Show me the money...

I checked HCC also, your right it would not be too easy to get in there and a year worth of prereq's, I know CFI is working on getting CAEPP, hopefully they will have it by the time you or me graduate, I wish you well in school and let me know how it's going when you get in there.

ANYONE KNOW OF PROGRAMS IN AZ? HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL PROGRAM? ONE MORE THING WHAT IS THE DIFF BETWEEN A RAD TECH AND AN ULTRASOUND TECH?

Hey thanks for answering my question I appreciate it a lot. I believe that the school where I will be enrolling for CVT includes the ECHO part in there program, and that is why it's almost a 2 yr program. Thanks so much though, again. Take care.

-Nina or (ThatsMintttt)

Hey Susan

Just wanted to let you know it's not CAEP, it is CAAHEP. COMMSION for ALL ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS-CAAHEP

i am looking for a ultrasound tech school in los angeles area. the only place i have seen is maric college in north hollywood, but they want me to take the medical assistant course first which takes 9 months to complete, and then the ultrasound tech program which is another 2 years. i wanted something that takes a little less time. anyone know?

Whats up "mercedes"
To answer your question, its not unheard of for people to take a medical assistant course first, before going into an ultrasound or cardiovascular program. If you have no previous college credits, then they tell you to do that, that way you can get 30 credits from the medical assistant program in 9 months, and then you'll be able to qualify for the other programs after you graduate for Medical assistant. And, if you do not want to go the route of a regular college, and take history and a bunch of courses that have nothing to do with ultrasound or medical field at all-taking the medical assistant course is a one up for you for when you do go into the ultrasound program. Also, please make sure that the school youre looking at is CAAHEP accredited. CAAHEP stands for the Commission for all allied health education programs..If your school is not on that list, then please dont go to it. Employers look to make sure you went to an accredited school with an accredited program. They seem to care more about that then what route you took to become an ultrasound tech. Also, why is it two years in that school you looked at? Where I live, the programs are 18 months if you go full time during the day, AND that is including the 6 month unpaid externship. I hope I was of some help at least...Take care, good luck and remember...IF THE SCHOOL ISN'T ACCREDITED THEN PLEASE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY OR ENERGY..

thanks for that info! i saw a few other schools that are not accredited but i know now not to go to those schools because its a waste of money. you would think that there are more schools that are accredited in the greater los angeles area.....but theres not!

Everything I have read about U/S careers say it is in high demand, and it will be in high demand for quite sometime (including US Dept. of Labor Stats). This is why people think they are going to graduate and be able to find a job ASAP!

To Mokie in PA

You are absolutely right. People arent being told the truth about how Ultrasound Technician is no longer that high in demand anymore in certain states and cities. It is ridiculous. And of course, when they go to look at a school, the school wants there money so the school isnt going to let these people in on there dirty little secret that people will be WASTING there time and money on something that they will most likely not be able to find a job for after graduation or even months or years after graduation. It's so sad. Even though I hate my school right now bc they lied to me about many things, the one thing I have to say they did do, was tell students who kept on coming there by the thousands for the Ultrasound program, that there is such an over abundance of u/s techs out there already to not even go for that program. Instead they are steering more students towards the Cardiovascular technician programs bc for some reason, that one is up and coming and is in demand and has not hit it's peak yet. I'm hoping it stays that way for a while. I graduate the medical assistant program October 31 of this year, and then right after that I am transfering to a different school, an (accredited) school, and going for CVT right away.

