Virginia College in birmingham, AL

I was wondering if I could hear from anyone who got their sonography training here- or if anyone knows the reputation? Is it a good school to attend? Can you sit for the ARDMS after attending here? Was it hard to find a job?
Thankyou for any help!!
Jen

I graduated from VC in Birmingham. I enjoyed the program. I'll put it in a nutshell. Now that I am working, I feel like VC offer me more then what is needed in the real world, which is great. I have the extensive training needed to make it out there. I would refer the program to anyone.

You can sit for CCI registry. ARDMS required One year on the job training. I decided to take the CCI one so I could become register. I got a job three months after I graduated. The job timing varies because it depends on when you complete the program. So come out doing a diverse needed time others come out doing a dead time. It depends on if you don't mind taking a position out of town. I've found that accepting a job in another state other then Alabama is very rewarding. Like, the pay, and getting a job much faster after school without being register.

Thankyou so much for answering! I had my "interview" there today and it sounds really good. They seem to think though that based on my test scores I would do better in respiratory therapy though for some reason. She said yes, the pay is higher for a sonographer, but that birmingham is a research hospital erea and there is a low need for sonographers here and I would have to go out of state to get a good job- as you said. I have a lot to think about now- in a very short time. Thank you so much!!

Intrigue- Thankyou for answering my questions. I had a few more if you have time to answer. What is CCI? I looked at some out of state job lisings- and in state (but there's not many here), and most of them even stated in their ads that they wanted someone with ARDMS. So I worry a bit about finding employment. I only have 2 days to decide. Respiratory Therapy sounds pretty good- especially since there are a lot of jobs, but the pay is a lot less. And I'm not only about the money, I hope I don't sound that way. I just want school to be worth my time as I have a son to raise, so time management (not working 12 hour shifts) and pay are a big factor whether I want them to be or not. :)

jlb4 said: Intrigue- Thankyou for answering my questions. I had a few more if you have time to answer. What is CCI? I looked at some out of state job lisings- and in state (but there's not many here), and most of them even stated in their ads that they wanted someone with ARDMS. So I worry a bit about finding employment. I only have 2 days to decide. Respiratory Therapy sounds pretty good- especially since there are a lot of jobs, but the pay is a lot less. And I'm not only about the money, I hope I don't sound that way. I just want school to be worth my time as I have a son to raise, so time management (not working 12 hour shifts) and pay are a big factor whether I want them to be or not. :)

In making a decision about school you must way your options. I want the decision to totally yours about which program to seek education in. I choose the Sonography program because I knew that I really wanted to be in that field. I new going in that it may be a challenge finding a job after. As I mention before depending on the time of completion their may or may not be a job available at that time. like now every hospital here in the birmingham metro area just about is hiring for a tech in ultrasound. I also went back to school to get my bachelors in health service management so I would have something else to lean on in the future. CCI is another recognized registry company. Although most say ARDMS if you are CCI registered they will honor you the same. So yes you have a lot to think about. But remember do what's best for you and at the same time make sure you will enjoy doing it in your life ahead. PS Iknew I wanted to make better then just ok pay and ultrasound gives me that.

Intrigue in Birmingham, Alabama said: In making a decision about school you must way your options. I want the decision to totally yours about which program to seek education in. I choose the Sonography program because I knew that I really wanted to be in that field. I new going in that it may be a challenge finding a job after. As I mention before depending on the time of completion their may or may not be a job available at that time. like now every hospital here in the birmingham metro area just about is hiring for a tech in ultrasound. I also went back to school to get my bachelors in health service management so I would have something else to lean on in the future. CCI is another recognized registry company. Although most say ARDMS if you are CCI registered they will honor you the same. So yes you have a lot to think about. But remember do what's best for you and at the same time make sure you will enjoy doing it in your life ahead. PS Iknew I wanted to make better then just ok pay and ultrasound gives me that.

I'm a fellow Virginia College student Graduating in Dec. I'm currently conducting my externship at Cooper Green Hospital. Can you tell me about any openings in the Birmingham area. I don't require benefits and can work weekends? Did you graduate in this past year? I'm so glad to hear of your success!!!

