Ultrasound School in Sacramento

I'm currently looking into Western Career College and United Medical Institute for their Ultrasound program. Does anyone graduated from either one of these schools and got a job and passed the ARDMS registry? I have checked with ARDMS that I'm able to take the exam upon graduation since I already have a bachelor degree. I just worried that is hard to find a job graduating from an non-accrediated school. Please help

i have the same question also!!! reply back anyone!!!!

You are gonna be eligible to take Physics ARDMS after graduation just because you have bachelor degree,3A, but to take secound exam you still need 1 year experience.
In North CA there is only after FootHill College you are not gonna have any problems with employment and ARDMS.
Some my friends have these situation: Most of them passed Physics
and can't find a job....to get experiences, and you have only 1 year for passing second exam, then you will have to take physics exam again.
But there is one more way to get experience- maybe to find a job in other state, of course if you are able to move somewhere.
Honestly, it's pretty long way to get a ARDMS and good full time job after non-accredited school.

Christina Cheng in Sacramento, California said: I'm currently looking into Western Career College and United Medical Institute for their Ultrasound program. Does anyone graduated from either one of these schools and got a job and passed the ARDMS registry? I have checked with ARDMS that I'm able to take the exam upon graduation since I already have a bachelor degree. I just worried that is hard to find a job graduating from an non-accrediated school. Please help

hi did you get any replys on the unitedmedical institute schooL? im thinking about going their im enrolled and everything im going to do ultrasound so i was just wondering

gagan in Sacramento, California said: hi did you get any replys on the unitedmedical institute schooL? im thinking about going their im enrolled and everything im going to do ultrasound so i was just wondering

Hello,
My daughter is thinking of going to one of these two schools you mentioned. Did you get any other feedback or find out anything we should know? I worry that they are not CAAHEP accrediated.
Thanks
Pat

Pat in Placerville, California said: Hello,
My daughter is thinking of going to one of these two schools you mentioned. Did you get any other feedback or find out anything we should know? I worry that they are not CAAHEP accrediated.
Thanks
Pat

It is in your best interest to get her to an accredited school by CAAHEP. Kaiser Permanente will not hire employees who are not accredited with ARDMS because of their union. As medicare and other insurers starts becoming strict about accreditation, hospitals and clinics will have to follow suit. The quickest way to get accredited is by going to a CAAHEP school.

The closest school that is accredited is by Kaiser in Richmond. Then it would be Foothill College.

I have been reading comments from all of you for the past month and half. I have to say that this site is very much helpful.

i have one question please. BY taking your ardms, can you work in any state or just the state you took the exam from?

If you have a bachelor degree does it matter if the training comes from a accredited school??

thanks

me in Bloomfield, New Jersey said: I have been reading comments from all of you for the past month and half. I have to say that this site is very much helpful.

i have one question please. BY taking your ardms, can you work in any state or just the state you took the exam from?

If you have a bachelor degree does it matter if the training comes from a accredited school??

thanks

I am a student at United Medical Institute. Almost done with the program. Already passed SPI exam with ARDMS. It's a physics exam look up the info on they site, it's all there. So it is not true that you need to wait till graduation. I'm almost done with externship have 1 moth left. The place signed a two years contract with me and I have a job not even graduated yet.
Will sit for the second ARDMS exam after graduation.
Kaiser does not hire anyone with less then 5 years of experience. I looked in to it, but it is not the only hospital in the area. I will be working in the hospital and apparently they have no problem hiring me because my school have prepared me very well. They don't care where you graduated from as long as you passed your SPI and will apply for the specialty exam after graduation.
Many of my classmates doing same thing.
I'm very happy with the program and education I received. Teachers are great and I'm very happy.
SO if you looking for a school this is it. I had same reservations before enrolling, now everything paid off big time.

