Accredited Ultrasoun Tech Schools in San Diego,CA

Amy in Chula Vista, California said: Mandy, have you found anything yet? I have been searching as well and can't seem to find a local school for ultrasound. Very frustrating!

Try to call Grossmont college, or UCSD.

Hello S.D. Sonographer...Ive been reading your posts from years ago so I hope I can still get a response from you. I also, am looking into u/s. It is really what I want to do/ I am in my late 30's (ok almost 40) :( anyways I also have 4 young kids and I need to change my life financially and now. I read what you said about getting an AA degree in radiologic technology before getting a degree at an accreditied sonography school. The problem I am having is with finding any accredited programs. Closest to me is Kaplan. They are accredited but apparently not with who they should be and require you to have a bachelor in anything or you cant sit for exam. That would be 2 years to get a bachelors online (i already have an AA in healthcare admin) and then another 2 years at Kaplan (which im not sure I trust) If I did a radiology tech program at my local college (Moorpark) where could I find a 1 year u/s program if you know. I too, like everyone else, am a little confused by all this. They sure dont make it easy to learn u/s!!

Does ANYONE know of an accredited u/s program nearest to Simi Valley?? Not just accredited, but accredited so that students are immediately eligible to take the exam after completeing the course or program? Anyone locally that has just finished an u/s program?

Brenda in Los Angeles, California said: Does ANYONE know of an accredited u/s program nearest to Simi Valley?? Not just accredited, but accredited so that students are immediately eligible to take the exam after completeing the course or program? Anyone locally that has just finished an u/s program?

Do not go to Kaplan for U/S...It's an unaccredited program. Don't let them talk you into the "working for a year" crap. Bottom line is you won't be able to take your boards after you finish. Again, DO NOT GO to Kaplan

Thanks Ryan! Yeah I'm finding many people saying not to go to Kaplan. Unfortunately I can't find any U/S programs near me. May end up at my local college for Radiology Technician. Not what I wanted to do but they seem to make decent money.

Brenda in Los Angeles, California said: Hello S.D. Sonographer...Ive been reading your posts from years ago so I hope I can still get a response from you. I also, am looking into u/s. It is really what I want to do/ I am in my late 30's (ok almost 40) :( anyways I also have 4 young kids and I need to change my life financially and now. I read what you said about getting an AA degree in radiologic technology before getting a degree at an accreditied sonography school. The problem I am having is with finding any accredited programs. Closest to me is Kaplan. They are accredited but apparently not with who they should be and require you to have a bachelor in anything or you cant sit for exam. That would be 2 years to get a bachelors online (i already have an AA in healthcare admin) and then another 2 years at Kaplan (which im not sure I trust) If I did a radiology tech program at my local college (Moorpark) where could I find a 1 year u/s program if you know. I too, like everyone else, am a little confused by all this. They sure dont make it easy to learn u/s!!

Hi Brenda,

I only recommend going to a accredited radiology or ultrasound program. You can read through previous posts for a link to find accredited radiology programs. If its truely ultrasound you want to do, www.caahep.org is the website to check for accredited u/s programs. I am not familiar with u/s programs in your area. Caahep.org will provide you with links to accredited u/s programs, or phone #'s to call to find the information you seek. You have to do your research on each individual program. They all have different requirements. Expect to work & study hard during any u/s program.
Please email any questions. I'll try to help if I can. Good luck in your search!
S.D. Sonographer

My question is for S.D. Sonographer. How is job market in San Diego for Ultrasound Technologists? Is it possible to find something for new grads? What is the salary range for sonographers in SD?
Thanks.

Hey S.D. Sonographer:
Want to thank you for your insight into this field; I consider your advice as golden. I've been following your post from the shadows for over a year & a half at least, possibly longer. If folks just did their due diligence perhaps this thread would not be so long. Thank you for having a great attitude while responding to comments posted.

I'm graduating this December from Cypress College's DMS program & am looking to take the SPI sometime prior to the close of the year. Just a little advice for those of you looking to get into a program or those of you trying to get your kids in or whatever in order to become a newly minted ultrasound technologist:

1. If you have the opportunity to scan, do it before starting a program like this. I have never even seen an U/S machine up close prior to being accepted to Cypress & had I known what I was getting myself into I might have enrolled in a Rad Tech program instead. Scanning is hard! No, like, really hard. It's not for everyone (read: like 98% of the people out there). Now I enjoy it (or try to enjoy it when I'm scanning an obese patient). Try to test drive an U/S machine if humanly possible to see if this is something you're willing to commit a lifetime to.