I want to seek a field in which I can become employed quickly. I'm in the transition of changing careers currently working as a CNA. I wish to know if Virgina College is a good school for ultra sound tech? Are some of the courses available online? How long is the program? What is the success rate for graduates becoming employed in Birmingham and its surrounding areas and how long does it take to find a job?

tonythom8 said: I want to seek a field in which I can become employed quickly. I'm in the transition of changing careers currently working as a CNA. I wish to know if Virgina College is a good school for ultra sound tech? Are some of the courses available online? How long is the program? What is the success rate for graduates becoming employed in Birmingham and its surrounding areas and how long does it take to find a job?

I'd like to know the answers to your questions too! The only online class I took while at Virginia College was Medical Law and Ethics. The program is two years. I'll be graduating in Dec. 2008 and will let you know about finding a job. I have two weeks left in my externship and as of right now, no job. Any other past Virginia College students out there?

Jib4 BEWARE! Gee, "Intrigue" sounds like she works for Virginia College! Maybe you should hear from someone less biased. I thought it was a terrible school, from the instructors to the shotty equipment in their labs. I was lied to and told that the school would be accredited by the time I graduated... NEVER HAPPENED! That school is only concerned with your money. Don't plan on staying in Birmingham if you need a job, b/c sub-par schools like Virginia College keep saturating the market with unprepared techs (I went out of state for employment). There are plenty of other (better) options.Don't waste your time with CCI. The lab accreditation laws and insurance reimbursement policies keep changing and only RDMS will be recognized. I just wanted to let you hear from someone that was completely burned/disgusted with that school!!! Good luck!

I work with two girls at our local hospital who went to Virginia College for sonography and they said it was a great program.

For anyone considering the ultrasound program at Virginia College, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind that aren't fully explained to prospective students. It is extremely daunting to look for a job in the ultrasound community without experience and registry. When you graduate Virginia college, you technically have neither. Because Virginia College is not accredited, you can't sit for your registry without a year's worth of continued full-time employment as an ultrasound technologist. Hospitals and clinics are beginning to require that a tech be registered. However, if you wisely pick an externiship in which there is an job opening or will be an up coming opening then you might luck up and get a job. That is exactly how I got my current job. But there are a ton of students flooding the market that come from community college programs in which they have already become registered or can sit for their registry immediately. This is something to think about. You could be potentially coming up against these students in a job interview. The upside to this is that there are a few good instructors in the program that raise the bar. I have found that some of these community college programs don't offer vascular or the program is divided into one modality a semester with clinical intertwined. Having all modalities and lab time taught every quarter at VC was extremely helpful. I found most often I was a better scanner than those that were new graduates and registered.

DangerousCookieMonster in Greenville, South Carolina said: Jib4 BEWARE! Gee, "Intrigue" sounds like she works for Virginia College! Maybe you should hear from someone less biased. I thought it was a terrible school, from the instructors to the shotty equipment in their labs. I was lied to and told that the school would be accredited by the time I graduated... NEVER HAPPENED! That school is only concerned with your money. Don't plan on staying in Birmingham if you need a job, b/c sub-par schools like Virginia College keep saturating the market with unprepared techs (I went out of state for employment). There are plenty of other (better) options.Don't waste your time with CCI. The lab accreditation laws and insurance reimbursement policies keep changing and only RDMS will be recognized. I just wanted to let you hear from someone that was completely burned/disgusted with that school!!! Good luck!

All of the above sad, but very true. I also went to school there and while I do have a job, it took me four months to get one because no one wanted to hire me because I went to school there. It's very costly compared to other programs and still not accredited by CAAHEP. Beware of lies and make sure you know the right questions to ask or you will be mislead like we were.

jlb4 said: I was wondering if I could hear from anyone who got their sonography training here- or if anyone knows the reputation? Is it a good school to attend? Can you sit for the ARDMS after attending here? Was it hard to find a job?
Thankyou for any help!!
Jen

I graduated from VC and did not find a job until two years later. When I first started at VC they were suppose to help you find a job, they refered me to one hospital, I called and never heard anything else from them. Otherwise,the training at the College is very much hands on. It is a good program, if you are planning to look for a job outside of Alabama.

Danna in Birmingham, Alabama said: I'd like to know the answers to your questions too! The only online class I took while at Virginia College was Medical Law and Ethics. The program is two years. I'll be graduating in Dec. 2008 and will let you know about finding a job. I have two weeks left in my externship and as of right now, no job. Any other past Virginia College students out there?