I have read many "opinions" concerning the employability of US techs on this site that are wrong. There is a great demand for "qualified" technicians. I will graduate in six months and I have done extensive research on this subject. Pick your state...you can find employment anywhere. It is more difficult as a new graduate; however, there were over 20 students in last year's graduating class from my school and every one of them found a job within six months of graduation in an area that is saturated with new grads because there are two schools within 30 miles. The U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics projects the field to grow "better than average" compared to all professions for the next several years. Additionally, US is listed as number 8 amoung the 10 best paying jobs with Associate Degrees according to CNN. It is not easy though. You will work for it. The cirriculum/testing requires lots of study time to get good grades and over 1,000 hours of clinical time (basically on-the-job training). These are the facts. If anyone is interested in the US field I encourage them to do their homework and not believe many things written that reflect opinions on this site. Start with an accredited institution that offers an US program. Additionally, CAAHEP is an acronym for Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. I have seen this acronym misrepresented as well. My OPINION is for anyone who really wants to be an US tech is to avoid other costly programs that schools may push on you with false hopes of getting into an US program later. As far as how tough it is, I have a bachelors degree and I am putting a comparable amount of hard learning into this US associates degree. As far as new grads finding jobs, my OPINION is the same students who skip class and are often absent from their clinical sites and get mediocre or marginal grades will have a problem getting a job. Final advice - DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH! Don't settle for opinions.

ThatsMintttt in Staten Island, New York said: To Nicholle in Sanford FL.
Where did you hear that Ultrasound techs only make $14 an hour starting out? That is a first for me ever hearing that from anyone. lol. Anyway, and as far as the tuition goes. $29,000 sounds about right. That's actually pretty good. The school I am in charges $33,000 for the program actually. If you choose to go to an occupational school specifically based around ultrasound training which is what most people opt to do, the tuition for it will run you anywhere from $30-$33,000. Oh, and go to the U.S department of labor and statistics & salary web site. Click on your state of Florida, and a chart will come up which will tell you what the mediun, and maximum pay is for ultrasound tech. I can almost guarentee it's not $14. Medical assistants make $14 an hour. Dont get discouraged. Good luck.

Thanks for your help..I wish you the best of luck :)

To Tim in PA

Very well written letter I have to say, with good sarcasim I might add-about how people's "opinions" on here are mis-leading..First off, Im guessing you were probably refering to me because I've been writing a lot of stuff on here lately about that whole "US techs cant find jobs" issue, and how "there are so many of them out there that the demand for them has basically all together diminished". I am sorry, but I stand my OPINIONS (oh and I love by the way how you capitalized every word that said OPINION). I will do the same. Again, and I've also stated this several times over as wel-I do not know how it is where other people live, but I can tell you the honest truth that in NYC, there are no jobs for US technicians. I am not making this up, nor going by unreliable sources either. I am hearing this from good, credible, 4.0gpa graduates, students who are now in the program, AND professors at my school who teach the friggen program themselves. Oh, and the US dept of labor and statistics website does say US is up and coming and in demand, and blah blah blah most likely because a long time ago they WERE in demand, and the site maybe never bothered to change what they wrote? Who knows. All I know is that YES where I live my OPINIONS on Ultrasound, is that there is an over abundance of them, therefore NO ONE and even the people the 4.0gpa's who did outstanding on there externships are finding employment. And, the actual FACTS state the same thing too. As I've stated though, I'm not knocking the employment rate of U/S techs anywhere else, but in NYC, (and yes I've done my research and homework)-it is near to impossible to find employment. My school is turning away students by the hundrends who want to get into the U/S program. And what did you mean by avoiding "costly programs"? LoL, bc I had to take an MA program before qualifying for CVT, bc I didnt have previous cellege credits. That is why I CHOSE to do it. That or I could've went to a reg colleg

To ThatsMintttt: You sound defensive and I'm sorry if you're offended. Yesterday you wrote to Mokie: "People aren't being told the truth about how Ultrasound Technician is no longer that high in demand anymore in certain states and cities." Sure sounds like you were referring to more than just NYC. Also, NYC is the most populated city in the ENTIRE COUNTRY with over 8,000,000 people in 2005. Do you expect anyone to honestly believe there is not a single US job vacancy in the most populated city in the country??? As far as students and professors stating there are no US jobs that seems silly. Have they contacted every hospital human resources office, doctor's office, vascular lab, or outpatient facility that may employ an US technician? Your professors may tell you that but they apparently already have a job (your teacher) so how do they know there are absolutely no jobs? Additionally, if the 4.0 students entered into a program in a geographic area where they can not find employment then apparently they aren't too smart afterall (unless they plan to relocate after they graduate). The U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics projection of US jobs is based on relatively recent data within the last three years. Your school could be turning away "students by the hundreds" for many reasons, i.e., prerequisites, financial issues, class size limitations, etc. I am also confused because if there are no US jobs then why are "hundreds" of potential students trying to get into the program? I was not bashing your choice to enter a MA program and frankly that is none of my business. I have seen students misled by school propaganda and they entered programs that don't match their professional goals. They ended up frustrated and disappointed and faced student loan repayment for a job they never really wanted in the first place. I hope that is not your situation.

