ultrasound tech school

which is better to attend? a tech school or community college for ultrasound tech. program.

With a community college you will save boat loads of money in the end and get a good quality education.

However, the processes of community college acceptance (some have waiting lists sometimes 3-4 years long, others base enrollment on related experience, prerequisites, etc). So a community college isn't always the way to go if you don't have the time to wait or the the related experience in the medical field already.

As long as the vocational school is upfront, willing to tell you the sites they work with directly, and fully approved by ARDMS. Then I'd say it's a reasonable choice despite major difference in cost. It's going to cost a lot of money to wait 3-4 years before even starting your program.

thanks for your reply. don't you think 26,000 is too much for that program? I think I'll look into something else w/hcc.
Best Regards,
Gia

It's actually more like 36k.

I live in So cal before I moved to Houston just for this school. My opinion is the schools in so-cal had waiting lists roughly 3-4 years. Some where longer. The schools which didnt have waiting lists gave priority to rad techs that were looking to change professions because of saturation.

I looked at like I'm not making any real money now. Im not getting any younger. Do I want to wait 4 years to start a 2 year program? Time is money, especially when you live in a place like so cal where its very expensive to do anything. I decided to pay now, so I can get started rather than waste more time waiting it out and competing with techs that have far more experience than me.

In the end it all comes down to commitment and desire. If you want to be something bad enough, your willing to pay for the long term good. If its not something you really care about, there are dozens of health care fields out there that pay well and don't cost much to get into.

Good luck.

BY ANY CHANCE HAVE YOU STARTED SCHOOL IF SO WHA5T SCHOOL AM LOOKING INTO THE SAME PROGRAM BUT CANT FIND A GOOD SCHOOL THANKS

gia in Houston, Texas said: which is better to attend? a tech school or community college for ultrasound tech. program.

Definitely a Community College. I am graduating from Cy-Fair college in 6 weeks from the ultrasound program. It was way cheaper than a tech school and well worth it. I heard from former technical school students that they don't even think a tech school is worth it. What you want is an accredited school. Watch out for rip-offs.

Ok.Thanks. Needed to hear something like that so I wouldn't make a huge mistake and get myself in debt. Thanks again.

ERIKA in Houston, Texas said: BY ANY CHANCE HAVE YOU STARTED SCHOOL IF SO WHA5T SCHOOL AM LOOKING INTO THE SAME PROGRAM BUT CANT FIND A GOOD SCHOOL THANKS

Haven't started yet. I leaning more towards HCC. it's more affordable for me. They have f/t 18months program. Check them out.Good luck to you.

I have attended a vocational school in the past, and in my opinion it was worth the money. Most of the people there are adults that want to learn, their not there just because their parents make them go.

Now your right it was expensive, but to get your classes done in half the time...
Well thats just the quicker you can get into the career your looking to.

I need help finding place for schooling in the area.Ultrasound Technion's is I,m looking for.

Keith F. in Vermont in Waterbury Center, Vermont said: I need help finding place for schooling in the area.Ultrasound Technion's is I,m looking for.

If you are looking for a school to go to go caahep.org. Inorder to get a good school you want to make sure you go to an accredable school. This website will help you find one. I found an online school their and it has been great. This way you do not get scammed or do work that is not necessary.

victoria in Mckinney, Texas said: If you are looking for a school to go to go caahep.org. Inorder to get a good school you want to make sure you go to an accredable school. This website will help you find one. I found an online school their and it has been great. This way you do not get scammed or do work that is not necessary.

I was wondering what online school are you attending? I have found one as well that has an accredited ultrasound program and will start this month. Maybe we can keep in touch during the process because not many people on this forum are attending a accredited online program.

gia in Houston, Texas said: which is better to attend? a tech school or community college for ultrasound tech. program.

Dear Gia and All Persons who are interested in learning ultrasound:
If you are looking for basic and advanced training in abdominal and peripheral vascular ultrasound, please keep me in mind. I can help you become prepared for the competitive world of ultrasound. The training I offer is directly with patients and can be in groups or in private- you choose what method of learning you'd like. If you have little time, I can give you crash courses in abdomen and peripheral vascular ultrasound. For more details, please reach me at charles.segovia@gmail.com.

