West Coast Ultrasound Institute

I was told to check out this forum. And so I did. And I was blown away by the posted comments on this forum. Some were a bit exagerated, but some were right on the money. One thing I just don't understand, right now, is what will be the expected out come of all these? I am actually highly alarmed by all these. How I wish I knew such forum existed before I signed up for WCUI. But it was nice to find out that such forum exist.

I am currently doing my extern at Cedar Sinai. And fortunately, I have already considered two job offers for a part time echo tech position and a per diem position as well.I must agree that the school can only help a student to a certain extent. But I DID all the ground work. The school did not assist me with the ground works and the searching, I did them all myself.

The problem is the school sold the program or "over-advertised" the program. It made impressions to majority of the student that after successfully passing the program, it will be really easy to find a job.

The reality is .. it's all about economics and survival. If you are good (and i mean,"HOSPITAL standard" good), you will get work... to be continued

continuation.. Reality check.. IT IS REALLY HARD TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR.. THIS IS THE REAL STRUGGLE..There is also a possiblity that you might need to go out of town, or even CA, for a job. Los Angeles is jsut too saturated, because a lot of people just wants to be in LA. But I must say, it is not easy... It just really hurts to know the HUGE percentage of students who have not found work.. and some even have not gotten their externship site.

But just like what I previously mentioned, some of the posted blogs are right on the money. I, myself, and along with other graduate students, are aware, have directly observed and have talked to several students who were not happy, who felt misled, and were treated unfairly.

I. along with 2 of my close classmates have been out of work and unable to find any ultrasound jobs. The school is a joke!! I wonder if anyone has tried filing a lawsuit against the school. It really is robbery. I not only am jobless as I was 2 yrs ago, but now i owe over 30,000 on top of that!!

Marissa in Los Angeles, California said: I. along with 2 of my close classmates have been out of work and unable to find any ultrasound jobs. The school is a joke!! I wonder if anyone has tried filing a lawsuit against the school. It really is robbery. I not only am jobless as I was 2 yrs ago, but now i owe over 30,000 on top of that!!

Hi Marissa have you found a job?

lynneantes in Carson, California said: continuation.. Reality check.. IT IS REALLY HARD TO GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR.. THIS IS THE REAL STRUGGLE..There is also a possiblity that you might need to go out of town, or even CA, for a job. Los Angeles is jsut too saturated, because a lot of people just wants to be in LA. But I must say, it is not easy... It just really hurts to know the HUGE percentage of students who have not found work.. and some even have not gotten their externship site.

The school should refund the money that students paid for their extership that was not provided.

What are you guys talking about there are plenty of jobs out there. Maybe you guys need to pratice on your interview steps or something like that. or make a better resume. I worked right after i finished school. get a life you guys we are trained on something that is not saturated like nuring or computers

Zachary in Canyon Country, California said: The school should refund the money that students paid for their extership that was not provided.

My Question to you is did you not get training for the money you spent? YES you did so stop wining and call the school to get help looking for a job.

veronica in Hawthorne, California said: Hi Marissa have you found a job?

Marissa,

What is your problem? The school is not a joke it is the best school for ultrasound maybe you should have went to a CC and not even get help on looking for a job. I just hate class mates that because thing dont go right away they start trashing the school. You too stop wining a go find a job OR DO YOU LIVE IN SOME SMALL TOWN THAT ONLY HAS ONE HOSPITAL OR ONE IMAGING CENTER IF THATS THE CASE MOVE THEN.

Zachary in Canyon Country, California said: The school should refund the money that students paid for their extership that was not provided.

What campus did you go too? it sound like canyon country is a small town. Maybe you should move out to some place that has more then one hosptal or Imaging center.

I'm so glad that someone else has a good opinion about my current school. I also hate when people talk stuff about my school. Why dont you say your real name so we can talk in person.

I looking into alot of school and by far this is the best one. I love my teacher and my admissions rep. And there was no waitting list.

lynneantes in Carson, California said: I was told to check out this forum. And so I did. And I was blown away by the posted comments on this forum. Some were a bit exagerated, but some were right on the money. One thing I just don't understand, right now, is what will be the expected out come of all these? I am actually highly alarmed by all these. How I wish I knew such forum existed before I signed up for WCUI. But it was nice to find out that such forum exist.