2. Go to a CAAHEP-accredited school ONLY. Don't mean to be redundant, S.D. Sonographer has recommeded this a countless number of times, so take heed of her words.

3. Any respectable U/S school will have an "open house" several times per year that gives you the skinny on just about every aspect of the program that they offer & the specifics of what it entails. I see a lot of questions directed at S.D. Sonographer that would be easily answered through any of these open-to-the-public sessions.

4. More then anything, best advice to give is right here: BE CONFIDENT! My experience was painful because I didn't believe in myself. Really, if you lack confidence, really, don't even bother applying. Hope this helps.

Rock on S.D. Sonographer!

Teknodiablo in La Puente, California said: Hey S.D. Sonographer:
Want to thank you for your insight into this field; I consider your advice as golden. I've been following your post from the shadows for over a year & a half at least, possibly longer. If folks just did their due diligence perhaps this thread would not be so long. Thank you for having a great attitude while responding to comments posted.

I'm graduating this December from Cypress College's DMS program & am looking to take the SPI sometime prior to the close of the year.

Hi Teknodiablo,

Congratulations to you on graduating as a Sonographer! I am sure there are many that will want to hear about your experience at Cypress College. I am very excited for you!!!

Please take your SPI as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the easier it is to put it off (believe me, I know!). If you have your SPI, you will be a more desireable candidate for hire. And as soon as possible, take your abdomen or OB boards & get your ARDMS creditentals.

Enjoy your new career Teknodiablo!

S.D. Sonographer

Lora in La Jolla, California said: My question is for S.D. Sonographer. How is job market in San Diego for Ultrasound Technologists? Is it possible to find something for new grads? What is the salary range for sonographers in SD?
Thanks.

Hi Lora,
I am sorry, I do not have the answer to your question. I know there are some jobs available at a most of the major hospitals in San Diego. How do I know? I looked on indeed.com! Are they looking for new grads? That my friend, is the million dollar question, isn't it? You might want to ask this same question in a different post of indeed.com. Try "Show me the money." I honestly have no idea of what new grads get paid. I think many factors determine rate of pay: 1. What is the business willing to pay? (a question you can ask during the interview process if you are so bold).
2. What is you experience? (General, Vascular, Cardiac?)
3. Which accredited U/S program did you graduate from?
4. Do you have your ARDMS? Or at least part of it?
5. Do you have letters of recommendation from your U/S program director, u/s teachers, clinical sites or from your favorite radiologist?
6. Are you currently employed as a Sonographer?

The above are just a few questions I can think of that will make yu more attractive to a potential employer in any city. Yon need not reply the answers to me, just ponder them for your own benefit.

Good luck to you Lora!
S.D. Sonographer

Hi, SD sonographer!
I read your previous comments, and I feel that you are such a nice person. I was waiting to get into the sonography program for a long time. I applied to UCSD sono program, and I could not get an acceptance. so so sad!!!So give me your wise advise. Reapply UCSD or go to other college such as grossmont college for cardiac. There are a lot of waiting list to enroll sonography program at OCC. the grossmpnt college also have a lot of waiting list? I am so tired of waiting. Please give me a hope. Thank you so much.

kim in San Diego, California said: Hi, SD sonographer!
I read your previous comments, and I feel that you are such a nice person. I was waiting to get into the sonography program for a long time. I applied to UCSD sono program, and I could not get an acceptance. so so sad!!!So give me your wise advise. Reapply UCSD or go to other college such as grossmont college for cardiac. There are a lot of waiting list to enroll sonography program at OCC. the grossmpnt college also have a lot of waiting list? I am so tired of waiting. Please give me a hope. Thank you so much.

You should have just gotten on waiting lists asap. Doesnt hurt to wait, at least you eventually get there! Ive been waiting 4 years come March. Sure it stinks but Im almost done and am just getting a BA while I wait. Life goes on regardless.

kim in San Diego, California said: Hi, SD sonographer!
I read your previous comments, and I feel that you are such a nice person. I was waiting to get into the sonography program for a long time. I applied to UCSD sono program, and I could not get an acceptance. so so sad!!!So give me your wise advise. Reapply UCSD or go to other college such as grossmont college for cardiac. There are a lot of waiting list to enroll sonography program at OCC. the grossmpnt college also have a lot of waiting list? I am so tired of waiting. Please give me a hope. Thank you so much.