Has anyone attended or have any knowledge about the Sandford Brown's program in Dallas Texas? I saw that it was accredited but I'm leary of it's quality and reputation. If anyone has any information, opinions or ideas please let me know.

I'm anxious to get started and don't wish to wait years to be accepted into the community college, yet I don't want to waste precious $ on a college that doesn't prepare you adequately for your boards and has a shady reputation.

Thanks

Im still in high school, and i dont really know much about college and i might have to get my GED, so can i still go to be an ultrsound tech? if you can help me please eamil me!!
rainbowllama666@yahoo.com

Have you received any responds on you question? I am also interested in Sandford Brown but don't know much about them...

yeah i was looking into them

No I haven't heard anything yet on Sandford Brown. I would like to speak to someone who has used them so get a feel if it's worth it or not.

Ok. Well let me know if you find out anything and I will do the same for you.
Thanks!

I would also like to know about Sandford Brown from anyone who has attended. I have been looking into them for a few weeks now. I have called and found out that the course is about $36,000 and is about 18 months long. Please Anyone who has gone to this college...tell me something good?!?

Looking into Sanford Brown in Dallas. Is there no finicial aid for this school? I was going to see about that. I am much older and need a new career after the divorce, but paying for school will be out off the question.

I have spoken with a guy at Sanford Brown in Dallas and they do have finicial aid for those who can get it. I think that it is figured through household income. Good Luck!!!

Amanda have you heard of anyone going through the DMS online program from Washburn? This program is accredited and it's only 14k (more than 50% less than Sandford Brown).

Dee in Allen, Texas said: Have you received any responds on you question? I am also interested in Sandford Brown but don't know much about them...

Hi Doe, no I haven't got any specific advice but still looking.

I contacted Doug Jones from the Washburn online DMS program. Mr. Jones stated that they acquire the clinical sites for you prior to you paying your tuition so if they are unable to aquire the sites needed then there is no use in you going through the online program. Also he stated that knowing someone in the sono dept at the hospital is a definite plus in helping them acquire it as a site. Doug stated that cities that have community programs (like El Centro in Dallas) normally have all the sites tied up.
I don't have any contact right now but I'm trying to find some.
El Centro only takes 10 students per year so I imagine there is quite a long list of prospective students.

Do you have any info?

victoria in Mckinney, Texas said: If you are looking for a school to go to go caahep.org. Inorder to get a good school you want to make sure you go to an accredable school. This website will help you find one. I found an online school their and it has been great. This way you do not get scammed or do work that is not necessary.

Victoria,

I see that you live in McKinney like I do. What online school did you go through? I've been checking out Washburn but I'm worried I wouldn't be able to get a clinical site secured to finish.
I have an associates in Respiratory and a B.S. in Speech Pathology, as a mother of 3 small children I am hoping that the online program will allow me to take 2 classes at a time rather than 3-4. Can you tell me more about your experience?

Thanks

Hjl in Dallas, Texas said: Hi Doe, no I haven't got any specific advice but still looking.

I contacted Doug Jones from the Washburn online DMS program. Mr. Jones stated that they acquire the clinical sites for you prior to you paying your tuition so if they are unable to aquire the sites needed then there is no use in you going through the online program. Also he stated that knowing someone in the sono dept at the hospital is a definite plus in helping them acquire it as a site. Doug stated that cities that have community programs (like El Centro in Dallas) normally have all the sites tied up.
I don't have any contact right now but I'm trying to find some.
El Centro only takes 10 students per year so I imagine there is quite a long list of prospective students.

Do you have any info?

Hjl:
Washburn's deadline is Feb. 1st-I checked this program also because I was interested in something online as well. Check Mountain State.
You responded to a post I made about El Centro a while back. I imagine with your kids and already obtaining your BS, you don't want to go to school that long for training in DMS (I'm in the same boat).
I actually emailed El Centro awhile back about there program.
While they only accept 10, there is no waiting list, so basically it's really competitive. They have allied health meetings for prospects to attend-you have to attend at least one.
In my search of schools in TX, this seemed like the best or, at least, one of the best programs I did find there.
If you like, I can forward you the email.
My email is jroshtay@yahoo.com

thanks!

I was also interested in Ultrasound. Has anyone taken clasess at HCC or San Jacinto college? Which one is better and is it worth goin to a college than a tech school I was considering Academy of Heath Care Professions?

