Technicians versus Sonographers

is hohokus school a bad idea.. the reason why i want to go there mainly is because they have evening class for Sonography

Hey girls, why Hohokus is that bad???
Expensive?? Yeah, I know..but is a privat school isn'it????

Of course is not accredited by Caahep which is a big diff..
I supposed to started there last January having my Certified Cardiographic Technician Certif. already and go for the registry, but I turned into Nursing..
But you still can be certified by CCI though..Most hospitals ask for ARMDS..hmmmm not good..
The only one certified by Caahep is Stan, Brown in Iselin..(private school ) and Molloy in NY..
Bergen and Umdnj are hard to get in..

Why do I think Hohokus is a bad school for entry level sonographers?
I didn't get the right information until this year when a good friend of mine who is also a coworker who is also a veteran sonographer told me this. Any school for sonography is not accredited by CAAHEP, you are good as dead and you just wasted your money regardless what that damn institution says. Besides she said she wasn't impress by the graduates there. I won't tell you what happened by her experience when her father had to get a sonography exam by the Hohokus graduate or student. Besides, you actually have to find a place who is willing to accept you as a student in order to take the registry exam by the ARDMS or ARRT, yikes! What I have heard not a lot of students found jobs as a sonographer out of that school. Besides its too damn expensive!

School of Sonography in Muhlenberg Hospital is an accredited one. They take a few students though and I believe you have to take a test in order to get in. It is affiliated with Union Community College. It's location I believe is in Trenton.

btw, i am not trying to be a$$ honestly. I am just trying to save people from spending too much money. I hate scammers more than anything honestly. The only thing I would say about Hohokus is that they do have a good LPN program. I think if you really want to be in the medical field and really help people and FIND JOBS RIGHT AWAY with decent salary, go become a LPN if money is an issue. It is a hard program though even in that school. Good luck to all.

well am not going there..thanks for the help folks..

actually now cath lab techs that are both ARRT and RCIS are paid more than rad therapists,,,

Just wanted to let people out there know not to go to an unaccredited school for ultrasound. I graduated last year. Only two people out of my class got a job in Fl. I myself had to move to Virginia to get an ultrasound job. I was fortunate to get a job even though it is 800 miles from my home. I have to work for one year before I can sit for the ARDMS exam. I had to leave my daughter and my husband just to pursue this career and not be out $34,000. These schools especially ATI does not tell the students that the majority do not get jobs because they only do 380 clinical hours instead of 1,200 that the other colleges do. BEWARE and do not waste your money. Trust me this has been the hardest thing I have had to do moving to another state just to work.

I'm not trying to sound mean or anything, I really do feel for your situation. I personally, could never just up and leave my husband and more over, my 2 and a half year old daughter..But, everyone is different and in different situations I guess so you gotta do what you gotta do...Anyhow, that wasnt why I was writing..I was writing to say that pretty much if people dont know by now or havent figured out or found out some how that unnaccredited schools are a waste of friggen time, then I dont know what to say...And everybody posts stuff about how not to bother with unaccredited schools all the time on these forums, myself included..It's just a shame that people dont find out before it's too late already..

It is a shame that people do not research the schools beforehand. These unaccredited schools should be shut down. They are a waste of money and two years of your life. I do think these forums are great because you do get a lot of information about ultrasound that you may not know. I am just trying to save other people the misery many of us have been through!!!!

Hi,

My name is Cheryl and I am new to this forum. I am planning to go back to school and pursue a career as a Sonographer. I have been researching this for years and it really interests me. I currently have a BA in Communications from the University of Kansas, but after being home with young children for a few years, I really want a career change. I am currently volunteering in a hospital in the Diagnostics department and I love it so far. The question I have is, do OB sonographers have to place IV lines. Nothing that I have seen at the hospital bothers me, however, I don't know if I would be comfortable placing lines. The advisor at the school I plan to attend said that they do not, but I just wanted to ask those of you who are "in the real world". The school that I plan on attending is accredited and is held in high regard here, so I am pretty sure she is correct. I just want to cover all my bases. Thanks for your help.

Cheryl

Hey Cheryl:

To answer your question, no you do not have to place IV lines.

Thanks for you answer. I look forward to talking to you in the future.