Tim in PA:
Yes I was offended at first, and I apologize if I came off as rude in writing to you. It's just that I get frustrated, because when I tell people about how the employment for U/S tech's are in NY, it's as if they think I'm saying it, just to say it. I still stand by what I said regarding the employment for U/S technicians as far as in NY. Only because I am hearing from way too many people, the same thing over and over again. I'm not knocking it at all, I actually wanted to do it at first and was very gung ho about it for a while, but then when I started hearing these horror stories from people, it just became too much of a gamble for me to take. I am 27, and a mother of a 2 year old girl. I couldnt take the chance of going into the program "hoping" and "wishing", and then graduate to come to find out in the end that employment would be near to impossible. If anyone else wants to become an U/S tech, by all means go right ahead and shoot for the stars. The skies the limit in my book. I just try to warn people I guess, people who think that becoming an U/S tech is a "quick fix" and is easy, and easy to find employment, because it is not. Also, as far as taking a Medical assistant program, I honestly feel that was my best decision. I had either two choices since I didnt have previous college credits to get into CVT. I could've went to a regular college and obtained 30 credits that way, which would have taken about 2 years (no way), OR I could have taken there MA program and obtained 30 credits that way, and it is only a 9 month program. I'm not worried about paying the loans for it back, I get 1/2 financial aid. And to be quite honest, the students in my school who took the MA program first and then moved onto CVT or U/S tech programs, actually had a one up on the students who came straight from a reg college and took nothing that had to do with the medical field. MA teaches a lot, and believe it or not it is applied to the U/S & CVT programs.

To ThatsMintttt: Don't be discouraged. If you really want to be an US tech then I recommend going for it. I would not take anyone's word if they told me there are no jobs. It may be more difficult in some areas, but there are jobs. People who tell you there are no US jobs in NYC may be limiting themselves. For example, they may not be willing to commute to another borough or relocate for a job. What they may be saying is there are jobs, but the location, pay, benefits, etc. is not what they are willing to accept. It is very common for people to relocate for a profession after graduating from college. If this is not an option for you then you are certainly limited regardless of your choice of profession. As far as getting a MA education first, that can not hurt. Knowledge is power and the more you know about a profession/industry the better your chances for success. That is a decent plan so long as too much time or money is not wasted. US should not be considered a "quick fix" for anyone. As I stated before, you will work hard for it. I think many people are disillusioned by an US program because it can be an 18 month program (certificate/diploma) or a two year (Associates Degree) program and many seem to think it can't be that hard if it is only 1.5 to 2 years. They seem to think the end of the road is graduation; however, graduating from a program only qualifies one to sit for the ARDMS board examination. The nationwide pass rate for the ARDMS physics exam is just over 50% and this is a showstopper for some. People have graduated from a program and failed to get ARDMS registered and then lost their jobs. That's right...they were dismissed because they did not get registered. You can work some places without being registered, but it is just a matter of time before unregistered techs will be unemployable. So, it is a very challenging field to enter, but after you get ARDMS registered it is like having a passport to get a job just about anywhere.

Hey Tim, how are you?
Thanks for the advice. You are right on about people thinking that the end of the road is graduation. I know all about that ARDMS exam, and it is HARD from what I've heard. The same goes for the Cardiovascular tech exam as well, although I heard that that the Ultrasound tech exam (ARDMS) is a little harder. I have no idea why. I've heard stories about people working as Ultrasound technicians at the same job for 10 years, then all of a sudden were told that they they had to take the ARDMS and HAD to pass it. They didnt, and therefore were actually terminated from there jobs! I couldnt believe that. Yes, employers are very big on there technicians being board certified and licensed by the state now. A mere certificate (piece of paper) from a program saying that you did well just doesnt cut it anymore. lol.