Lina in Sacramento, California said: I am a student at United Medical Institute. Almost done with the program. Already passed SPI exam with ARDMS. It's a physics exam look up the info on they site, it's all there. So it is not true that you need to wait till graduation. I'm almost done with externship have 1 moth left. The place signed a two years contract with me and I have a job not even graduated yet.
Will sit for the second ARDMS exam after graduation.
Kaiser does not hire anyone with less then 5 years of experience. I looked in to it, but it is not the only hospital in the area. I will be working in the hospital and apparently they have no problem hiring me because my school have prepared me very well. They don't care where you graduated from as long as you passed your SPI and will apply for the specialty exam after graduation.
Many of my classmates doing same thing.
I'm very happy with the program and education I received. Teachers are great and I'm very happy.
SO if you looking for a school this is it. I had same reservations before enrolling, now everything paid off big time.

This sounds like an advertisement. ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert***

Well, I'm wondering what school you are working for if you think it is spam!
I have told you the truth, but apparently for some reason you didn't like it:-) I told you my experience and opinion. That's all! Take it or leave it.

Natalia in Concord, California said: You are gonna be eligible to take Physics ARDMS after graduation just because you have bachelor degree,3A, but to take secound exam you still need 1 year experience.
In North CA there is only after FootHill College you are not gonna have any problems with employment and ARDMS.
Some my friends have these situation: Most of them passed Physics
and can't find a job....to get experiences, and you have only 1 year for passing second exam, then you will have to take physics exam again.
But there is one more way to get experience- maybe to find a job in other state, of course if you are able to move somewhere.
Honestly, it's pretty long way to get a ARDMS and good full time job after non-accredited school.

The info you have posted is incorrect. I go to the United Medical Institute in Sacramento and not done with my externship yet and already pass Physics exam. So those who telling you info are misinformed.
Already have a job and my future is looking bright!

I was told that under 3A and at least 12 mos. of education with
externship I can take the physics,plus a speciality.Since it
is echo for me,I can TAKE ADULT CARDIAC.

Lina in Sacramento, California said: The info you have posted is incorrect. I go to the United Medical Institute in Sacramento and not done with my externship yet and already pass Physics exam. So those who telling you info are misinformed.
Already have a job and my future is looking bright!

I THINK YOU ARE WRONG ABOUT 3A. READ IT.You can take Physics
and a speciality if you have at least 12 mos.school,plus internship.

Nancy in Los Angeles, California said: I THINK YOU ARE WRONG ABOUT 3A. READ IT.You can take Physics
and a speciality if you have at least 12 mos.school,plus internship.

It does not matter Cardio or other sonography course you take requirements are the same!
ARDMS changed exam requirements from April of this year. SPI exam is taken while you are still in school. (SPI is physics exam) That's what I did! After I graduate I will work for 12 month and then sit for the specialty exam.

Lina in Sacramento, California said: I am a student at United Medical Institute. Almost done with the program. Already passed SPI exam with ARDMS. It's a physics exam look up the info on they site, it's all there. So it is not true that you need to wait till graduation. I'm almost done with externship have 1 moth left. The place signed a two years contract with me and I have a job not even graduated yet.
Will sit for the second ARDMS exam after graduation.
Kaiser does not hire anyone with less then 5 years of experience. I looked in to it, but it is not the only hospital in the area. I will be working in the hospital and apparently they have no problem hiring me because my school have prepared me very well. They don't care where you graduated from as long as you passed your SPI and will apply for the specialty exam after graduation.
Many of my classmates doing same thing.
I'm very happy with the program and education I received. Teachers are great and I'm very happy.
SO if you looking for a school this is it. I had same reservations before enrolling, now everything paid off big time.

I agree with Jersey this is spam...probably written by one of the staff members at the school! United Medical Institute is a poorly run facility, and you will not be able to get a job! I went there I know, and I am not a staff member.

anniegot your gun in Concord, California said: I agree with Jersey this is spam...probably written by one of the staff members at the school! United Medical Institute is a poorly run facility, and you will not be able to get a job! I went there I know, and I am not a staff member.

You should know me then if you went there. Cuz I'm not a staff member either. I'm using my real name and you are not. What's a problem? Maybe there is a reason for it? Everyone from my class graduated and happy. We stay in touch that's why I know.
I'll be done in 2 weeks and starting a job!!! Happy for it! :-)))

anniegot your gun in Concord, California said: I agree with Jersey this is spam...probably written by one of the staff members at the school! United Medical Institute is a poorly run facility, and you will not be able to get a job! I went there I know, and I am not a staff member.

yeah i agree with you totally i went there to and quit once i realized how the school was ran.. what yr did you there in maybe we know eachother??

