Virginia College in birmingham, AL

If you are looking for a job in Birmingham, AL it totally matters what hospitals think about your education. What is the "good" in your education if you can't find a job here to use it...look at the HUGE about of money to be paid back on student loans as well...are you kidding me??? The only one thats gonna benefit from your education is VC because they got your money (thousands of dollars I might add)and the best hospitals in Bham definitely think VC is 2nd class and taking advantage of their students.

Well, like I said, this is coming from my opinion and my point of view. I wasn't replying on this to offend anybody so I feel that responding with the same type of attitude will just be pointless. I like my school, I believe that I am getting a good hands-on education, and I intend on proving that to all sonographers at clinicals and on my externship so that I can hopefully get a job soon after graduation. But that's all I can do is give all that I have in proving that I am a good sonorapher. I'm an optimistic person who likes to stay positive so we'll see where that leads me.

Attitude, hard work, integrity and the education will take you wherever you decide to go! Stay positive. Keep thinking and doing exactly as you are. It will pay off. I graduated in Dec. 2008. Ceremonies were in Feb. At the end of March, I was hired by a major hospital in Birmingham. I work as a cardiovascular tech and I love my job and this profession. Five of the seven Vascular techs graduated from Virginia College. The other two were trained on the job. I am not affiliated with Virginia College in any way except as a former student. Good luck to you! I know you will find success if you stay on the path you are on. You are looking forward where some are still looking back.

anonymous in Tuscaloosa, Alabama said: I graduated in 2008 and I feel I have a great education, BUT I am still unemployed!!!! Anybody out there know of an opening in Bham??? I would greatly appreciate it! :)

Would your name happen to start with an A and did you sit behind me with a J?

YES! Hey Danna!!! How are things with your job going?

Hey Girl!!!! Are you on FB by any chance? If so, look me up! Amber is one of my friends. Work is going great! I will fill you in on everything. I will also put my ear to the ground! Last name starts with an H. Hope to hear from you!!!

No im not on FB, but you need to get my number from Amber! We need to keep in touch! Let me know if you know of any openings! I need all the help I can get right now! It is just so hard because I dont really have alot of time to scan. Working full time with a 7 year old, haha not easy to find the time! Have you taken your registry yet?

I am also considering an education with VC but through the nursing program. Would really like some feedback b4 I make my decision. Has anyone had any experience with the nursing program?

Dear God, say it isn't so! Hi Gemini86. I didn't even know they started a nursing program there, but it frightens me. My sister is a trauma nurse there in Bham. She started at Jeff State and finished at UAB. She loved it! When I told her about your post and that Virginia College started a nursing program, she was horrified. She knows about all the stuff I went through there and what a bad reputation the school has. PLEASE do your research if you choose VC: will you be licensed upon graduation, etc. Had I know then what I know now; I would've rather been on the 1 year waiting list at Wallace State and taken my registry after graduating, instead of trying to GET a job for 16 months (I had to go out of state) and then having to work a year just to sit for the test! You might want to take a copy of the program and the info f/VC and ask the opinion of an actual nurse at one of the local hospitals. My sister thinks it's a BAD idea, but it's ultimately your decision.
I wish you the best and hope some of this info helps.
Good luck!

Hi Gemini86! I have a friend in the nursing program at VC and she seems to like it, but yes there are things you need to consider first. Like DangerousCookieMonster knows, it's good to get a degree from UAB, especially in nursing. They have a great nursing program, but if you decide to go there, you must make yourself VERY dedicated. It is extremely hard and they set some pretty high standards. This of course comes out to a good result, but just be prepared. But if you put in the time and effort to do well, then you will graduate with a BSN. But if you go to VC (not saying that the nursing program is bad cuz truthfully, I don't know that much about it) I do know that you will graduate with an Associate's degree. Also, the nursing program at VC is a night-classes only program, so that is also something to consider. I know that's not much for you to go on, but hopefully it's something to help. Good luck with everything!

I was looking in to the VC online for my Human resources degree. Has anyone out there had any luck getting a job after graduation? I am also looking into Herzing nversity. They are NA and RA. Tanks for your input.

