Best Sonography Programs in Indianapolis in 2026

Sonography, also known as ultrasound technology, is a growing and rewarding career field. As a diagnostic medical sonographer, you can help diagnose medical conditions by producing images using high frequency sound waves. With strong employment demand and competitive salaries, sonography offers immense career potential.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average across all occupations. In May 2021, the median annual wage for sonographers nationwide was $77,790. Those trained in specialty disciplines like ultrasound technology can earn even higher salaries.

Indianapolis offers wonderful opportunities to train as a diagnostic medical sonographer. The city is home to highly ranked sonography programs focusing on excellence in ultrasound education, practical clinical experience, and job search support.

This guide profiles the top 10 sonography training programs in Indianapolis to consider in 2024 based on accreditation, specializations offered, quality of instruction, clinical opportunities, graduate outcomes, and overall student experience.

Overview: Top Sonography Schools in Indianapolis

School	Key Highlights
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College	Accredited DMS program, strong clinical partnerships
Ivy Tech Community College	Affordable DMS certificate, 100% ARDMS pass rate
University of Indianapolis	BS and MS degree options in medical ultrasound
Harrison College	Accredited cardiac sonography program
MedTech College	Small class sizes, externship placement assistance
Brown Mackie College	Transfer agreements with 4-year colleges
American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education	CAAHEP accredited DMS program
College of Health Care Professions	Online and hybrid sonography options
Fortis College	Financial aid and scholarship options
Keiser University	100% ARDMS exam pass rate

Continue reading for detailed reviews on each of these top sonography training schools in Indianapolis and choose the right program for your goals!

1. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers a highly regarded accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program in Indianapolis. Key highlights include:

• Accredited by CAAHEP for quality education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Comprehensive curriculum covering abdomino-pelvic, OB/GYN, vascular, and superficial structures
• Strong clinical partnerships providing over 1,200 hours of hands-on scanning experience
• Faculty with decades of professional ultrasound experience
• State-of-the-art lab facilities with high-end equipment
• Excellent graduate job placement rates

The DMS program can be completed in 5 semesters along with a summer session. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and are well-prepared to pass ARDMS certification exams.

Tuition Cost: In-district tuition of $154 per credit hour; $308 for out-of-district students

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, minimum 2.0 GPA, biology, algebra, and physics or chemistry courses

Accreditation: CAAHEP

2. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program across several Indiana campuses, including Indianapolis. Reasons to consider Ivy Tech include:

• Affordable in-state tuition rates
• CAAHEP accredited 74-credit hour certificate program
• Curriculum covers abdominal, OB/GYN, vascular, breast, and superficial structure sonography
• Hands-on clinical experience at partner hospitals and medical facilities
• 100% pass rate for graduates taking ARDMS certification exams
• Dedicated career planning services

Students gain scanning experience at clinical sites like Franciscan Health, Community Health Network, and Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital.

Tuition Cost: $172 per credit hour for in-state students

Program Length: 6 semesters

Admissions Requirements: High school graduation and completion of required prerequisite courses

Accreditation: CAAHEP accredited

3. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers Bachelor‘s and Master‘s degrees in Medical Ultrasound Technology equipping students for RDMS and RVT certification. Key advantages include:

• Several degree options – BS or MS in Medical Ultrasound Technology
• Certificates in vascular sonography and echocardiography
• Strong focus on professional leadership development
• State-of-the-art simulation lab replicating clinical environments
• Faculty with RDCS, RDMS, RVT, and ARDMS credentials
• 100% job placement for BS Medical Ultrasound graduates

Clinical rotations are completed at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Community Health Network hospitals, and several other partner medical facilities.

Tuition Cost: $605 per credit hour

Program Length: Full-time students complete the BS in 4 years; MS in 2 years

Admissions Requirements: Submission of transcripts, test scores, personal essay

Accreditation: Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

4. Harrison College

Harrison College offers an accredited cardiac sonography certificate program focused on training competent echo sonographers. Reasons to choose their training include:

• Certificate program focusing solely on cardiac ultrasounds
• Certified by CAAHEP and JCERT for quality training standards
• 460 hours of hands-on scanning at clinical sites
• Faculty with RCS and RDCS credentials
• Financial aid options available for those who qualify
• Career assistance with resume preparation and job interview tips

Graduates can obtain registration in both Adult Echocardiography and Pediatric Echocardiography by passing their ARDMS certification exams.

Tuition Costs: $399 per credit hour

Program Length: 18 months

Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent plus completion of prerequisite courses

Accreditation: JCERT, CAAHEP

5. MedTech College

MedTech College is a friendly, student-focused college offering a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree on their Indianapolis campus. Notable program features covering abdominal, OB/GYN, breast, vascular, and superficial structures include:

• CAAHEP program accreditation
• Low teacher to student ratio – maximum 15 students
• Over 700 hours of laboratory and clinical training
• Externship placement assistance provided
• Financial aid options for those who qualify
• Associate Degree pathway to ARDMS certification eligibility

Their sonography lab houses advanced equipment like GE Logiq S7 ultrasound machines used to hone scanning skills.

Tuition Cost: $401 per credit hour

Program Length: 79 weeks

Admission Requirements: Application, exam, background check, interview

Accreditation: CAAHEP

6. Brown Mackie College

Brown Mackie College offers an Associate of Applied Science with a major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography on its Indianapolis campus. Reasons to consider their program include:

• CAAHEP accredited 21-month degree program
• Covers abdomen, OB/GYN, vascular, superficial structures, and introductory echocardiography
• 1,700+ clock hours of instruction and hands-on training
• Transfer agreements with 4-year colleges
• Day and evening class options
• Career placement assistance

Clinical experiences occur at partner medical facilities helping build core sonography skills. Graduates also develop skills to obtain ARDMS credentials.