Cheryl

Hey there. I am so excited about this website. I just got into SUNY Downstate into their Diagnostic Medical Imagining program and will start in Sept.'08! I am so excited. Are you in a program currently? SUNY Downstate is the only college that is accredited for SONOGRAPHY, in NYC that I see...everything else is some kind of tech school like Sanford Brown, that takes your money and can't get you a job since it's not accredited. SUNY Downstate is the first college in the U.S. that offered a sonography program. When you graduate you will be a SONOGRAPHER rather than a tech. When I asked what the difference was between the two the stated that it's the medical education and background you receive. Techs are just qualified to take pictures of what the doctor's ask, whereas SONOGRAPHERS look beyond just where the doctors want you to look and you know enough about anatomy to see things that may not look right. There's also a difference in pay when it come the two. What school are you attending? Are you registered yet? SUNY Downstate is in Brooklyn, just over the Verranzano Bridge and towards Crown Heights. Granted the neighborhood is not that great, but I know that I will receive and excellent education. In order to get into SUNY Downstate, you must already have 60 college credits, most of them in the sciences. When you graduate you will have a B.A. degree. I hope you will decide to go into the field. You sound as interested and excited about this field as I do. GOOD LUCK!!! :o)

Thatsmintttt...the post I put on the board previously is for you...since I saw that you were interested in going to school for Sonography, and you live on the other side of the bridge. lol. Did you get into a sonography program? I wanted to inform you of SUNY Downstate's program. By the way...the school also offers job placement and over 97% of their graduates have a job within one month of graduation. I wish you the best!!! By the way, stay away from places like STANFORD BROWN or schools of that sort, because they have a horrible reputation of taking your money and not being able to get a job since they arent' accredited. We New Yorkers who want to get into Sonography have to stick together!!! :0)

Hey Anna...I appreciate your EXTREME eagerness towards me, lol but thanks. I am doing just fine. Right now I am currently enrolled at the Sanford Brown Institute in NY, and before you hit the roof (YES I KNOW NOW THEY ARE NOT ACCREDITED...I FOUND OUT WHILE I WAS IN THE FIRST MODULE FOR THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM.) I dont know what exactly you've read on these boards that I've written because it's actually been quite a while, however I am no longer interested in Diagnostic medical ultrasound, and for a number of reasons that I wont get into now because it is late and I'm tired. One reason that I will say though, is that I've been hearing a lot of stuff going around about how there is such a ridiculous amount of ulstrasound technicians or "sonographers" out there, that there is just no room for any of the newer students who are still continuing to go to school for it and graduating. It's really sad. Theres just an over abundance of them out there now. I'm choosing not to waste my time, energy and money on that. U/S pretty much hit its peak about 5 yrs ago. Regarding Sanford Brown, yes you are right that they pretty much are scams, except for the one in Iselin NJ, they are accredited for some reason. I am finishing my MA course, then most likely enrolling into a CVT (cardiovascular) program at a school I've been researching for a long time now called the American Medical Institute in NJ. I know a few people who go there (who I shouldve listend to the first time around) and they swear by the school). The school is also accredited under a bigger organization than caahep. Do not be fooled and think that caahep is the head honcho either, because they are not. Also, I read what you wrote about "technician" schools, lol. To be honest, employers pretty much dont care what route you took to become the "technician" or "sonographer", just as long as you went to an accredited school with an accredited program. It's not about certificate vs. diploma.Good luck

Hi That'sminttt. I'm sorry to hear that you decided not to go with sonography, but hey, you did say that you wanted to go to school for medical assisting. Either way you look at it, the medical field is the way to go. I read in the news that the medical field is RECESSION PROOF field...meaning that no matter what is going on with the economy, you will always be able to find a job somewhere, because people will unfortunately continue to get sick. I was wondering...what did Sanford Brown charge for their courses? I was considering going that route if I didn't get into SUNY Downstate, but here in Queens, they didn't offer Sonography program. When I looked up Sanford Brown, there was a big website about how they screwed their students over and there was a big investigation of the school. I hope the one you are going to isn't like the others...maybe they are a franchise and each may be different, but I am not sure.

In regards of employers not caring about what route you took teo become either a technician or sonographer, I think it may make a difference in regards of the money you earn, just like going into a job and whether you have a college degree or not. If I am qualified to do the job, I may get a job without a degree, but if you had a college degree, they'll give you the higher wage.

I wish you the best of luck in all you do...