I am currently doing my extern at Cedar Sinai. And fortunately, I have already considered two job offers for a part time echo tech position and a per diem position as well.I must agree that the school can only help a student to a certain extent. But I DID all the ground work. The school did not assist me with the ground works and the searching, I did them all myself.

The problem is the school sold the program or "over-advertised" the program. It made impressions to majority of the student that after successfully passing the program, it will be really easy to find a job.

The reality is .. it's all about economics and survival. If you are good (and i mean,"HOSPITAL standard" good), you will get work... to be continued

I only qualify for stafford loans since I have a degree. Do you know how much you have to pay yourself??

Orinda in Los Angeles, California said: I only qualify for stafford loans since I have a degree. Do you know how much you have to pay yourself??

Have you heard of cardiac institute in ventura. I use to go to the school but they were trying to push me to attend the intro portion even though I was a Med Assist already with anatomy, physio med term background. Did not like the school. I am presently graduating from the echo program today. Guess what? The tuition was only $11,000. Address is
1555 Morse Ave
Ventura, CA
website is: instituteofcardiacsono.com

formerstudent in Glendale, California said: Have you heard of cardiac institute in ventura. I use to go to the school but they were trying to push me to attend the intro portion even though I was a Med Assist already with anatomy, physio med term background. Did not like the school. I am presently graduating from the echo program today. Guess what? The tuition was only $11,000. Address is
1555 Morse Ave
Ventura, CA
website is: instituteofcardiacsono.com

All that is great, but are you able to sit for your RDCS after you complete the program with them? You do get what you pay for, and I don't think it's worth paying less and getting nothing out of it.

I am certain that any school offering an ECHO program, for $11,000 is a hoax. A relative of mine finished her DMS program at a school that charged her a similar amount of money, only to later find out that they were not accredited, and she could not sit for her ARDMS registry. By the time she found this out, the school had vanished into thin air, and there was no way to reach them anymore, and no way to get her transcripts or even prove that she attended the program. Bella above seems to have her head straight. You do get what you pay for, and you better believe that for 11K you're gettin screwed in one way or another, thats a guarantee.

... unless you are attending a program at a community college. Then $11,000 might actually be a bit on the high side.

Paul in Austin, Texas said: ... unless you are attending a program at a community college. Then $11,000 might actually be a bit on the high side.

What are you talking about paul?

Jason Garcia in Ontario, California said: What are you guys talking about there are plenty of jobs out there. Maybe you guys need to pratice on your interview steps or something like that. or make a better resume. I worked right after i finished school. get a life you guys we are trained on something that is not saturated like nuring or computers

Well maybe some people need to practice their interview skills...IF YOU CAN EVEN GET AN INTERVIEW!!! I finished my externship in Aug 08 and have applied for every job I can find since then without getting even one interview. Its the school fault for misleading us to think that they are accredited the right way. Like some other people have said, the addrediation that WCUI has doesnt mean anything in this field!! Every job I see wants the person to be ARDMS and we cant until we work for a year! but nobody will hire us because were not ARDMS...vicious circle! I took and passed my SPI the first time around, if the school was accredited I could have taken my specialty exams and be registered and have a job by now. I wish I knew this before I chose that school!

twndncr6 in Rosamond, California said: Well maybe some people need to practice their interview skills...IF YOU CAN EVEN GET AN INTERVIEW!!! I finished my externship in Aug 08 and have applied for every job I can find since then without getting even one interview. Its the school fault for misleading us to think that they are accredited the right way. Like some other people have said, the addrediation that WCUI has doesnt mean anything in this field!! Every job I see wants the person to be ARDMS and we cant until we work for a year! but nobody will hire us because were not ARDMS...vicious circle! I took and passed my SPI the first time around, if the school was accredited I could have taken my specialty exams and be registered and have a job by now. I wish I knew this before I chose that school!