The sonograpy program does not offer online classes. Only your basic classes can be taken online if offered by the College. It took me a couple of years to find a job.

Gina Atkins in Trussville, Alabama said: All of the above sad, but very true. I also went to school there and while I do have a job, it took me four months to get one because no one wanted to hire me because I went to school there. It's very costly compared to other programs and still not accredited by CAAHEP. Beware of lies and make sure you know the right questions to ask or you will be mislead like we were.

I'm so sorry you got burned too! I've actually heard from a few other techs that went to school there that they had similar (or worse) experiences. I'm happy for everyone that found it positive, but in hindsight, I would NEVER have gone there. So, if I can save even one person from going through what I went through, it's worth it!
Good luck to everyone!

Even though I ended up with the Respiratory program, I still get these e-mails since I subscribed to this feed. i wanted to thank you all for your comments. i didn't have much time to decide on things- before i even walked out of the office, they had me with 40,000 in student loans for a 2 year program1!! I was told the resp. program would be accredited by January- they aren't yet- and its February. I was told everyone who had taken the course had passed boards on the 1st try becouse it was such an excellent school- but found out last week they only had a 20% pass rate. I know its a different program, but so far, all the bad things that were said have held true. Now i'm looking to find out if i can change my school loans to another school?? Then i wouldn't have to take out so much- and wouldn't have so much to pay back in loans. I'm not going to school just to bay back loans for 15 years!! Becouse that much comes out to over 400 a month to pay back, i think??
Any answers on that??
Anyways, thanks everybody!!
:)

p.s. Sorry about all the typos, I was in a hurry! :)

Yes, you can have federal school loans (Sallie Mae, Pell, William D. Ford, etc.) transferred to any learning institution. Make sure you call the US Dept. of Education (sorry, the forum won't let me give you the #)or go to the website and log in to your account (www.dl.ed.gov)to change the info. DO NOT leave it up to VC; I was told they would submit my request, but when I went to register, all my funding was still going to VC. It was a nightmare! It took me 3 months to have it transferred and my account credited. BTW, Wallace State and every other school that offers ultrasound (that's not a VC branch) has a maximum tuition of 10K. There's usually a 2 yr wait, but it's cheaper, and you can sit for the the registry. Hope this helps!

As I stated I would, I am returning to this forum to update you on graduating and finding a job. I was offered a position this week by a major hospital in B'ham. This was not my externship. I had to seek out and interview for this job on my own as most college graduates have to do. I have a daughter graduating from the University of Alabama and as far as I know, that institution has not helped her find a job. I wish they would! I believe I did receive a sound education regarding this field. Every one of my instructors cared about our success and I watched each of them give everything they had, including good advice, to me and my classmates. I felt they were well versed in their line of study. You have to remember to some degree, an education is what you make of it. The machines at Virginia College are machines being used out in the real world. Actually, they were better than the one used at my externship. I can only speak for myself, but I don't believe I was misled or lied to about anything, maybe because I asked a lot of questions to begin with and continued to ask all through the program. I am very proud of my education. I think highly of my instructors! There are areas that I agree with the posters on. Your externship is highly important! It will be your first chance for a job or recommendation. Where ever you choose to go to school, make sure those around you know what you are studying and get word out early you will be seeking a job in a year or so and stay in contact. I do wish Virginia College was accredited with the A.R.D.M.S. so I could have taken my registry if I wanted to at that time, but I knew that status going in. I had to make a choice that was best for me and I chose VC and it has been a very positive experience for me. Good Luck to all of you where ever you choose to get your education!