I Recruit technicians on a daily basis and I have never come across a candidate that has graduated from this school and been able to find a job. They collect money on you during your externship and drop you. It is near impossible for you to get certified by ARDMS from this program. The SPI means nothing to an employer. It was designed to give credentialling some weight.

Recruiter in Healthcare in Hanover, Maryland said: I Recruit technicians on a daily basis and I have never come across a candidate that has graduated from this school and been able to find a job. They collect money on you during your externship and drop you. It is near impossible for you to get certified by ARDMS from this program. The SPI means nothing to an employer. It was designed to give credentialling some weight.

Not sure what you are talking about? I didn't have to pay for my externship it's part of the program. I completed my externship at the Hospital. Maybe that's what they do in MD. What school are you reffering to?

I am about start my ultrasound career at Lincoln University in Oakland California. There are Caahep accredited in Washington. Has anyone here have friend who has attended this college? If so they the find work?

pamela in El Cerrito, California said: I am about start my ultrasound career at Lincoln University in Oakland California. There are Caahep accredited in Washington. Has anyone here have friend who has attended this college? If so they the find work?

HI Pamela, Did u find any1 attended this school..i am thinking of attending this school..

saif in Lafayette, California said: HI Pamela, Did u find any1 attended this school..i am thinking of attending this school..

Dear Saif, No I have
found any one who went to Lincoln University in Oakland Ca. I myself have done my research and have found that City College has a program for a total cost of 4,000.00 the cheapest one for two years. Kaiser has one for 9,000 but still again it takes much too long. SF city college is not accredited, but have applied for it. and have over 150 people who have applied and they only pick 50 people. They do not start until Oct 2010. I just do not wish to gambel on Laney they are a second to last choice. The Lincoln University will allow 25 units to be transfered into their program. With this information I am taking Medical terminolgy and looking to see if there are any more classes can take at Alameda college at weekend college in order to cut some costs. I have decided to attend this college because I can jump in the the core classes of ultra sound equipment by Jan 2010 at the latest. good luck Saif

pamela in El Cerrito, California said: I am about start my ultrasound career at Lincoln University in Oakland California. There are Caahep accredited in Washington. Has anyone here have friend who has attended this college? If so they the find work?

If that location is not accredited then I would stay clear of it. There is a reason why it's not accredited. I would opt for the Kaiser Permanente School in Richmon, or a school that is accredited. Search Stanford Brown on the forum... they have one location that is accredited and others not. There reputation is not strong.

Yes Kim San francisco city college is not accredited. The thing about ultrasound programs to me is they take along time is to get. Kaiser is the one is the better of them and less costly if you contact the 1 stop career in Richmond and have a low income the cost for this is about 10K they will paid it. You must have taken all the required classes in order to make the registration date in Oct. 09. I called and got the listing, geez! it will be a year or more to get these classes done. I really do not want to waste anymore time so I will go for Lincoln first, the other two are second/third choices.

Hi everyone.
I went to Lincoln University for info and they lied to me about the accreditation. They also told me that they are caahep accredited in Washington. Well, I called caahep and they don't have an office in Washington. Then, I called ardms and asked them if I went to Lincoln will it qualify me to sit for ardms exam. I was told that Lincoln University does not give enough clinical hours for that. Lincoln gives only 275 hours and ardms told me I will need to have more then 800 clinical externship hours.

pamela in Berkeley, California said: Yes Kim San francisco city college is not accredited. The thing about ultrasound programs to me is they take along time is to get. Kaiser is the one is the better of them and less costly if you contact the 1 stop career in Richmond and have a low income the cost for this is about 10K they will paid it. You must have taken all the required classes in order to make the registration date in Oct. 09. I called and got the listing, geez! it will be a year or more to get these classes done. I really do not want to waste anymore time so I will go for Lincoln first, the other two are second/third choices.

I hope you the best, but I wouldn't recommend going to a school merely on the fact that you can quickly get in. Short cuts are sometimes disguised to lead you to a harder path.