I completely agree with earlier posts commenting on how expensive the ultrasound program is at Virginia College. Over $40,000 for a two year tech school associates is just plain wrong. I attended and am now graduating from the DMS program and am glad to be done with that place. The teaching has declined at such an incredible rate that it is just pathetic. That program will not be in buisness for much longer. But, after saying all of that I do want to bring to light just a couple issues. First of all ARDMS has changed a lot of their accreditation requirements so please check out the website ardms.org. The school doesn't have to be just CAAHEP accredited. The program can also be CHEA recognized and you can take the registry right when you graduate. Second of all, I looked for a job right when I finished extern and was offered three positions. Now, they were not in state but I was hired right out of school. So looking for a job out of state is smartest. The job market in Alabama is just too flooded. I don't know if any of this helps, but I hope it brings to light some of the things that were brought to the surface.

I'm in the program now and like it so far. There is a hospital I was a patient at and several of there cardio echo techs graduated from VC that's what got me interested.

So how much are you ladies making now??? My sis in lay went to school in Mobile has had a job for 7 years just made 90000 this year she does on call and overtime lol! And she just got Ardms I think is what its called she just got it in OCTOBER last year she works in DC.

Hi everyone. I am new here and am looking for some information. I am scheduled to start u/s classes in 3 weeks. I will be attending Sanford-Brown in ISELIN,NJ. This campus is CAAHEP accreditted. On checked it out on CAAHEP website. I have read alot of negative things regarding this school; but at other campuses. Does anyone know anything about the ISELIN campus?

I finished from Virgninia College and got a job right out of school. I thought I got plenty of clinic hours in the labs at school, and learned a lot about vascular scanning. However, most of our class had a very hard time trying to get a job because you cannot sit for a modality registry until 1 year of full time work in that field. Most found jobs within a few months, but there are still a few that cannot find jobs. Also, you need to be prepared to move. Half of our class had to take jobs out of state.

The machines in the lab are very good and really help prepare you for the machines in the real world. You need to be prepared to work hard. Most of the people that start with you won't finish the program. At first it is the scanning that is hard, but after the first quarter it gets a little bit easier as you get used to scanning. The written material in the vascular classes is hard and time consuming.

Also, they have been claiming they are close to becoming accredited for several years. That is BS and that is a major problem with the school. They are ripping a lot of people off. Also, I wouldn't recommend the other programs there. A $40k education should get you more than a $10 an hour job. The only program that can you get you up over $20/hour is the ultrasound program.

jfj2897 in Memphis, Tennessee said: I finished from Virgninia College and got a job right out of school. I thought I got plenty of clinic hours in the labs at school, and learned a lot about vascular scanning. However, most of our class had a very hard time trying to get a job because you cannot sit for a modality registry until 1 year of full time work in that field. Most found jobs within a few months, but there are still a few that cannot find jobs. Also, you need to be prepared to move. Half of our class had to take jobs out of state.

The machines in the lab are very good and really help prepare you for the machines in the real world. You need to be prepared to work hard. Most of the people that start with you won't finish the program. At first it is the scanning that is hard, but after the first quarter it gets a little bit easier as you get used to scanning. The written material in the vascular classes is hard and time consuming.

Also, they have been claiming they are close to becoming accredited for several years. That is BS and that is a major problem with the school. They are ripping a lot of people off. Also, I wouldn't recommend the other programs there. A $40k education should get you more than a $10 an hour job. The only program that can you get you up over $20/hour is the ultrasound program.

Hey girl, would you possibly be willing to email me directly? I really want to find someone to talk to that has GRADUATED from VC. I am working on getting into Wallace State but I have a feeling that the wait list is going to be crazy. If you are willing to talk with me, please email me at hmbagwell@gmail.com. Thank you!!

40,000? My last 2 students said it was closer to 50,000. The last extern couldn't id a gallstone; she kept trying to "get that shadow out of my picture". The newest girl is 3 months f/extern & can't do a basic renal. I was told, & I quote, "Yeah, our instructors don't really have the time to go over our scans". Ummmm, last time I checked, that was called TEACHING!!! It's no wonder there are no jobs there locally: my students said they graduate 10 or more techs every 6 months! Virginia College is making a killing on students & not even bothering to teach them, for Christ's sake! This is not only fraudulent, but dangerous! All of you students in the DMS program @ VC should DEMAND a more thorough education, ESPECIALLY for that price!