Anna, I didnt say I wanted to be a medical assistant lol, did you read what I wrote? I am currently in a medical assistant program now at Sanford Brown to obtain credits (it was only a 9 month program), so it was easy to obtain credits quick and they also teach alot of anatomy and physiology, which will help me out for when I go into a Cardiovascular program. I do not want to be an MA, I want to be a CVT which is a cardiovascular technician, and is something totally different from an MA) Cardiovasuclar techs only do sonograms of the heart as opposed to everything inside the abdomen, CVT's do sonograms of everything that is in the thoraic region. And, I also wrote that I do attend Sanford Brown right now because unfortunately on my initial interview with the school I was lied to about quite a few things, and YES they are a scam I totally agree. I would never recommend anyone go there. I thought I mentioned all this already though in the previous post I wrote? My school svcks right now but I am transfering to the American Medical Institute in NJ which is owned and operated by physicians and is accredited and ALSO offers job placement. Oh and as far as the certificate vs. dimploma issue again, that is what the ARDMS is for. Im not on here to argue about which is better, certificate or dimploma. I come on these boards to have fun and chat and give advice and get advice. Do you know anyone who hasgraduated for U/S? Because I have quite a few friends who graduated for it years ago. One with a bachelors and a few without it. I dont know how it works where you live or what you are told, but they all make around the same because its all about passing the ARDMS and becoming registered/licensed. Anyway Im signing off by saying, Im not really "feeling" these posts back and fourth where it seems like were trying to out talk each other with what we know. I dont mind chatting w/ people but if its going to be like this w/ all the "back & fourth", I want no part of it.

Does anyone know someone in NY who is working as a sonograher? What is the starting salary? When I go on-line I see "average" salary is $52k a year, but is that the average in the country or for NY? I heard that they make decent cash working on the side at doctor's offices. Is that true?

Hi Anna, this is thats mint...I just wanted to apologize if it seemed like I snapped in my last post. Please understand something, I just hate it when people come onto this board, and start giving me info that I already know, or talking about, "I heard Sanford Brown is this, Sanford Brown is that", when believe me I know all of this info already either from researching it for a while myself, experiencing it myself, or from aquaintances who I know who've been employed in the U/S field for some time now. AND,you made a comment in your post to me that came across as a little insulting regarding the certif vs. diploma again. Basically you made it sound as if working in the U/S field with "just" a certificate and not a bachelors degree, is not good enough, and that the people who obtain certificates are less eduated, or something to that effect. If that were the case, then why are there "legitimate", accredited schools out there based solely on an Ultrasound or Cardiovascular or other medical programs? A certificate is not just a dumb piece of paper. It is given to a person because that person completed the program with a good gpa and met all of the requirements. And, more important than whether you have a BS or a certificate is that A.)you went to an accredited school/program, and B.)You have to take & pass the ARDMS exam, and that is a must. Whether you have a bachelors or not, no one will even want look at you if you did not pass the ARDMS and pass. See, I believe that people who go into an Ultrasound or Cardiovascular or any other kind of medical program that went to college previously and got a BS degree,obtained the degree in something most likely other than related to the medical field so maybe they are "bitter" that they felt like they wasted there time in a degree they're never going to use? Guess it depends on what kind of BS? If the BS was in Physics, or Anatomy & Physiology-then that's an advantage

Hi That's mint. I accept your apology. I was a little surprised at your response. I wasn't trying to imply anything either way. It doesn't matter how people go about getting into this field, as long as they follow their hearts. I was always interested in sonography and never realized that it could be something I could get into myself, until I went back to school.

I feel embarrassed about my remark about Sanford Brown, because when I initially made that remark, I had no idea that was the school you went to, since you didn't mention the name of the school on your initial post which was the one I was initially responding to (you said that you wanted to become a sonographer from three months ago), and seeing that you were in NY I was just mentioning a school that you might have been interested in, that's all.

I didn't want to insult anyone on this board. We're all here because we all have a common interest in this very interesting medical field. I wish you the best of luck in your endeveors.

Hello all,

I have a question regarding Sanford Brown College. I am taking the steps to attend the U/S tech program coming this August. I havent paid any tuition fees or anything yet and on reading these comments regarding the school I am a little concerned. The school has assured me that it is accredited and I just checked the course catalog for 2008 and it states that it is accredited by CAAHEP. It also states that other programs in the school are not accredited. They have informed me that upon finishing the program that I would go to Columbus Ohio to sit for the ARDMS exam. Is this not what I need to become a full fledged U/S tech with a job????

Hi Tanya. Before u do anything further in regards to Sanford Brown "College", please, PLEEEEEZE, go on to www.Ripoff report.com. On that website u will see about thirty different complaints & someone trying to get a class action suit against Sanford Brown. While trying to get into a sonography program at a college here in NY that only accepts 27 people a year, I had looked into other schools just in case I didn't get into my school of choice. To be honest with u, I was disheartened to hear such horrible stuff about that school because there doesn't seem to be many schools that offer this program that we're all trying to get into. I really don't know anything about schools in Ohio, but u could go online and check under CAAHEP accredited schools in OHIO, and see what u get. Ur better off looking into a 2 year college and see if u could get into their program, because u have something you could fall back on (an education). After u read what people have said about Sanford Brown Schools, u will see that u will be leaving the school about $12k (and in some cases close to $35k) in debt, and no closer to getting a job in the sonography field because no one will hire someone who graduated from Sanford Brown because of it's horrible reputation. Apparently the biggest scam is that u have to take courses in medical assisting before you could get into their "Diagnostic Imaging Program". If ur going to spend that kind of money for an education, please, do ur research. I felt so horrible reading story after story about how all those people were duped into taking classes in that school and how the teachers weren't real teachers, and how they had to share books and how there was barely any class work and no home work. What kind of school does that?? Please go on Ripoff Report.com now...before you do anything else. I hope I saved you and others from getting ripped off and wasting their time and money. I hope this helped! Good luck in finding a school and following your dreams. :o)