An unregistered tech will have a much harder time getting a job. If hired, many (probably most) employers hire them with the stipulation that the tech will get registered within one or two years. If they don't then they are terminated. I know US techs who were originally trained in x-ray, MRI and catscan and then cross-trained into US through a training program within a hostpital. Since they were registered in another modality the one to two year registration did not apply like it does for a new grad and they are afforded a little more leniency in getting registered as an US tech. This may not be true everywhere. Health care facilities need to be registered through the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations - JCAHO (an accreditation authority any health care facility must have to participate in MEDICARE and MEDICAID Programs). A very substantial percentage of elderly people have MEDICARE as their health insurance. So, in other words, the Federal Government does not allow health care facilities to receive payment from MEDICARE/MEDICAID unless they are JCAHO accredited. This is Federal Law. Part of achieving JCAHO standards is to have registered techs. There may be another side to this from other health insurance companies as well, but MEDICARE applies to age 65 and older and some disabilities under age 65 and covers about 40 million people. I think (not 100% positive) that MEDICARE is the LARGEST single healthcare provider in the country. So, if a health care facility really wants to participate in MEDICARE they will try to get JCAHO accredited which subsequently includes registered techs. JCAHO basically states that a health care facilities' employees must have "Job Appropriate Credentials" and in the US field that basically means ARDMS credentials. This is a very oversimplified explanation, but I think it is fairly accurate.

Host said: What are typical ultrasound technician salaries? Do some companies pay a lot more for this position than others? What does a top earner make in this field?

What skills should you learn to increase your salary?

What college is good?

Has anyone ever attended Western Career College in Citrus Heights for Ultrasound? I know that it is not currently accredited by CAAHEP but it is in the process. There isn't other programs in the area. They are only in the bay area.

Kim in Miami, Florida said: I live in North Miami Beach and I currently am attendin Keiser University in Ft. Lauderdale. It is a great school and the teachers are etremely knowledgeable. The environment is very professional, I recommend you look into the program.
Good Luck!!

i currently go to keiser in daytona beach its one of the best schools for DMS. i love it, and sonography is in high demand here! good luck to all...i do not graduate till dec 09 so i hope i can find a job then.

BTW if anyone wants to know how much sonographers make or ULTRASOUND TECHS.... go to salary.com then put in your area code this website is very accurate. and for any one who thinks dms is an easy program think again. its funny to start out with a class of 200 and only 25 graduate and only 15 pass the ARDMS...so if u think its easy maybe u should research it a little more. and if u live in orlando u start out around 35/hr...daytona is about 25/hr.

Brooke in Metairie, Louisiana said: I am in an accredited program for Diagnostic Medical Sonography right now, but am worried that I won't find a job. How hard is it to find ultrasound jobs right now? I don't know if I should change my major, I really don't want to.

I been in the field, over five years,,, having to relocate, take travel jobs, what ever it takes,,, hang in there, if you have any questions feel free to contact me 630 631-4973

The best way to do this, in my opinion is to work your way up the nursing career ladder.

The best thing about nursing is that it is one of the only professions that has a built-in step-by-step career ladder where you can work, earn, go to school, make a step up the ladder.

In other words, start as a CNA, become an LPN, then an RN, an RN BSN, then an advanced certificate or an MSN.

All the way up, you can get your employer to pay for your schooling.

And once you become an LPN, you can pretty much get all of your academic credits online.

It is a beautiful system, and I can't think of another profession that gives you that opportunity and at the mid point in your career, you are making 100k

Search for campus and online programs here: www.my-nursing-career.com/nursing-degrees/index.html