I am a full time student at Virginia College as well, and I love everything about this school thus far. The quality of education that my cousin is getting at Tri-State is the equivalent of what's floating around in my toilet bowl. This woman isn't learning half of the stuff I am.

Not everyone is promised a position upon graduation in this field, but the good thing is Virginia makes sure you don't just learn what's required for your field, but you learn more than that, so if you need to do something else for a while you are trained to do so. Meanwhile, there's no doubt in my mind that a lot of hospitals are still sleeping on Virginia College, but I am one who believes that it shouldn't matter about the College, but the integrity and work ethic of the person. I have various family members who have went to plenty other Colleges and Universities, and not only do they not have a degree, but they are still not the brightest bulbs in the box. Therefore, the College you attended should mean SQUAT!

People can say what they like, but school, and life for that matter is what you make of it. I'm sorry, but one should not place their success totally in the hands of Career Services alone. Life is all about hustling and grinding, and if you want to something bad enough you have to make it happen. Success is ultimately achieved by networking, selling yourself with confidence, having confidence and prioritizing your abilities, displaying a positive work ethic, and never being satisfied with mediocrity. Not expecting Virginia College to do all the work for you. Nobody has ever given me anything, so I'm used to fighting for what I want, and if that means I have to relocate..I welcome the challege. I have been told most of my life I wouldn't amount to anything, and for the longest I believed it, but then I had to realize that I was making them right. Therefore, I believe that for every person who tells me.. NO! at least one person will take notice and say..YES!

VC Hater in Birmingham, Alabama said: If you are looking for a job in Birmingham, AL it totally matters what hospitals think about your education. What is the "good" in your education if you can't find a job here to use it...look at the HUGE about of money to be paid back on student loans as well...are you kidding me??? The only one thats gonna benefit from your education is VC because they got your money (thousands of dollars I might add)and the best hospitals in Bham definitely think VC is 2nd class and taking advantage of their students.

Maybe VCHater and DangerousCookieMonster couldn't get a job not because of their educational background but because of their attitudes...Everyone is entitled to there own opinion..and for the 2 of to continue to harrass the lady and beat her down until she agree with you is terrible. I wouldn't hire you on my job; you seem like you'd cause too much trouble...tone down a notch we get the picture you hate you attended the school..but just as you had to make your own analysis, she has to make her own...which by the way I am Troy (Trojan) alumni.....Laughin all the way to the bank

DangerousCookieMonster in Greenville, South Carolina said: 40,000? My last 2 students said it was closer to 50,000. The last extern couldn't id a gallstone; she kept trying to "get that shadow out of my picture". The newest girl is 3 months f/extern & can't do a basic renal. I was told, & I quote, "Yeah, our instructors don't really have the time to go over our scans". Ummmm, last time I checked, that was called TEACHING!!! It's no wonder there are no jobs there locally: my students said they graduate 10 or more techs every 6 months! Virginia College is making a killing on students & not even bothering to teach them, for Christ's sake! This is not only fraudulent, but dangerous! All of you students in the DMS program @ VC should DEMAND a more thorough education, ESPECIALLY for that price!

Why do you care so much...you are one unhappy individual..and if you are happy you should pursue it...and leave others alone.

You're obviously confused on what this forum is about & not reading our posts in their entirety: nobody is "harassing" or "beating" anyone down: it's called expressing an opinion. We're simply trying to help people make informed decisions about their choice of school & save them f/the hardships that some people suffered while attending that school. We try to give people different experiences so that they can get all sides of the story & make their own decisions. I won't dignify the rest of your comments w/a response & won't engage in a verbal debate w/you: you'll lose. If you can't contribute any useful information or give your opinion w/out personally attacking other posters, please find another forum.