Yes well Kim thanks, But Lincoln is a very well acredited and they are not the easy way but they are quick and costly. I need to get into the core classes by Jan 2010 because beside the the testing afterward there is clinical time for 1 yr. As for the hard way I am also attending Alameda college in the afternoons with the goal of uptaining a BA. Lincoln will accept 25 transferable units so. Alameda offers a medical terms class which i can transfer. I am an older student with very limited working years left. So you see we all have our own plans/reasons for what we do. My second fall back is the two other schools. good luck with your plans. P

Wow really, Thanks for the information. I will have to make some phone calls. And talk to Oakland Unversity? So can you still take the test? What corrections do you have to do to fullfil your career? Pam

Mady Smith in Walnut Creek, California said: Hi everyone.
I went to Lincoln University for info and they lied to me about the accreditation. They also told me that they are caahep accredited in Washington. Well, I called caahep and they don't have an office in Washington. Then, I called ardms and asked them if I went to Lincoln will it qualify me to sit for ardms exam. I was told that Lincoln University does not give enough clinical hours for that. Lincoln gives only 275 hours and ardms told me I will need to have more then 800 clinical externship hours.

Hi,

Can you share with us what are u planning to do...Coz I am also trying to get into Sonography program in Kaiser for this year (i have all Preq but No gaurantee of getting in since they have limited seats)... Other option i have is to go to Lincoln University but after reading your comments and since its not accreditted i am confused...But if i dont get in Kaiser then only option is Lincoln...Anybody tried for Online Accereditted DMS Courses..I emailed 3 Online schools and they said that Theory part students can do online but clinical we have to got to hospitals and get permissions ourselves...So i am looking into that also..if any1 have any info please share...Thanks Saif

Hi, Saif well I have an appointment with Lincoln on Monday and I will ask them for a phone number where I can call to verify their creditdentals. however the clincal is the bad thing with them. The good thing with them is you do not have to wait. If you saw the other blogger here. She went to Lincoln and still has to do 800 more hours before she can take her test. Lincoln offers only 275 hrs of clincal in their program. She can not take her Armds test without the requied hours. I called Kaiser and they are what looks to be the best as far as clincal goes. You do not need to do the clinical 1 yr. exp. with their program. If you can get in! If you have a BA degree you can take the ARMDS testing right away, after you finish schooling. The are two others, City college in San Francisco in which you can compete for one of fifty slots, SF CITY have applied for creditdentals. Their cost is only 5K. They are second choice because it won't cost anything to try for their program. The other college is FootHill college in Los Altos, across the bay bridge. I have to do my homework with them. I do not intend to just give away 20k to Lincoln, and have to stress out looking for the clincal exp.for a 1yr. It's best to take testing as soon as possible after school while the teachings are still fresh. Right now if I choose not to go to Lincoln, I can still take the required credits at almost any junior college. Lincoln and SF City College will accept them. I won't have access to any real Ultra sound classes with Lincoln Jan 2010, so I just may continue taking the required/basic transferable classes like now I take the Medical terminolgy at Alameda and may take more classes until Jan.2010. There will he meeting at SF College in Feb. 2010. re: the Ultra sound program. They do not start until Aug. 2010. So it's all a gamgle. But hey if one does not work out, well I will just applied for another. I will keep updated about my app. with Lincoln if you are still interested. P

Mady Smith in Walnut Creek, California said: Hi everyone.
I went to Lincoln University for info and they lied to me about the accreditation. They also told me that they are caahep accredited in Washington. Well, I called caahep and they don't have an office in Washington. Then, I called ardms and asked them if I went to Lincoln will it qualify me to sit for ardms exam. I was told that Lincoln University does not give enough clinical hours for that. Lincoln gives only 275 hours and ardms told me I will need to have more then 800 clinical externship hours.

