related programs near you.
Requirements to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Iowa
Ultrasound techs in Iowa will typically have earned either a 2-year associate’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, followed by certification from a recognized certifying body.
Accredited Ultrasound Tech Schools in Iowa
Ultrasound tech schools in Iowa are accredited by the CAAHEP.
Accreditation confirms that a school delivers a high level of quality education ensuring that students are well prepared for certification and entry into the healthcare field as an ultrasound technician.
There are currently 3 accredited ultrasound tech schools in Iowa.
| College | Metro Area | Concentration | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen College | Waterloo | General | Certificate, Bachelor |
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | Des Moines | General, Cardiac | Associates Degree |
| University of Iowa Health Care | Iowa City | General, Cardiac, Vascular | Bachelors Degree |
Most schools offer either an associate’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 2 years. Some schools will also offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree or even a 1-year certificate program.
Certification and Licensing in Iowa
Certification and licensing are not a requirement to work as an ultrasound tech in Iowa however most employers will have a preference for candidates who have obtained certification.
In order to become certified, you will need to successfully pass the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams.
An associate’s degree from an accredited school is a necessary prerequisite to taking these exams.
Other certification options are available to those wishing to specialize in a particular area such as cardiac and ophthalmic including the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Opthalmology (JCAHPO).
If you have any further questions about certification or licensing for ultrasound techs in Iowa you can contact;
State Board: Iowa Dept of Public Health Bureau of Radiological Health Lucas State Office Building 5th Floor
Website: idph.state.ia.us
Phone: (515) 281-0415
Ultrasound Tech Salary in Iowa
| Average Salary | $71,910 |
| Hourly Wage | $34.57 |
| Top 10% | $95,160 |
| Bottom 10% | $54,920 |
| Employed | 700 |
The average ultrasound tech salary in Iowa is $71,910 and is 8% lower than the national average salary for ultrasound technicians.
This equates to an hourly pay of $34.57.
The average salary for ultrasound techs in Iowa has increased significantly by 15%, or $9,440, since 2016.
The above data is taken from studies released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2021.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Iowa make an average salary of $95,160 whilst the bottom 10% or entry-level ultrasound techs make just $54,920 per annum.
- Across the main cities and metro areas, ultrasound techs working in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn the highest average salaries in Iowa at $78,870 per annum. Those working in Sioux City earn the lowest average salaries at $65,770 per annum.
| Area name | Average Salary | Hourly Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $70,780 | $34.03 | 50 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $68,990 | $33.17 | 70 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $78,870 | $37.92 | 170 |
| Iowa City | $68,090 | $32.73 | 80 |
| Sioux City | $65,770 | $31.62 | 40 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $72,700 | $34.95 | 90 |
Employment
There are currently 700 persons employed as ultrasound technicians in Iowa (2021). This represents a reduction of -19%, or -160 jobs, since 2016.
The highest number of those working as ultrasound techs in Iowa is based in Des Moines-West Des Moines.
Career Outlook for Ultrasound Techs in Iowa
Average salaries have experienced an increase of 15% since 2016 whilst the numbers of jobs for the profession in Iowa has experienced a reduction of of -19% over the same period.
Going forward the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 12% between 2019 and 2029. This is much faster than the average for all other professions.
The table below compares salary and employment for ultrasound techs with similar or related healthcare careers in Iowa.
| Career | Salary | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Tech | $71,910 | 700 |
| X Ray Tech | $53,400 | 2,470 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $50,550 | 330 |
| Nuclear Medicine Tech | $75,090 | 150 |
| MRI Tech | $67,730 | 240 |