Hi Kim,
Apply! Apply! Apply! Get on those wait lists! As Ken said, it never hurts. People drop from wait lists all the time for a variety of reasons. If you aren't on a list, you'll never have the chance! I know several vascular techs that went through Grossmont's program & are happily employed. Apply there too...might as well...or do you have your heart set on general diagnostic u/s? You said you applied to UCSD. Think about why you weren't selected (rhetorical questions here): Did you meet all their requirements? If so, apply again. Show them you are a serious candidate. Did UCSD give you a reason why you weren't selected? If so, work on the areas they commented on in order to better yourself. If U/S is what you really want to do, go for it & apply to accredited u/s programs only. Good luck to you Kim!

go to www.caahep.org/Find-An-Accredited-Program/ to find an accredited program in your area.

I've been following this forum for several years now and finally last year decided to go back to school and taking the pre reqs for these programs. Sometime it seems like it's taking forever and it's very difficult. I went from full time employed to part time so I can go back to school full time and sometime I wonder if this is a mistake. I want to get done with school ASAP but it looks like it's also difficult to get into the programs once I'm done which is already taking forever. I am losing faith here. Please give me some word of wisdom!!!

S.D. Sonographer in San Diego, California said: Hi Kim,
Apply! Apply! Apply! Get on those wait lists! As Ken said, it never hurts. People drop from wait lists all the time for a variety of reasons. If you aren't on a list, you'll never have the chance! I know several vascular techs that went through Grossmont's program & are happily employed. Apply there too...might as well...or do you have your heart set on general diagnostic u/s? You said you applied to UCSD. Think about why you weren't selected (rhetorical questions here): Did you meet all their requirements? If so, apply again. Show them you are a serious candidate. Did UCSD give you a reason why you weren't selected? If so, work on the areas they commented on in order to better yourself. If U/S is what you really want to do, go for it & apply to accredited u/s programs only. Good luck to you Kim!

Thank you, Karry in Lenoir and SD sonographer!
Yes, I'll apply again. I really appreciate your kindness.

What about PIMA institute...???? On the website it said it is but is it true???

question for S.D Sonographer. im a senior in high school and im looking to become an ultrasound tech. the only thing is, im lost on how to get there. can you tell me the steps? do i go to San Diego Mesa College for 2 years right after high school, and then apply to the UCSD Sonography program? how difficult is it to get accepted into this program and is there financial aid?? how long would the program take, and what would i need to do afterwards? any help would be great. thanks

sara in San Diego, California said: question for S.D Sonographer. im a senior in high school and im looking to become an ultrasound tech. the only thing is, im lost on how to get there. can you tell me the steps? do i go to San Diego Mesa College for 2 years right after high school, and then apply to the UCSD Sonography program? how difficult is it to get accepted into this program and is there financial aid?? how long would the program take, and what would i need to do afterwards? any help would be great. thanks

Hi Sara, No need to be lost on how to become a Ultrasound Technologist. First, when considering any field in medicine, make sure you go to a accredited program. For Sonography(i.e. Ultrasound), please check out this link thoroughly: www.caahep.org
Caahep has all the accredited ultrasound programs listed. Each school has different requirements, prerequistes, application processes, & length of course. You will need to look at each one to see which program suits you. Some u/s programs require that you already be a radiographer (i.e. x-ray technologist) & some do not. Contact each school for info on finacial aid. I believe most of the accredited u/s programs have web links listed in Caahep. If not, google the school or call them for more information. Did this help you? I hope so. Your guidance counselor at your high school should also be a source of information. Another good link is: www.ardms.org It will tell you more about the field of Ultrasound. Good luck!

S.D. Sonographer in San Diego, California said:

Hi Sara,
P.S. Once you click on the link for Caahep, it will give you options to select from:

Profession Name: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Select a Profession: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Concentration: All, Cardiac, General, Vascular
State: CA (I am assuming Calif but you can check other states too)
Search in: Accredited

Hi S.D. sonographer, id like to discuss with you about what steps to take to become an U/S tech plz email me brutonious2004@gmail.com

Can i email you directly about my U/S tech questiins :) mine is brutonious2004@gmail.com

Hello,
Looking to be an ultrasound tech and live in North County (San Diego). Now that I have read not to go to an online school, I will NOT.... BUt any recent advise on where to go - North County? I have my AA in Bus Mgmt and though recently to be an U/S. I really need to do something and finally think this is what I'd like to do.