I am also a student at Virginia College in birmingham, however I am enrolled in there respiratory program. I WOULD NOT ADVISE ANYONE TO ENROLL IN THERE PROGRAM. I will be graduating at the end of the summer and if I wanted to go back to school I would have to go back there because no other schools in or around the birmingham area will accept there credits so basically I am stuck either way. The tuition there increases every quarter so I do not understand the concept of having to sign a contract. The only upside to this is they recently became accredited for the respiratory program (hooray)and I feel like it can be so much more than that.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL TO ANYONE!!! It is pure robbery the tuition that they charge. I finished in 2003 in the sonography program and it took me 1 1/2 years to find a job. They did NOT help me with the job placement either. I was also lied to about the CAAHEP accreditation. I have a great job now but a month after graduating I interviewed at this hospital that i am currently employed with and they advised me to go elsewhere for experience. They were very discouraged from the former VC graduates they had interviewed. 3 years later I am working for that hospital. One of my friends that graduated with me (went to the school on a paid scholarship) is currently employed at subway. It is YOUR decision but if I had only known then what I know now I would have NEVER attended that school.

I too have my horror stories from this school, along with many other people I'm finding out! I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I wish I would've found this blog BEFORE I went to school there. I can only hope that I help other people by telling them "DO NOT GO TO VIRGINIA COLLEGE!!!!" Here's my question: Why can't the school be investigated or sanctioned? I've never in my life heard so many bad experiences from people concerning a college! There has to be a governing body where you can file grievances or someone that can look into the school. I really hate to hear that more people keep getting screwed by them. Personally, I think something needs to be done about it! That school makes so much money off of sonography students and has the worst practices I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing! Any suggestions on where to begin?

I don't know if this is true, but I was told that Virginia College offers a 6 month course for ultrasound.

Not true. It's a 2 year associates degree program.

I graduated from Virginia college in 1997 with a so called degree in medical administration and assisting. I have not to this day worked in this field and still owe over $12,000.00 in loans. No one ever told us or prepared us to get a license in medical assisting. So I never took a test to get a licenses. We were told that after graduation we would be set to make good money in the medical field.We were also told they were accredited but we not at the time I was in school so none of my credits are recognized by any other college. This was the biggest scam I have ever seen. I wish there was a way to get out of paying back this loan that I have been paying back for 12 years for a bogus degree. I would seriously think twice before attending Virginia college.

DangerousCookieMonster in Greenville, South Carolina said: I too have my horror stories from this school, along with many other people I'm finding out! I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I wish I would've found this blog BEFORE I went to school there. I can only hope that I help other people by telling them "DO NOT GO TO VIRGINIA COLLEGE!!!!" Here's my question: Why can't the school be investigated or sanctioned? I've never in my life heard so many bad experiences from people concerning a college! There has to be a governing body where you can file grievances or someone that can look into the school. I really hate to hear that more people keep getting screwed by them. Personally, I think something needs to be done about it! That school makes so much money off of sonography students and has the worst practices I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing! Any suggestions on where to begin?

I toldly agree with you I am all for Virginia College being investigated and maybe I could stop paying for a degree I cannot use. I have been paying on this loan for 12 years and it is useless.

I just finished ultrasound school at VC! I love the instructors and I think that I got a great education! As for the tuition ...HA!! I have been done now for 3 monthes and can not find a job! I know its a hard time but all I keep hereing is "you need a year experience" or "sorry your not registared"!
If anyone out there knows of anything in the Birmingham or surrounding areas please let me know!

Another case of "I wish I could've warned you earlier!" I'm so tired of that school defrauding people! I don't know if I can do it from South Carolina, but any of you girls that still are in Alabama should report them to the Better Business Bureau. My God, all they have to do is read our blog!I hope you have better luck finding a job. I don't know if it's an option for you, but I had a to apply to out of state jobs. Take care!

Hi-
I manage a medical clinic in Birmingham, Alabama. We have an ultrasound machine that we need to be shown how to use. If anyone would be interested in coming by our office to show us how to use it please contact me. Pay: $150. mandy8403@yahoo.com

what kind of ultrasound machine is it?

BTL-4000 series ultrasound combo machine

jlb4 said: I was wondering if I could hear from anyone who got their sonography training here- or if anyone knows the reputation? Is it a good school to attend? Can you sit for the ARDMS after attending here? Was it hard to find a job?
Thankyou for any help!!
Jen

FYI, Wallace State College has an accredited DMS program and the VC program is not accredited. So, Wallace has a much better rep. Also, you can sit for the ARDMS registries immediately after you finish the program. In fact, you can take the physics registry before graduating if you wish. Plus, Wallace is less than 1/3 the cost of VC and you much more hands on clinical time. (I know because I went and talked to VC before I found out about Wallace).