Hey Tanya...Can I please respond to you by speaking from personal experience myself? I am now currently and (unfortunately) enrolled in Sanford Brown in Manhattan, NY (I live on Staten Island, NY)...Can I just begin by telling you that, this school LIED out of there a$$e$ to me sooooo baddly, and like an idiot I didnt do enough research before I went there and signed up with them. They talked me and my friend into taking a medical assistant program first, because they said we needed the credits in order to get into there U/S or CVT program. Well, to make a REALLY long story REALLY short, we did NOT need to take there stupid medical assistant program. After me and my friend graduate the medical assistant program, were going to a school in New Jersey which is 15/20 minutes away from us, called 'The American Medical Institute of Sciences'. They are accredited and not just by caahep but also under other organizations too which are recognized by the ARDMS, AART, and CCI. Remember, caahep is not the only accreditation organization out there either. And for Cardiovascular technician, the program doesnt necessarily need to be accredited by caahep, however it needs to be recognized by an accrediation organization. See, with ultrasound you'd have to take the ARDMS, for Cardiovascular technician I could take the ARDMS, or AART or CCI. Maybe Ultrasound could take all of those exams too though, so I could be wrong. Any how, Sanford Browns are scam artists, rip-off's, and have class action law suits all over the place for them. See, Sanford Brown is like a McDonalds- (each one is an independantly owned and operated franchise). I am not trying to steer you away from an occupational school. The school I'll be attending after I leave Sanford, is an accredited occupational school but it is very different. It is hard to distinguish which ones are legitimate and which ones are not. It might be differnet in Ohio too. Just please be careful, and ask ALOT of questions.Good luck

I'm sorry Tanya I know I already wrote back to you regarding Sanford Brown, but I just wanted to add a few more things and ask a few things. First, I wanted to know why you called it Sanford Brown "College"? lol. They are by no means a "college". Another is, as much as I cant stand them for lying to me on my initiatl interview, I must add that there curriculum is taught really well, we do have A LOT of homework, and they beat the s*** out of us with tests and quizzes if not everyday, then every other day. That much about them I will say. They do teach us really well academically, and sometimes I even feel like they're teaching a little too much for just a medical assisting program. However, that is about ALL I will say as far as something "good" about Sanford Brown. I would tell my worst enemy to go there, that's about it, lol. Other than that, they are horrible and I am urging you to please think twice about going before you regret it. I'm sure if you look around enough, you'll be able to find another school for that where you live that is much better. Or even if you have to travel 20 minutes or a half hour or a little more, that shouldnt be too bad if you drive. The only reason too why I havent left yet is because I only have 2 more modules to go and then thats it, I'm done and I graduate. I look at it as an experience, and they taught me a lot of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, ekg, etcc..which is all stuff I'd need to know in a cardiovascular program anyway, so at least I'll have an advantage. That's what keeps me going. Once I graduate I am gone, and they are not getting another dime from me for there fake "diagnostic medical ultrasound" program or "cardiovascular technician" program lol. Take care and let us know what happens.

DEAR EVERYONE:
PLEASE GO ONTO WWW.RIPOFF REPORT BY CONSUMERS FOR CONSUMERS! ON THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER, THEY AS YOU TO TYPE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY OR BUSINESS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. TYPE IN SANFORD BROWN SCHOOLS...AND BOY OH BOY...YOU WILL HEAR ALOT ABOUT THAT SCHOOL. THERE'S ABOUT 60 PEOPLE VENTING ABOUT HOW THAT SCHOOL IS SUCH A RIP OFF. THE PEOPLE WHO ARE COMMENTING ARE FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY. ALSO, YOU SHOULD TYPE IN THE NAME OF ANY OTHER SCHOOLS YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANY NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

Anna in Middle Village, New York said: DEAR EVERYONE:
PLEASE GO ONTO WWW.RIPOFF REPORT BY CONSUMERS FOR CONSUMERS! ON THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER, THEY AS YOU TO TYPE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY OR BUSINESS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. TYPE IN SANFORD BROWN SCHOOLS...AND BOY OH BOY...YOU WILL HEAR ALOT ABOUT THAT SCHOOL. THERE'S ABOUT 60 PEOPLE VENTING ABOUT HOW THAT SCHOOL IS SUCH A RIP OFF. THE PEOPLE WHO ARE COMMENTING ARE FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY. ALSO, YOU SHOULD TYPE IN THE NAME OF ANY OTHER SCHOOLS YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANY NEGATIVE FEEDBACKS. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!