Hi, Mady I called this number and they identified themselves as the ACICS you will have to google it. This site won't allow me to send phone numbers. I Also talk to Tatannya at Lincoln, and she informed me that Lincoln is now offering 800 instead of 275 hours. So if I were you I would contact them and see about getting the rest of that time. Nothing to loose by it. P

Mady Smith in Walnut Creek, California said: Hi everyone.
I went to Lincoln University for info and they lied to me about the accreditation. They also told me that they are caahep accredited in Washington. Well, I called caahep and they don't have an office in Washington. Then, I called ardms and asked them if I went to Lincoln will it qualify me to sit for ardms exam. I was told that Lincoln University does not give enough clinical hours for that. Lincoln gives only 275 hours and ardms told me I will need to have more then 800 clinical externship hours.

Hey Mady ok so I got a call back from the ACICS and they told me Lincoln has been acredited from year 1990 and they have no compliants. I am going for Lincoln, only because it takes way too long for colleges, and you might not get choosen in the end. Looks like they are are all a gamble! P

pamela in Richmond, California said: Hey Mady ok so I got a call back from the ACICS and they told me Lincoln has been acredited from year 1990 and they have no compliants. I am going for Lincoln, only because it takes way too long for colleges, and you might not get choosen in the end. Looks like they are are all a gamble! P

Hi Pamela, Thanks for posting all the helpful info. As you said that Lincoln is offering 800 Clinical Hrs but there Website shows only 275 Hrs?? I will also call them and check why there website doesnt show 800hrs. Also apart from Medical Term any other course u r taking or planing to take outside of Lincon??

Yes Saif, well I just got back from Lincoln,and was told they offer 675 not 275. could be a typo error here on this website. They told me it takes time to update their information. So I talk to her about the AS degree verses the certificate. The AS degree has a list of the general education courses attached to. I am leaning toward just the certificate it takes 2years to complete, I am trying to save money. I can go on line to the ARMDS and look at what they require for general education courses. I can pretty much take them at any junior college. Then I will transfer the information to ARMDS when its time to take their test. So I hope this helps you. Good luck! P

Thanks Pam for the Update. I have Done my BS in Biology so i am trying for Kaiser course starting in April, I talked to kaiser couseler and she said out of 40-50 application they select only 10-13. So as a back up i am thinkin on Lincoln or City College Since Foothill is asking for working Experience. So hopefully I shld get in Kaiser if not then will c u @ Lincoln...Thanks

pamela in El Cerrito, California said: I am about start my ultrasound career at Lincoln University in Oakland California. There are Caahep accredited in Washington. Has anyone here have friend who has attended this college? If so they the find work?

Dear Pamela'

We should talk over the phone, because Iam about to start the same program this fall and Iam scared to waste my time and money on a program that may not work for me too. I've tried to talk to some of my friends into taking the program, but once they found out about the 12 month deal, they turned it down. I've done some research and it is going to be difficult to get a job without ADRMs licence.
My attention was to enter the nursing program, but that is hard to get in and I'm tired of waiting, its been over a year and I'm still not in the nursing program so I turned to Sonograph as my plan B.

pamela in Richmond, California said: Hi, Mady I called this number and they identified themselves as the ACICS you will have to google it. This site won't allow me to send phone numbers. I Also talk to Tatannya at Lincoln, and she informed me that Lincoln is now offering 800 instead of 275 hours. So if I were you I would contact them and see about getting the rest of that time. Nothing to loose by it. P

Pamela,

I just got off the phone with Tatyana and she stated the they offer 270 hrs of externship. I CONFUSED!!!!! she they said to e-mail Julia Hernandez at julia@lincolnuca.edu and she will have more information for me and we might have to pay for more clinical/externship hours instead of doing the 12 months which I rather do!

Hi, Rita Yes, it's a long wait for the colleges, and the technical programs school are short. The actual hands on will be about Jan. 2010. But it is a drag out. I just want to do a certificate and 12 in a hospital. I will try to get into the hospital with my clerial exp. and medical class certificate. As for the nursing program, well no way around them. I prefer non advasive. Which means I really do not want to do the shot thing or anything enter the interior of the body. Other than by sound waves. Too many law suits can happen. So I have a little while. Foothill is out. They are a upgraded program and want you to have already have 2 years of allied health. I know of one in San Mateo they want 31K. Kary at foohill told me that only foohill and kaiser have really accredited programs. So I am gonna call and talk to ARMDS. Let see if they can offer any help about short term 18 month certificate/accredited. If you want you can contact my email at coolperson2know@yahoo.com. I will be doing more research including talking to some professionls in the business. Bye for now P

Here you go. It's been repeated before, if you search these threads... but the consensus is to go to an accredited program. Most people who advocate an unaccredited (Not approved by CAAHEP) program are not in the field, or supporting a school based on other interests.