I tried Academy for Health Professions...too expensive. It costs 26,000. I know HCC will be a lot cheaper but I haven't enrolled yet.

Thanks for ur reply I will try HCC n ck into it.

Scott G in Houston, Texas said: It's actually more like 36k.

, there are dozens of health care fields out there that pay well and don't cost much to get into.

Good luck.

Scott,
what other medical fields would you recommend that pay well and don't cost much to get into if one can't pursue Sonography?

just curious and thanks,

John

John in West Bend, Wisconsin said: Scott,
what other medical fields would you recommend that pay well and don't cost much to get into if one can't pursue Sonography?

just curious and thanks,

John

Lot of community colleges depending upon where you live offer LVN/LPN programs through local community colleges. Normally the requirements to get into these programs is fair, and not overly difficult to achieve.

It's a great way to get your foot into the door of a hospital, and work towards RN. Once you enter RN you have a great variety of different choices you can go, or just remain RN.

Radiologic Tech is offered at most community colleges that are located in larger cities, and they do have waiting lists. But those lists are normally inside of a year, and you could work on getting your general education taken care of as well as preqs while waiting for the class to start.

Theres also options as respiratory therapy, and Lab techs, Pharm techs, etc. all pay decent (but not as high as Radiologic, Sonography, or RN).

These are just the ones off the top of my head, there are more though. Depends upon what you see yourself doing for a long time.

Amanda in Houston, Texas said: Definitely a Community College. I am graduating from Cy-Fair college in 6 weeks from the ultrasound program. It was way cheaper than a tech school and well worth it. I heard from former technical school students that they don't even think a tech school is worth it. What you want is an accredited school. Watch out for rip-offs.

Hello Amanda, I have a daughter who is a Senior this year and she wants to become a ultrasound tech, What did you think about the program at Cy-Fair college??

Does anyone know anything about West Coast Ultrasound Institute in Ontario, California? Thanks

Hjl in Dallas, Texas said: Amanda have you heard of anyone going through the DMS online program from Washburn? This program is accredited and it's only 14k (more than 50% less than Sandford Brown).

how do you do clinicals online???

you don't do clinicals online. You send in the surrounding hospitals and Washburn works on aquiring them as a site for you.

If they can't acquire any places as a site then they tell you that prior to your admission to the school.

Hey Hjl
Are you still considering El Centro. I'm definitely applying to the school now

Hi everyone,

Is there anyone who knows any ultrasound job position open at any clinic in houston. I have experiences working in Hospital, but now I am really like to work at any outpatient clinic.

Thanks so much for your help

Liberty Sands in Alta Loma, California said: Does anyone know anything about West Coast Ultrasound Institute in Ontario, California? Thanks

I went to the Beverly Hills School and loved it!! It was a small setting and I was placed at a good hospital after I was done. I can recommend this school and know that I am guiding anyone in the right direction.

That is true Robyn, I honestly do not think that the argument is if they are good, but they are not accredited, so in this day and age we are all up a creek with out a paddle. We only want them to get there Accrediation through the right channels so that we can sit for ARDMS or CCI without any problems.

That is all we are saying

Aries45 in ontario, California said: That is true Robyn, I honestly do not think that the argument is if they are good, but they are not accredited, so in this day and age we are all up a creek with out a paddle. We only want them to get there Accrediation through the right channels so that we can sit for ARDMS or CCI without any problems.

That is all we are saying

They are accredited!!! When you graduate from there EVERYONE is elegible to sit for the ARDMS boards... Obviously. I would know because I went through the program. I Personaly know board certified techs that I graduated with that currently work at USC, UCLA and St. Jo's. Are you sure that you are talking about the same school? West Coast Ultrasound Institute in Ontario and Beverly Hills is not the same as West Coast College or West Coast University..People always ask me if they are the same and thay are NOT!

They ARE NOT accredited! You cannot take the ARDMS boards unless you have worked for a year(and again, I know MANY people who are having a rough time finding work to even complete that year)or you have a Bachelor's. I know this because I graduated from there as well! Just because you receive a piece of paper from the school does not make you board certified. Look at how many people are having a rough time finding work...if you are lucky enough to be offered something from your clinical site, great - but some graduates were not - me included - although they wanted to, they just didn't have any openings at the time. Now I have heard that the school does not have enough clinical sites for the students they are turning out - and the students are trying to find sites themselves - which some hospitals have blatantly said they do not want to work with the school. I was a great student, but never thought I would have to play luck of the draw to get a job in this field...not after paying what I have. Wonderful for the handful of students who have actually found work..but the field is getting tougher...just look at almost every job opening...experience, ARDMS and accredited by the CAAHP...