Anna, lol...They get it. If people on here dont know by now by reading post after post and plea after plea about people talking baddly about Sanford brown, then it is on them. Let them make there own choices. You wrote about it several times already. In short-people double check if the Sanford Brown you're choosing to go too is legitimate or accredited or not. Period.

Thatsmintttt in Newyork in Schaumburg, Illinois said: Anna, lol...They get it. If people on here dont know by now by reading post after post and plea after plea about people talking baddly about Sanford brown, then it is on them. Let them make there own choices. You wrote about it several times already. In short-people double check if the Sanford Brown you're choosing to go too is legitimate or accredited or not. Period.

Why the hell is this thing saying I'm in illinois? LoL I live in New York! Maybe its because Im typing from school?..lol

ThatsMint,

Have you thought about getting a lawyer? I graduated from SB in 9/07 after 2 years & 3 months and I still havent found a job. All I get is negative feedback and emails from employers telling me they dont hire people from Sanford Brown. I wish I had done my research also. But I have been doing some research lately and there was a class action suit against the school back in 1999-2000. I'm not sure if you know but Sanford Brown used to be called the Ultrasound Diagnostic School and was owned by the Whitman Education Corporation. To make a long story short, students started a suit and the Whitman Education Corp. settled. Every student from I think 1994-1998 (5000+ students) was contacted and joined the class action suit. All of there loans were dismissed or payed by Whitman Ed. Corp. If you look this up, you will find the gov. document with the names and everything. So, they basically changed there name and continued to rip people off. I am doing my research, because I am looking into a lawyer myself. 30 grand for an education that you cant utilize and cant be proud of!! Something's wrong with that picture!!

Hey An..I feel really bad for you and your situation, however mine is a little different. I'm not enrolled in Sanford Brown right now for Cardiovascular or General Ultrasound. I'm enrolled in Sanford Brown right now for "medical assisting". The thing that DOES PlSS me off however, is that the school LIED & led me to believe that I NEEDED to take there medical assistant program in order to go into there CVT or U/S program's. I found out early on that I didnt need to do that according to other schools that I've spoken with. Other schools that "were" accredited told me that if I wanted to walk through there doors and come to them for Ultrasound or Cardiovascular, that I could have done it and enrolled with just having a h.s diploma. I was SHOCKED and PlSSED off to say the least. That is why I hate them and cant stand them, and when I see the representatives walking around school with new prospective students and showing them around the school, it literally makes me sick to my stomach, and I just want to run up to that person and tell them to please walk out the door and NEVER come back. And wow, what you've told me is more news now about the school that I havent heard. So basically, they used to operate under a totally different name? Unbelievable. Like I said though, thank the Lord that me and my friend didnt throw an insane amount of money away on an U/S or CVT program. Me and my friend are nearly finished with this medical assistant program, so once were done and we graduate, we already know what other school were going to, & they know all about Sanford Brown and what we've been through and they had a few things to say about SBI too. I only spent 12,500 for the medical assistant program, have 7,000 to pay back as the loan. I didnt want to be an MA so there was no reason for me to take this program. I cant wait to go to the new school. SBI is dispicable.

ThatsMinttt,

They really pulled one over on you. You should check on what I was telling you about and here is a link for you regarding the class action suit I was telling you about....www.paed.uscourts.gov/documents/opinions/00D0771P.pdf also do a search on this (KSDK NewsChannel 5 - Students File Suit Against Sanford-Brown College) also www.polkonline.com/stories/070600/bus_trade-school.shtml. There are so many.