Do i have to be an Radiologist Tech 1st (go to 2 years of school first), and then apply to be a U/S?

Spend SOOOOoooooooooo much time online, please help. Where are good Radiation Tech schools?

I really need just to know the process and I will do it.

Please let me know if anyone has some answers..

Mandy in San Diego, California said: I noticed a posting with this question b4 but with no response. I'm very intersted in this field but having a hard time finding a school in San Diego. Any one have any suggestions? I am a single mom and can't move out of the San Diego area.

Hello,

I believe both Mesa College and Grossmont College offer sonography program. Good luck!

naturally in San Leandro, California said: Can i email you directly about my U/S tech questiins :) mine is brutonious2004@gmail.com

Hello Naturally,
I only answer questions posted in this forum, never privately. I respond sporadically at best (it took me 3 months to answer you) as I do not monitor this site.
S.D. Sonographer

carolita in Oceanside, California said: Hello,
Looking to be an ultrasound tech and live in North County (San Diego). Now that I have read not to go to an online school, I will NOT.... BUt any recent advise on where to go - North County? I have my AA in Bus Mgmt and though recently to be an U/S. I really need to do something and finally think this is what I'd like to do.

Do i have to be an Radiologist Tech 1st (go to 2 years of school first), and then apply to be a U/S?

Spend SOOOOoooooooooo much time online, please help. Where are good Radiation Tech schools?

I really need just to know the process and I will do it.

Please let me know if anyone has some answers..

Hi Carolita,
You do not have ato be a Radiographer (X-ray technologist) to become a Ultrasound Technologist(ARMDS). Some u/s programs do require it though. For accredited u/s programs: www.caahep.org
For accredited Radiography programs: www.jrcert.org
Mesa College has a excellent radiography program. You can check out Pima in Chula Vista, it's accredited for radiography but I do not personally know any graduates from there.
April said in a previous post: "I believe both Mesa College and Grossmont College offer sonography program." To my knowledge, no sonography is offered at Mesa. At Grossmont, there is a Cardiology program (see caahep.org for mor info), that has Vascular u/s (RVT) as part of it's program, not Diagnostic u/s (ARDMS). Does this help you? Good luck!
S.D. Sonographer

carolita in Oceanside, California said: Hello,
Looking to be an ultrasound tech and live in North County (San Diego).

Hi Carolita,
You do not have ato be a Radiographer (X-ray technologist) to become a Ultrasound Technologist(ARMDS). Some u/s programs do require it though. For accredited u/s programs: www.caahep.org
For accredited Radiography programs: www.jrcert.org
Mesa College has a excellent radiography program. You can check out Pima in Chula Vista, it's accredited for radiography but I do not personally know any graduates from there.
April said in a previous post: "I believe both Mesa College and Grossmont College offer sonography program." To my knowledge, no sonography is offered at Mesa. At Grossmont, there is a Cardiology program (see caahep.org for mor info), that has Vascular u/s (RVT) as part of it's program, not Diagnostic u/s (ARDMS). Does this help you? Good luck!
S.D. Sonographer

I just want to say thank you to SD Sonographer for all the helpful links and advice. Like many others on here, i too would love to be an U/S tech and had no idea where to start...feeling lost and being in my late 30's, i really feel the need to have a career instead of working these dead end ones and do something i really enjoy. I am going to check out some of these leads. You've given me a renewed hope that i can do it and the info is out there.

Ok...so now i have been searching a little on PIMA medical and some are saying that its only Nationally accredited, so whats the difference and is that bad? This is for their 2 year Radiology program. I'm gonna search some others first before committing to PIMA, but some insight to this would be wonderful.

Has anyone been through the Xray Tech program at Mesa College? The only thing holding me back from pursing this program is the ability to continue working. I have sent SEVERAL e-mails to the department and they will not give me a straight answer. I need to know how many days/hours this program is. For example, the first semester is 4 classes/10 units which is full time. However, are you going to class 5 days a week? 3 days a week? 8 hours per day? 3 hours per day? Bottom line is I have to work full time and go to school. I have a mortgage/bills to pay and have a family to support. If I can't work full time, than going to school for this program is just not an option. I don't know if they are not answering my questions because they want to weed people out that are not serious, but I don't want to waste their time or mine if its isn't going to work. I understand the demand of working both full time and going to school...I already have a Bachelors degree in a different field. I have always worked full time and gone to school full time. If there is anyone that can answer this question for me, I would really appreciate it!