I really think you should reconcider falsly accusing a school of not being accredited. WCUI IS an accredited ultrasound school. Yes they are not accredited by CAAHEP, but they ARE accredited by ACCSCT. That's for YOUR information. #2 the students who do graduate from the school ARE ARDMS eligable, now depending on the students previous education determins which prerequisite they fall under for the ARDMS. Prereq. #1 highschool grad-work one yr full time- sit for boards. Prereq. #3 student with BA can sit for boards after 12 months of clinical, and that clinical includes their studies at the school which makes them eligible to take it right away. I am a graduate from that school and I did fall under prereq. #1, I did find a job!

Bella and Robyn
Yes I agree they are accredited to teach by ACCSCT, but they are not CAAHEP, yes you are eligiable after a year, but no your clinicals at the school are not included, you need to call ARDMS or get a new booklet, the school has told the students themselves that they must work for a year, so I am sure the school is not giving out the wrong information about sitting for the exam. You Bella should get your facts straight because they are wrong. When employers ask is your school accredited, they are not talking about ACCSCT and we all know that or we would not be here having this conversation.

Bella how long ago did you go to the school, because rules have changed and employers have changed. From what I understand from a lot of my friends there are some many students unable to find jobs that some of them are acutally working for the school, because they can't find anything else.

I think that the biggest thing people need to understand is that this school has been around for 10 years and with the amount of money that is charged for this program you would think that they would become accredited so that students could sit for the ARDMS as soon as they graduate and not a year later.

I was told by WCUI that they have two big reasons not to seek CAAHEP-accredited.

1. CAAHEP usually accredit public schools. A lot of loan programs won't be available if accredited by CAAHEP.

2. ACCSCT has a double-jeopardy rule -- if for any reason, WCUI's application for being CAAHEP-accredited is overruled, ACCSCT will not accredit it either.

Hopefully, I understand it and express it clearly.

Really, that is laughable. Instead of asking the school, call ARDMS and CAAHEP...I think they will set the record straight on unaccredited schools...and WHY they are not accredited...how generous to keep their loan program while blowing up the tuition to 20k or more over what public schools offer-of ourse you would need a loan!!..that is just a ridiculous explanation

laopan in Van Nuys, California said: I was told by WCUI that they have two big reasons not to seek CAAHEP-accredited.

1. CAAHEP usually accredit public schools. A lot of loan programs won't be available if accredited by CAAHEP.

2. ACCSCT has a double-jeopardy rule -- if for any reason, WCUI's application for being CAAHEP-accredited is overruled, ACCSCT will not accredit it either.

Hopefully, I understand it and express it clearly.

Laopan,

Since you are researching the school and got the answer from WCUI, why don't you call CAAHEP and ask them the same question if getting accredidation from them would hurt the loan program. Do the same thing with ACCSCT. From there you might be able to find out who here is telling the truth, the school or the people on this boards critisizing WCUI.

NDL in Duarte, California said: Laopan,

Since you are researching the school and got the answer from WCUI, why don't you call CAAHEP and ask them the same question if getting accredidation from them would hurt the loan program. Do the same thing with ACCSCT. From there you might be able to find out who here is telling the truth, the school or the people on this boards critisizing WCUI.

I agree with Laurel and Durate,
They will tell you anything because they know you are not going to take the time to really research, nor will they give you the person to talk to at the crediting board to get the correct answer. I am sure if you call ARDMS or CAAHEP they will not know what you are talking about.

I'm thinking of going to Sanford Brown in Cleveland. The cost is about $35, but if I can get a job at the Cleveland Clinic and get paid about $50 a year, that doesn't seem so unreasonable. Any thoughts or has anyone any experience with that or any other Sanford Brown College? Thanks!

wwws.caahep.org has a search engine for you to search for accredited schools for many medical tech programs. I did a search for online schools and didnt find any accredited for DMS. Sanford Brown, El Centro and HCC are all on the list as being accredited for Texas.