Thanks so much AN. I'm not only going to look at those sites myself when I get a chance but I'm gonna have my friend look at it too, and possibly everyone in my class! The other students in my class were all fooled too into thinking that they HAD to take a medical assistant program in order to go into the ultrasound or cardiovascular program. And listen to this, this is going to blow your mind-one girl in my class has a bachelors in english, another girl has an associates for something, and the school told both of those girls that they still have to take the medical assistant program first! And they fell for that too, can you believe it? The "school" thinks that they're making more money by trying to trick people into going into a medical assistant program and spending more money because then the student will want to go into ultrasound or whatever, but now mean while everyone is finding out that they didnt need to take a medical assistant program and they are so mad, so NO ONE from my class is returning to Sanford Brown to continue any type of education at all! So now they are losing money technically! What idiots. I hope they get found out for what they really are one day, and hopefully closed down and bankrupt and put out of "business", because that is what it is-a business-and nothing else. They are all about the money, and that is it (like a corporation). F*** them all....And for anyone who comes on here who was thinking of going to Sanford Brown, if you read this then can you PLEASE consider not going to this so called poor excuse for a school?-Thanks

Yeah...but unfortunately, they'll just change their name just like they did when they were Ultrasound Diagnostics School or something like that before they were Sanford Brown. When they started getting sued they just simply changed their name over to SBI. The freaking $hitheads.

Hey That'smintt...how about contacting DATELINE? Between you and everyone else who has complained about being defrauded, you guys could have that school if not closed down, then at least have it seriously impacted because everyone in the nation will know about what a bunch of rip-off artists they really are. I am sure if you and everyone else had known then what you all know now, I doubt any of you would've went to that school in the first place. Or...maybe you could call channel 2 and get them on SHAME ON YOU...maybe you could get them to help you get your money back. I'm just throwing ideas out there to help you. I feel so bad for you and everyone who's been taken advantage of. You seem really intelligent and kind hearted because you are sharing your experience with others so you could prevent others from getting screwed. You really are doing a great service to everyone who happens onto this messageboard. Bravo to you!!! You're awesome! :o)

ThatsMinttt,

I got pulled away from my computer before and wanted to also let you know......another classmate of mine whom I became very close with shared with me that she did not have enough credits to get into the school and did not have 2 years of direct patient care so the school first asked her to take some online classes and then she would get into the school. I guess they didnt meet their quota that month so they then asked her if she could just get a letter from the Dr. she was working for stating that she did have 2 years direct patient care and that would get her into the program!! Now hear this...she told the school that the Dr. she worked for wouldnt lie about something like that and the school told her "We are not the FBI!" "If you can just get the letter nobody is going to be investigating or confirming that it was false!!!!!!! So I would say the students that you spoke of having a Bachelors & Associates, well they really got screwed big time. It disgusts me. And you & your friend, I wish you the best of luck in the new school. We all just have to swallow what been given to us and try to move ahead & press on. I am also very angry with them believe me. I am a single mom and I sacrificed so much, driving 1 hour each way just to get to & from school, barely saw my kids, had no social life what so ever, graduated with almost a 4.0, got Deans List & Presidential Scholar and what do I have to show for it?? Believe me I have broken down quite a few times. Since I come on here and see that there are so many out there like me that SBI screwed it actually helps a little. I'm still pissed off, but I dont feel so bad anymore. One thing I will do is continue seeking legal action & I hope you and your friend and class do the same. If you decide to do anything about this please keep in touch with me. I went to SBI White Plains. Maybe we can all join together and get another class action suit going.

Thanks so much guys for your concern, awww. I didnt think what I wrote would've had such an impact. I should contact dateline or a show of that nature, me and my girlfriend actually joke around about it how we should seriously call one of the news channels or something or even the newpaper. I honestly just want to finish up that medical assistant program, and run for the hills and never look back. I am sure that I'm not the only one who has had all these problems with Sanford Brown, and obviously not because all of those people have that class action law sut against them! I'm wondering why one of those people that are part of the law suit havent thought to call on them already either?? Anyway, thank you everyone. And I just hope that when people come on here and read all the bad stuff and SBI that they still dont decide to go to that school.

Hey AN, I just re-read what you wrote, and you mean to tell me that since 2007 you still havent been able to get a job? As much as Sanford Browns are what they are, believe it or not there are students (ultrasound and cardiovascular) who have graduated and some have gotten jobs? I dont understand that then. Dont get me wrong, I'd never go back there in a million years for continuing my educational pursuits, but the CVT's from my school get hired off of there externships, and with good pay too! On the other hand, I've seen some of the U/S grads come back and complaining to them that they couldnt get jobs though. I wonder why employers hire some yet not others, especially if all went to the same school/program and it wasnt accredited. Any how, so what is your situation if you dont mind me asking? Have you had employers tell you, you didnt go to an accredited school? Did you call up Sanford Brown and flip out on them and ask them why employers were saying that to you? Its so ridiculous I cant stand them

I gotta tell you too AN, I am so mad too because here I am 27 years old (not getting any younger you know what I mean) and I wanted to hurry up and go in for CVT or U/S and instead got pushed into doing this stupid medical assistant program because I was told over and over that it was mandatory. Here I am, been studying and working hard all this time, ignoring my 2 and a half year old daughter and having my husband do everything basically and occupy her too so she wouldnt be bored while mommy had to go into the room and study, and for what? I dont even wanna be a medical assistant, that's the hysterical part! See but if I start thinking like that, then that is what will make me slack and want to drop out of the program when I'm so close to graduating it already and then thats it, I can just move on from there. But I know what you mean, I got achievement awards so far in every class, and am maintaining a 4.0 gpa too, but it feels like, FOR WHAT!? lol..I'm just so sick of this medical assisting program already, ugh stick a fork in me I'm done with it! Especially since I didnt have to take the friggen program to begin with, thats what makes my blood boil..