That sounds all great and everything, but some people unfortunately in certain stages of there life, do not have the "time" to go back to school for nursing, and to some, the academics are extremely difficult (especially to have to do while you have a child/children). I am not saying by any means what-so-ever, that Ultrasound technician, or that Cardiovascular technician is a piece of cake at all, because it is definitely not. However, I must say that it is a significant amount of less schooling and time, especially for a women or man who has a family to hurry up and support. These days, two people in the household need to work. The man and the women. If the man is the only one working and supporting the family, while the wife is in school for 4 plus how ever many years, that takes a huge strain and toll on the whole family including the person who is trying to hold down a job, go to school, and take care of the family all at the same time. I am not saying it can not be done, but it is a whole lot of stress & ridiculous amount of pressure. Believe me, I've seen it happen with a friend of mine. I myself, was going to go to school for nursing and take it all the way...However, because I'm 27 years old already, have a husband and a 2 year old child, I decided to go into something entirely different that would've taken less time (but was still in the medical field). I say, if you can do it, then go for it but you will have to make a lot of sacrifice. If you are young though, single, no obligations to children or spouses-then I say go for nursing then! Honestly, it all depends on the persons situation, and life...People shouldnt suggest on here what everyone should be doing...Just do you and that's it...Take care everyone.

Hey...do any of you folks know about getting financial aid if you've already gotten a bachelor's degree? I graduate with my undergrad in May but I've applied for ultrasound school (now waiting to see if I get in since I've met all but 2 pre-reqs). Just wondering if anyone's had this experience with financial aid??

Folks, mind your etiquette please. When typing in all CAPS, it's meant to be YELLING...so, please use small font and be nice. This is a forum for info gathering, not a war zone-

I guess it is a regional thing..but here, nurses and US techs go to school the same amount of time (at my school, we went 1 semester more then the nursing students). US pays almost twice as much as nurses as well.

chris in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma said: I guess it is a regional thing..but here, nurses and US techs go to school the same amount of time (at my school, we went 1 semester more then the nursing students). US pays almost twice as much as nurses as well.

Isn't that wild?! I noticed that when I was looking at salaries for both occupations and I thought "wow, US pays as much as if not more than nursing"...

Since when does writing in all caps imply that means "screaming"? I never heard of such a thing...I was always under the impression that if you write in all caps, that just means that you are trying to emphasize the word that you are writing...Sorry if anyone else takes offense to someone writing in caps, or putting a cartain word in all caps. And, some people just write in caps because they just simply like to write that way..People shouldnt get offended by it at all..Take care everyone.

ultra in Middle, Tennessee said: Hey...do any of you folks know about getting financial aid if you've already gotten a bachelor's degree? I graduate with my undergrad in May but I've applied for ultrasound school (now waiting to see if I get in since I've met all but 2 pre-reqs). Just wondering if anyone's had this experience with financial aid??

Hi there, unfortunately if you recieved pell grants and assitance for your BA you will NOT be able to get anything but loans and scholarships. Trust me I know. I'm in the same exact situation.

TT in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Hi there, unfortunately if you recieved pell grants and assitance for your BA you will NOT be able to get anything but loans and scholarships. Trust me I know. I'm in the same exact situation.

What type of loan are you going to get? Have you been accepted into a program yet?

ThatsMintttt in Staten Island, New York said: Since when does writing in all caps imply that means "screaming"? I never heard of such a thing...I was always under the impression that if you write in all caps, that just means that you are trying to emphasize the word that you are writing...Sorry if anyone else takes offense to someone writing in caps, or putting a cartain word in all caps. And, some people just write in caps because they just simply like to write that way..People shouldnt get offended by it at all..Take care everyone.

Do you search on email/internet etiquette-it's there. I can see sometimes stressing one word or so but not their entire post. I'm not offended, you should have done your research before you replied to my post with, "I've never heard such a thing". Well, I have. It was even covered in one of my undergraduate English courses and Professional Communications course. :)

TT in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Hi there, unfortunately if you recieved pell grants and assitance for your BA you will NOT be able to get anything but loans and scholarships. Trust me I know. I'm in the same exact situation.

Exactly! Same here.

ultra in Middle, Tennessee said: What type of loan are you going to get? Have you been accepted into a program yet?

They have the federal loans that you can apply for-but the cap is 10,500 for the whole year (it was last year anyway).
After that you can apply for private loans-wide variety of those including loans for people entering allied health professions.
My personal experience was that it was really hard to get accepted for this loan due to not having enough credit history.
So I would tell you to have a cosigner in mind if/when you apply for a private loan.

lostnconfused in Mississippi said: They have the federal loans that you can apply for-but the cap is 10,500 for the whole year (it was last year anyway).
After that you can apply for private loans-wide variety of those including loans for people entering allied health professions.
My personal experience was that it was really hard to get accepted for this loan due to not having enough credit history.
So I would tell you to have a cosigner in mind if/when you apply for a private loan.