Tuition Cost: $485 per credit hour

Program Length: 8 quarters

Admissions Requirements: H.S. diploma or equivalent plus Wonderlic test

Accreditation: CAAHEP, ABHES

7. American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education

The American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education (AIMSE) offers a 2-year Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program accredited by CAAHEP. Reasons to consider AIMSE include:

• CAAHEP accreditation signifies quality sonography education
• Comprehensive program covering abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, superficial structures, and vascular technology
• Convenient program start dates every 3 months
• Faculty with extensive sonography experience
• Access to financial aid for qualifying students

Their sonography labs contain ultrasound machines identical to those in clinical environments to hone practical skills.

Tuition Cost: Varies; financial aid available

Program Length: 88 weeks

Admissions Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED

Accreditation: CAAHEP

8. College of Health Care Professions

The College of Health Care Professions offers an online Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree program with optional in-person skills labs in Indianapolis. Benefits include:

• Primarily online program with optional on-campus labs
• Covers abdomen, ob/gyn, vascular, breast, and superficial structures
• Accredited by CAAHEP for meeting educational standards
• Dedicated academic advisors and tutoring assistance
• Clinical site placement assistance near graduates‘ locations
• Associate Degree pathway toward ARDMS examinations

Tuition Cost: $350 per credit hour

Program Length: 7 semesters

Admissions Requirements: Application and completion of prerequisites

Accreditation: CAAHEP

9. Fortis College

Fortis College offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography associate degree program at their Indianapolis campus. Reasons to consider Fortis College include:

• Covers abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, and superficial structures
• Condensed degree program completed in just 18 months
• Financial aid options for those who qualify
• Career coaching and resume building workshops
• Faculty with RDCS and RDMS professional credentials
• Associate Degree pathway toward ARDMS examinations

Their labs house advanced ultrasound equipment used to build scanning skills needed in hospitals and clinics.

Tuition Cost: $42,074 total program cost

Program Length: 70 credits over 18 months

Admissions Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED

Accreditation: CAAHEP

10. Keiser University

Keiser University is a private career university offering a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Indianapolis. Standout features include:

• Comprehensive bachelor's degree program
• Specializations in abdomen, obstetrics/gynecology, vascular technology
• Hands-on clinical rotations and lab sessions
• 100% pass rate for graduates taking ARDMS certification exams
• Career guidance tailored to each student???s goals
• Scholarships and financial aid for qualifying students

Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction from expert faculty in Keiser‘s state-of-the-art sonography labs.

Tuition Cost: $653 per credit hour

Program Length: 16 quarters

Admissions Requirements: Application and placement testing

Accreditation: Provisional accreditation from CAAHEP

Choosing the Right Sonography Training in Indianapolis

All top sonography programs in Indianapolis have CAAHEP accreditation for meeting educational quality standards. Here are some key factors to evaluate as you consider your options:

• Program types: Certificate, associate degree, bachelor's or master's options
• Specializations offered: General, cardiac, vascular, breast ultrasound
• Program length and cost: From 12 months to 2+ years for certificates or degrees
• Hands-on training opportunities: Lab sessions and clinical rotations
• Faculty credentials and experience
• Graduate career placement assistance
• ARDMS exam pass rates
• Campus culture and student experience

Be sure to contact admissions advisors to learn details on course load, schedule flexibility, financial aid, and scholarships offered by each school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sonography Training

How do I choose the right sonography program in Indianapolis?

Look for key factors like program types and specialties offered, quality and amount of hands-on training, faculty expertise, graduate success rates, career assistance, and costs. Schedule calls and tours to get a feel for campus culture and learning environment. Consider your career goals – a cardiac sonography certificate has a more specific focus vs. an online DMS degree allowing more flexibility.

Why is accreditation important in sonography programs?

Accreditation Indicates programs meet stringent educational standards. Attending CAAHEP accredited programs validates your degree and makes you eligible for ARDMS exams needed for professional certification.

What are the different types of sonography programs?

Common options include certificates (12-18 months), associate degrees (2 years), bachelor's (4 years), and master's degrees (2 years post bachelor's). Programs may be campus based, fully online or a hybrid model. Areas of specialization also vary.

What does a typical day or week look like in sonography school?

Programs blend rigorous coursework understanding anatomy, pathology, physics, instrumentation with hundreds of hours of hands-on ultrasound scanning practice in labs and clinics. Classes are small to enable personalized attention and learning.

Why Study Sonography in Indianapolis?

The Indianapolis area offers wonderful opportunities to launch your diagnostic medical sonography career:

• Home to multiple highly-ranked sonography programs with excellent graduation and certification exam success rates
• Strong employment demand with competitive wages at renowned hospital networks and imaging centers
• Abundant hands-on training options through large clinical partnerships
• Potential to specialize in disciplines like vascular, cardiac, breast ultrasound
• Vibrant, affordable city to live and learn while preparing for this meaningful allied healthcare career

Find the Best Sonography Program for Your Goals

We hope this guide on the top sonography schools in Indianapolis has helped summarize competitive program options available as of 2024. Compare course formats, specialties offered, costs, career support services, and other key details to find the best match for your talents and interests.

Indianapolis offers wonderful opportunities to gain skills in an exciting, highly employable healthcare field like diagnostic medical sonography. With excellent teaching faculty, hands-on clinical experience through top hospital partnerships, and job search assistance, the city's accredited sonography programs set graduates up for success. Reach out to your top choices to take the next steps towards this promising career move!