Does anyone who graduated from Hohokus get a job?? I am so confused i didnt know that they are not accredited but now, going through the program all of my teachers graduated from there and they are activly working and happy with their salaries.

Anyone go to HoHokus and get a job??

That'sminttt...I think you and your friend should contact DATELINE...then you could refer them to all the different sonogram forums that's on the website and the hundreds of people who wrote and complained about the school. Hey, You could get a bunch of you classmates to contact DATELINE as well. No news media would give up a chance to look into a fraudulent school like this. THe added benefit is that it's a NATIONALLY syndicated show, and once people from the other parts of the country see it, they too will be calling DATELINE and they'll do a follow up on the story. The whole NATION will learn what you had the misfortune of learning on your own. You would be helping so many people, and yourself included because it would make you feel better getting revenge on that school. I'm glad you are almost done. Onward and upward, I say. You will do fantastically in the next school because you have the drive and the desire to excel. Best of luck to you and your friend.

Would you expect them to say anything less than that they graduated from the school and are happy with their salaries? I would imagine that if they complained to their students they would get fired and then who would hire them? Apparently according to the other people who write to complain, the won't be able to get a job in a hospital. And maybe they're just happy to have a job in the first place so they could begin paying off their crazy debt to the school. I wonder if you end up working for the school, will they void out the debt you owe them for the education. Hmmmmmmm, I wonder?

ThatsMinttt,

There are only 3 people in my class that got jobs so far and all 3 work in the same place!! So, it's who you know. Yes, I have had jobs tell me about Sanford Brown almost all of the hospitals know about Sanford Brown and a lot of your experienced techs even supervisors came from there also when it was called the Ultrasound Diagnostic School and they had many complaints about the school also. But things have changed since 10-15 years ago and the word is out about SBI. There are also a lot of hospitals & outpatient facilities that dont even want to take students for their externships!! Another problem is that there are many hospitals that cant take you on as an employee if you cant become ARDMS within 6 months because of insurance liabilities. If you know about ARDMS, you cannot sit for the registry exam unless you have your bachelors degree or 12 months of PAID work experience! I was going to volunteer at an outpatient facility and it never happened because 1)it wouldnt count towards my work experience and 2)because of insurance liabilities they couldnt allow me to scan as a volunteer. I would have to be a paid technician and they didnt have it in their budget to hire me! Believe me I have applied to close to 200 jobs and I have gotten a few calls back for work 5-6 hours away from me that required relocation, which is not an option for me at the time. Also, SBI is not accredited by ARDMS or CEEAHP because of the education they provide. So our education is looked at as below standards. SBI is institutionally accredited through some Independent Schools accreditation. So they meet the standards as an independent school but they they dont meet the educational standards for accreditation of Allied Health Programs. They are well aware of this and just dont care as long as they get your money. I have worked with them trying to get a job and it's useless. They email you everyday with job openings from Career Builder, Monster, ETC... and

ThatsMinttt,

CONTINUED......the jobs they email you will say job requirements: Must have 2 years experience or Must be ARDMS!! They know damn well we dont have either as new graduates. They have to make it look like they are doing their jobs. I can go to Monster, Career Builder, etc..I do that now & have daily job alerts sent to my inbox, so they are useless to me!! I also got a call from a local hospital in my area Ulster County the day after I sent them my resume. They told me to come in for an interview and then called me back an hour later after the Lead Tech saw my resume and told me not to come to the interview because they need somone one who can become registered sooner than 12 months because of the liability thing!! How's that for a kick in the #$%!! I'm just becoming weary of the whole thing and at this point many of us probably have a 1 in a million chance of finding a job. So for me, I have signed up for the RN program at the local community college. I will get my associates as an RN within 1 1/2 years & then I will move on to my bachelors. So, in about 4 years I guess I can sit for the ARDMS!!! I wont have my scanning skills of course, but my phone will probably be ringing off the wall because I will be ARDMS registered!! I guess I will do both RN & US what the hell. LOL

ThatsMinttt,

You are right, it doesnt make sense to drop out now and at least when you go to the other college you will have something to prepare you for the classes you will be taking. Just think of it as a personal achievement and thank God you plan to leave and never look back. I know how you feel....I am 37 and I'm struggling to take care of my home and my kids and I just dont have any more time to waste. This is why I decided to go to the local college where I know that my education is going to mean something and it doesnt have a bad rep!! I have 33 credits there now so it makes sense to go back! I am glad that you have found SBI out and better plans for your future. No one in my class knew about all of this stuff until recently. I have been getting in touch with them 1 by one. If I contacted a lawyer and did this by myself, of course there would be more money for me involved, but I only care about having my student loan dismissed or paid by SBI and I also want my fellow classmates to get what they deserve. So, good luck to you at the new school, you have made a very wise choice!!