Lost,
Have you been accepted into a program yet? Where have you applied? Yea, I figure that I'll need a cosignor for a loan...sux but if I get accepted then I'm gonna do it!

ultra in Middle, Tennessee said: Do you search on email/internet etiquette-it's there. I can see sometimes stressing one word or so but not their entire post. I'm not offended, you should have done your research before you replied to my post with, "I've never heard such a thing". Well, I have. It was even covered in one of my undergraduate English courses and Professional Communications course. :)

Woah....I'm sorry ultra. I didnt mean anything by it, I just didnt really see why people would care if someone wrote in caps, you know what I mean? I mean, some people (not me) but some people just write that way not even realizing it either too. You're right though that it implies "yelling" because I asked a lot of people, lol. I just never knew that, honestly! People have written me whole emails in caps, and for all I know they could have been yelling at me but I never knew-lol. Anyway, take care.

:o)

ThatsMintttt in Staten Island, New York said: Woah....I'm sorry ultra. I didnt mean anything by it, I just didnt really see why people would care if someone wrote in caps, you know what I mean? I mean, some people (not me) but some people just write that way not even realizing it either too. You're right though that it implies "yelling" because I asked a lot of people, lol. I just never knew that, honestly! People have written me whole emails in caps, and for all I know they could have been yelling at me but I never knew-lol. Anyway, take care.

:o)

Hey...that wasn't an attack, hence the smiley @ the end of the post. It's just that these "ALL CAPS" people should realize that their post will be seen and noticed and replied to as well. When I see all caps, I actually skip over it b/c they seem too desperate. :)

ultra in Middle, Tennessee said: Lost,
Have you been accepted into a program yet? Where have you applied? Yea, I figure that I'll need a cosignor for a loan...sux but if I get accepted then I'm gonna do it!

Actually I haven't. I'm still trying to decide between DMS or an Accelerated BSN program since I have my bachelors as well. Plus I still have to take Physics.

I am completing the pre-req for rad tech at an accredited community college and then plan to enroll in the sonography program at same college. I currently receive financial aid. Does anyone know if financial aid will continue once I start the rad tech program and then on through sonography. Just planning ahead...

JVC in Merced, California said: I am completing the pre-req for rad tech at an accredited community college and then plan to enroll in the sonography program at same college. I currently receive financial aid. Does anyone know if financial aid will continue once I start the rad tech program and then on through sonography. Just planning ahead...

Hey JVC, I just wanted to tell you that in NY it works like this-if you want your financial aid to continue over to another course (which is what I'm thinking you meant by what you said)-the financial aid will transfer over and just be added on to the other course or program that you are taking. Then, in the end you just pay everything back all at once (if you took out any loans). However, I think before you start your other program, you would have to re-apply for financial aid again, and most likely if you got it the first time, you'll get it again the second time around. At least thats just how it works in NY. Hope I helped a little...

Gotcha beat, honey. I also dropped out of high school & got my GED. Started going back to school at 40, when my kids were a little older. Started my sonography program at 45. It will be almost impossible for you to work full-time and go to school full-time. My program is 17 credit hours - 3 days of clinicals and four classes also. You have to maintain a 2.5 GPA to stay in. I work part-time and it's very, very hard because I'm a single parent with no family around. If my kids weren't older & supportive I don't think it would work.

ThatsMintttt in Staten Island, New York said: That sounds all great and everything, but some people unfortunately in certain stages of there life, do not have the "time" to go back to school for nursing, and to some, the academics are extremely difficult (especially to have to do while you have a child/children). However, I must say that it is a significant amount of less schooling and time, especially for a women or man who has a family to hurry up and support. These days, two people in the household need to work. The man and the women. If the man is the only one working and supporting the family, while the wife is in school for 4 plus how ever many years, that takes a huge strain and toll on the whole family including the person who is trying to hold down a job, go to school, and take care of the family all at the same time.