"Candice,
You must attend a school that has the CAAHEP accredidation! If you don't you are accepting trainig that does not meed the Medical standards for Ultrasound. I know, I attended a school that did not have this and I know have a huge school debt and have not consistently worked or was prepared to take my boards. I have a BA degree, I am working as a receptionist. No school should be able to offer this schooling if they are not accredited by CAAHEP and their instruction is according to the AIUM!
YOu can go to a back alley and learn Ultrasound or you can go to an approved school. Many employers won't even consider you if you have not graduated from a CAAHEP approved school. See Kaiser web sit for Ultrasound!!

Do the right thing so you don't have to regret it like me.
Cheryl"

Lina in Sacramento, California said: I am a student at United Medical Institute. Almost done with the program. Already passed SPI exam with ARDMS. It's a physics exam look up the info on they site, it's all there. So it is not true that you need to wait till graduation. I'm almost done with externship have 1 moth left. The place signed a two years contract with me and I have a job not even graduated yet.
Will sit for the second ARDMS exam after graduation.
Kaiser does not hire anyone with less then 5 years of experience. I looked in to it, but it is not the only hospital in the area. I will be working in the hospital and apparently they have no problem hiring me because my school have prepared me very well. They don't care where you graduated from as long as you passed your SPI and will apply for the specialty exam after graduation.
Many of my classmates doing same thing.
I'm very happy with the program and education I received. Teachers are great and I'm very happy.
SO if you looking for a school this is it. I had same reservations before enrolling, now everything paid off big time.

Ur school sounds great! what college are u going to?

george in Hackensack, New Jersey said: This sounds like an advertisement. ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert*** ***SPAM Alert***

umm she is full of it !! I actually went there for a couple months and quit because it was a joke!!!

Lina in Sacramento, California said: I am a student at United Medical Institute. Almost done with the program. Already passed SPI exam with ARDMS. It's a physics exam look up the info on they site, it's all there. So it is not true that you need to wait till graduation. I'm almost done with externship have 1 moth left. The place signed a two years contract with me and I have a job not even graduated yet.
Will sit for the second ARDMS exam after graduation.
Kaiser does not hire anyone with less then 5 years of experience. I looked in to it, but it is not the only hospital in the area. I will be working in the hospital and apparently they have no problem hiring me because my school have prepared me very well. They don't care where you graduated from as long as you passed your SPI and will apply for the specialty exam after graduation.
Many of my classmates doing same thing.
I'm very happy with the program and education I received. Teachers are great and I'm very happy.
SO if you looking for a school this is it. I had same reservations before enrolling, now everything paid off big time.

i wonder where you did your externship?? clearlake ??

Nancy in Los Angeles, California said: I THINK YOU ARE WRONG ABOUT 3A. READ IT.You can take Physics
and a speciality if you have at least 12 mos.school,plus internship.

I agree you cannot sit for the test until you have schooling plus one year on the job training unless you have a BA!!!

anniegot your gun in Concord, California said: I agree with Jersey this is spam...probably written by one of the staff members at the school! United Medical Institute is a poorly run facility, and you will not be able to get a job! I went there I know, and I am not a staff member.

Yeah I know what you mean I went there to and quit a couple months later!!!!

I have a position OPEN for an Ultrasound Technician that I am currently recruiting for.

Job Description:
Ultrasound Technician/Sonographer
We are seeking HIGHLY experienced Ultrasound Technicians / Sonograpers with a minimum of 2 years experience for one of our large medical groups located in the Sacramento region. This is a contract to hire position with a salary scale of $58-72K/year. Qualified candidates will posses an RDMS/ARDMS or be board-eligible (certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire). BLS and CPR required and RVT preferred. Backgrounds in an OB/GYN environment and abdomen ultrasounds are highly preferred.

Thank you!
tdumlao@pacificstaffing.com