NeedHelp in Poway, California said: Has anyone been through the Xray Tech program at Mesa College? The only thing holding me back from pursing this program is the ability to continue working. I have sent SEVERAL e-mails to the department and they will not give me a straight answer. I need to know how many days/hours this program is. For example, the first semester is 4 classes/10 units which is full time. However, are you going to class 5 days a week? 3 days a week? 8 hours per day? 3 hours per day? Bottom line is I have to work full time and go to school. I have a mortgage/bills to pay and have a family to support.

There is a schedule on Mesa college web site where you can look for days and hours of the program.

Hey SD sonographer. Im going to apply to Ucsd this month. I had an interview with loma Linda a few weeks ago and may not have had all the pre- reqs they required. Long story but my top choice is ucsd. I have a bachelors in economics and my overall gpa is not great. Maybe a 2.8 for my undergrad. But in Sonography pre-reqs I have a 3.67. My question is, do you think I will be a competitive candidate and how can I make myself stand out more. I've been preparing for this for a year, and want to know what Nannette looks for. I was a great candidate for loma Linda, but it was a mess, Im still waiting for the acceptance letter but not sure how that's going to go. I've got a recommendation from my old CIO from the investment firm I worked at out of college, a graduate from Ucsd Sonography, and science professors. I will be starting my volunteer work now that the semester is over but i am very nervous that i will not get in. Could you tell me the applicant pool or what you did to succeed? Or stats? It would really help me out. Ucsd is my top choice and I really need some guidance.
Are you offering any observers at your imaging center or hospital? I know It's not easy to be able to observe due to regulations, but It's worth asking. Please help, Im nervous! Thanks so much.

alisonpham212 in Riverside, California said: Hey SD sonographer. Im going to apply to Ucsd this month. I had an interview with loma Linda a few weeks ago and may not have had all the pre- reqs they required. Long story but my top choice is ucsd. I have a bachelors in economics and my overall gpa is not great. Maybe a 2.8 for my undergrad. But in Sonography pre-reqs I have a 3.67. My question is, do you think I will be a competitive candidate and how can I make myself stand out more. I've been preparing for this for a year, and want to know what Nannette looks for. I was a great candidate for loma Linda, but it was a mess, Im still waiting for the acceptance letter but not sure how that's going to go. I've got a recommendation from my old CIO from the investment firm I worked at out of college, a graduate from Ucsd Sonography, and science professors. I will be starting my volunteer work now that the semester is over but i am very nervous that i will not get in. Could you tell me the applicant pool or what you did to succeed? Or stats? It would really help me out. Ucsd is my top choice and I really need some guidance.
Are you offering any observers at your imaging center or hospital? I know It's not easy to be able to observe due to regulations, but It's worth asking. Please help, Im nervous! Thanks so much.

I'm not from

I forgot to mention that i live in san Diego and not riverside, I also went to SDSU and my prerequisites were from mesa, southwestern and city college.

alisonpham212 in Riverside, California said: I'm not from

I meant Im not from riverside. I am from san Diego and went to SDSU and my pre reqs are from mesa and other SD intuitions. Sorry

Lora in La Jolla, California said: There is a schedule on Mesa college web site where you can look for days and hours of the program.

Hi Lora. I looked at the website and it does give a list of the classes that students take every semester. However, it does not provide the times of the classes. It just says that the student should be available for classes Monday through Friday from 7 or 8 in the morning to 5 or 6 at night. I know they are taking in consideration the lab hours. But those are flexible that you can do anytime and is not a set schedule. For example, one semester says you will be taking 3 different classes. However, the person I have been e-mailing says that you are not in all three of thoses classes everyday. They could be 2 or 3 times a week but they wont tell me what days and what times. Its just incredibly frustrating because when I was in school full time (taking 5 to 6 classes at a time) I still worked full time. I know that 2 or 3 classes don't fill 40 hours of your week. When I study and when I do my lab hours can be flexible around a class schedule and work schedule. I really don't think its fair to give students the run around.