I graduated September 2008 with a Human Resources Management Associate's Degree that I received online. When I entered in 2006 I was a stay at home mom. I was a bit naive on the accreditation at the time. I thought VC was a good school to do 100% online. Many of the Universities were not online yet like they are today. I was on the Dean's lists graduated with "honors", I didn't even take anytime off when I had my son in 8/2007. I am still unemployed. VC in B'ham did not have a career services until after I graduated. I was receiving was daily alerts from VC via job boards I was already signed up to get my own alerts from. That was them assisting me with finding a job. I don't regret what I accomplished especially being able to discipline myself in a "online format" oppose to the "traditional format" and being a mom and wife was extremely challenging. I did it which I was I'm proud of.

Most employers don't recognize VC in many other industries besides medical. I recall doing my informational interview with an HR Manager and she stated "I should have went to Troy University for my degree" and " I will have a hard time finding a job". She was right. I owe so much tuition that I can't even start over if I wanted to. I was hoping to work a possibly take classes at UAB or even at the Community Colleges. I have a gap in my employment that is making it hard for me to re-enter the workforce. Luckily, I has been pretty supportive but his hours was cut recently now I need to go back to work. It's been tough again

I am sorry if something was left off my post. I'm just sad that I won't be able to find a job now. I have to start all over. I hate putting so much burden in my husband. I'm thankful he has a job. All in all I'm glad many former alumnis were able to secure employment with or without VC help. I am hopeful something may come through for me. Good luck to everybody.

DRS' Girl in Birmingham, Alabama said: ....else that gives you lots of hands on CLINICAL experience; which is fine, except that when you're out at clinicals, they don't have to teach you how to do anything! That's not their job! So you could go into clinicals expecting to learn how to scan, and come out not knowing anything new at all. I defnitely wanna know what I'm doing before hand so that when I get to clinicals/externship, I'll know what's going on, what I'm looking at, and how to scan it myself. So yeah, that's just my viewpoint on the program. Plus, I know people who graduated from here, got jobs, and then got accredited. The people at my clinical site right now all graduated from VC, got jobs, and then got better jobs after that. So don't let VC not being accredited discourage you!!! If you do absolutely everything in your power, you will find a job somewhere!

VC is now proudly accredited!!! As of March 2012.. I'm a senior there in the DMS program

VC is now proudly accredited as of March 2012. I'm a senior there in the M
DMS program.!!

Thandi, congratulations!!! You should feel very proud of yourself for making it into such a tough field! Good luck with your future endeavors & keep us all posted. :)

Sad in Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama said: I am sorry if something was left off my post. I'm just sad that I won't be able to find a job now. I have to start all over. I hate putting so much burden in my husband. I'm thankful he has a job. All in all I'm glad many former alumnis were able to secure employment with or without VC help. I am hopeful something may come through for me. Good luck to everybody.

Dear Sad in Bham,
I am sooo sorry to hear that! I had no idea that there were problems in the other programs, but I'm NOT surprised. The only thing I can suggest is talking to a career counselor @ Jeff State & UAB about your degree. They should have some suggestions on how to proceed. Jeff State is a great school to begin your career with & MUCH cheaper than UAB for your core classes. I know nothing f/VC will transfer, but maybe you can test out of things to move along faster. The great thing about "real" colleges is that your classes are flexible, so you can work & go to school. Hang in there, you've made it this far!

Sad in Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama said: I am sorry if something was left off my post. I'm just sad that I won't be able to find a job now. I have to start all over. I hate putting so much burden in my husband. I'm thankful he has a job. All in all I'm glad many former alumnis were able to secure employment with or without VC help. I am hopeful something may come through for me. Good luck to everybody.

Dear Sad in Bham,
I am sooo sorry to hear that! I had no idea that there were problems in the other programs, but I'm NOT surprised. The only thing I can suggest is talking to a career counselor @ Jeff State & UAB about your degree. They should have some suggestions on how to proceed. Jeff State is a great school to begin your career with & MUCH cheaper than UAB for your core classes. I know nothing f/VC will transfer, but maybe you can test out of things to move along faster. The great thing about "real" colleges is that your classes are flexible, so you can work & go to school. Hang in there, you've made it this far!