Hey AN...where exactly is Marlboro? Is that Upstate NY? If you live close to the boros you could try for NYU, they have a sonogram program, but from what I understand that school is kind of expensive.

Hi AN in Marlboro...I am so glad you aren't going to let the issue with SBI get you down. You instead decided to help make you a stronger person. I agree with you about going back to college for the reasons you gave. At 36, after staying home raising my kids for 8 years I decided to go back to school part-time too. It was hard raising two kids who @ the time were8 & 3 & it's taken me FOUR years to get out of the community college I've been going to, and now I'm transferring to another school which offers an excellent sonogram program. I am planning on going part-time at least for the first semester's credits because the A&P course is so intense...what I learned in a year @ QCC will be taught in one semester. I too feel that at least when I get out, I will have something for the rest of my life which is a diploma from a well respected school. By the end, it would've taken me about 7 years, but I will be hired as soon as I graduate. There's not alot of options for sonography programs & that's why people go to places like SBI because in some cases that's the only option there is. Good Luck,& don't get discouraged. It doesn't matter how long it takes to finish, as long as you finish! The years will pass whether you're in school or not, so you might as well accomplish what you really want out of life. Best of luck to you!!! :o)

I have contacted them already and they are expensive, but also their schedule is very strict and I am not able to go full time so it would take me another 3 years. So right now the RN program is more suitable to my situation.

Anna,

Thanks for the encouragment. The school that I will be attending for the RN program, I attended way back and have 33 credits there, so that helps.

Woah AN, I just had a chance to sit down at home and read some of the stuff you wrote so far and I am blown away. Is that EVERY single Sanford Brown out there? Or just most of them but not all? I ask that, because for some strange reason unbeknownst to me-the SBI in Iselin NJ is accredited! Yet the one in Manhattan isnt, and the one in White Plains NY, and Garden City NJ are not!! How does that happen that some of them get the accrediation and some dont? I dont get that at all. And another thing is, when you first mentioned how they werent accredited by CAAHEP, it didnt bother me at first when I read that because for some reason there is a big caahep craze out there, lol. All the big deal is with CAAHEP is that the ARDMS recognizes them more that other accrediting agencies out there not to say that the other agencies are not recognized because they are. There is just a big misconception about caahep and everyone thinks that if they dont attend a "caahep" accredited schoo per say, then they are screwed, however that isnt the case. But anyway moving on-when I read a little bit more of what you wrote, I was SHOCKED to learn that Sanford Brown isnt even recognized by the Allied Health Education Programs? How can that be? How can a school operate and function without being recognized by them? Its not even that hard for a school to get recognized by the Allied Health Education Programs and if they're not, then that's really sad. Believe it or not though I think the SBI I attend in Manhattan is recognized by them though. They have stuff all over the walls in the lobby that says (AHEP), but who knows for all I know they could be fakes!! Wow..This just keeps getting better and better I swear..I cant wait to leave and go to that other school...

HoHoKus is accredited~ I don't know why you guys are saying it's not. In fact, there's rumor their going to have an associates sonography program soon.

Hey Ultra, I cant speak for HoHoKus myself I personally know nothing about it to be honest. All I know is that there is another forum on here with a room titled "Ultrasound Technician Forum-A good School"...In that forum, not a lot of people have good things to say about HoHoKus, thats about all I can say. If you go to the top of this page where it says "search forums", you can find the one where all everyone talks about is different schools on there, even though people talk about different schools on all of them though, lol. Also, do you know for sure that HoHoKus is definitely accredited? Do you know under what organizations they're are accredited? They might not be caahep but that's Ok as long as they are accredited under another organization that the ARDMS or CCI or AART recognizes and as long as they dont tell you that you have to wait a year to take the exam. When a school tells you that you cant take the registry right away, that is because they are not accredited under an organization that ARDMS and the other exams recognize and it also means that the school didnt teach sufficiently enough so you need an additional years worth of "training" which means you have to work for a year before you can take the exam...It's such bull..Anyway, take care..