If you want something bad enough, you find a way. I'm a single parent with a 15-year-old still at home. I work part-time and am in an accredited DMS program. Yes, it's hard. I'm 46 and I'm working my a** off, but it will pay off in the end. I made sure I had everything paid off before I cut back to part-time (no credit cards, no car payment - just the mortgage). My daughter is very supportive, too, because she's seen the dead-end jobs you get stuck with without an education. It's all a matter of trade-offs. I had to wait until my kids were older - that's part of being a parent, putting their needs before yours. You have to figure out what you want and what you're willing to do to get there.

ultra in Middle, Tennessee said: Hey...that wasn't an attack, hence the smiley @ the end of the post. It's just that these "ALL CAPS" people should realize that their post will be seen and noticed and replied to as well. When I see all caps, I actually skip over it b/c they seem too desperate. :)

if your talking about when im emphasized in my post i did do that on purpose i have taking numerous computer classes and english classes and do know that you only put caps on when meaning to scream or get your point through. which is why i did it. it seems that ppl on here care so much about things its just a blog ...get a life.

lostnconfused in Mississippi said: Actually I haven't. I'm still trying to decide between DMS or an Accelerated BSN program since I have my bachelors as well. Plus I still have to take Physics.

physices is the easiest class they say im about to start it next week :) good luck!

I am in the same predicament as you lostnconfused. I have a bachelor's degree too and am deciding between DMS and an accelerated nursing program. I would love to the the DMS program, but am very apprehensive because I have 2 small children at home and don't want my husband to have to be the sole provider after I get out of school. If so, then what's the point of spending all that money and time in a program that doesn't guarantee a job?

Laurie Brown in Bath, Michigan said: If you want something bad enough, you find a way. I'm a single parent with a 15-year-old still at home. I work part-time and am in an accredited DMS program. Yes, it's hard. I'm 46 and I'm working my a** off, but it will pay off in the end. I made sure I had everything paid off before I cut back to part-time (no credit cards, no car payment - just the mortgage). My daughter is very supportive, too, because she's seen the dead-end jobs you get stuck with without an education. It's all a matter of trade-offs. I had to wait until my kids were older - that's part of being a parent, putting their needs before yours. You have to figure out what you want and what you're willing to do to get there.

I congratuate you Laurie on what it is youre doing. I didnt mean what I said in a bad way at all if that's how you took it. I just hate it when people come on here, or even in the streets-people try to shove "switching to nursing" down your throat. I tell people I want to go for cardiovascular tech, and I always get the response, "Well, why dont you just go for nursing then"? I hate that. What I was trying to point out among other things is how C/V tech and U/S tech are both amazingly great and rewarding careers (still in the medical field), and that women these days do not necessarily have to go to school for 4 yrs for nursing, if they dont want too. AND, not everyone can make the sacrifice of time for 4 yrs in school. I dont know how it is where you live, but where I live, 18months including the externship for both C/V tech and U/S tech, and then you are finished. And it is still a rewarding career.

Annie in Morganville, New Jersey said: After being hurt and not able to perform my job, I have been considering a career change to sonography. I have been researching and only find Sanford-Brown here in NJ, is this the only school? I also would appreciate any advice and/or feedback about this field, thank you.

Annie I am also looking into the field of ultrasound and there is another school in union called muhlenberg and also healthcare training institute in union. I went to sanford brown to look into ultrasound they are exspensive and the healthcare training institure is like 12,000 less and is accredited school. Hope this helps
Jen

misty johnson in Lake Mary, Florida said: physices is the easiest class they say im about to start it next week :) good luck!

Thanks!

has any one heard of california nures and vacational institute in Sanfracisco, they have ultra soud tech program, the cost is about 21,000$ the school is not accreditted, but they offer classes on weekends. It fits my schedule but, I don't know if I should attend this school or not , they also offer free classes if you need to take them the second time, I am worried that it is going to be a rip off any one heard of this instition? Please tell me. thank you so much.

where are the schools that offer these programs near Redwood city in California.
anybody knows, I am interested in this program and I am a male would that be a problem of getting a job,because most of ultrasound techs are females is this true? thank you folks.