If you had checked with ARDMS or have a BAchelor's Degree before
you went to school,you may have avoided this.

I am still wanting to hear from anyone from Central California School of Continuing Education. I have scheduled an orientation for the Rad Tech program but am also interested in the Ultrasound Program. The Ultrasound is not an accredited program but the Rad Tech is. Any feedback will be appreciated.

Cassandra you have been miss informed, West Coast Ultrasound is Accredited under ACCSCT. And it will allow you to sit for the ARDMS exam.

Jason Garcia in Ontario, California said: Cassandra you have been miss informed, West Coast Ultrasound is Accredited under ACCSCT. And it will allow you to sit for the ARDMS exam.

It will allow you to sit IF YOU HAVE A BACHELOR'S, correction....

Jason Garcia in Ontario, California said: Marissa,

What is your problem? The school is not a joke it is the best school for ultrasound maybe you should have went to a CC and not even get help on looking for a job. I just hate class mates that because thing dont go right away they start trashing the school. You too stop wining a go find a job OR DO YOU LIVE IN SOME SMALL TOWN THAT ONLY HAS ONE HOSPITAL OR ONE IMAGING CENTER IF THATS THE CASE MOVE THEN.

With a community college you can find a job easily because they are CAAHEP recognized as CAAHEP acknowledges CHEAP accreditation. You do not need a years work and can sit immediately without the need of a bachelors. You DON'T need help finding a job. Jason, it's clear you have let this school feed you info but too many others know the reality. I didn't want to believe it myself.

Can't Tell You in South Gate, California said: With a community college you can find a job easily because they are CAAHEP recognized as CAAHEP acknowledges CHEAP accreditation. You do not need a years work and can sit immediately without the need of a bachelors. You DON'T need help finding a job. Jason, it's clear you have let this school feed you info but too many others know the reality. I didn't want to believe it myself.

I meant CHEA not CHEAP . CHEA is for Higher Learning Accreditation!

twndncr6 in Rosamond, California said: Well maybe some people need to practice their interview skills...IF YOU CAN EVEN GET AN INTERVIEW!!! I finished my externship in Aug 08 and have applied for every job I can find since then without getting even one interview. Its the school fault for misleading us to think that they are accredited the right way. Like some other people have said, the addrediation that WCUI has doesnt mean anything in this field!! Every job I see wants the person to be ARDMS and we cant until we work for a year! but nobody will hire us because were not ARDMS...vicious circle! I took and passed my SPI the first time around, if the school was accredited I could have taken my specialty exams and be registered and have a job by now. I wish I knew this before I chose that school!

What school did you go to?

Veronica in Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California said: What are you talking about paul?

He is saying if you go to a community college, 11,000.00 is too high unless you are going to a private school.

Jason Garcia in Ontario, California said: Marissa,

What is your problem? The school is not a joke it is the best school for ultrasound maybe you should have went to a CC and not even get help on looking for a job. I just hate class mates that because thing dont go right away they start trashing the school. You too stop wining a go find a job OR DO YOU LIVE IN SOME SMALL TOWN THAT ONLY HAS ONE HOSPITAL OR ONE IMAGING CENTER IF THATS THE CASE MOVE THEN.

Jason, The problem is that there are several, and I do mean SEVERAL students that never got externship, those that did find the reality is that the school sells the program as there are so many jobs that they are training clerical staff to do ultrasounds, and that is very far from true. There are not a lot of jobs, and the school is graduating probably 30 or more students per year and even the largest hospital in LA only has 15 techs per department. You do the math, they have over-saturated the market and lie to keep doing so, I do not blame people that are pissed, I am and I have a job......

Jason Garcia in Ontario, California said: Cassandra you have been miss informed, West Coast Ultrasound is Accredited under ACCSCT. And it will allow you to sit for the ARDMS exam.

Jason, WCUI does not have the CAAHEP accredidation that is required by ARDMS to sit for your test right out of school. It will enable you to sit for the SPI exam but that is it..then you are stuck . You can not sit for the 2nd exam that is needed to obtain your credentials..ie. ABD< OB< BREAST< etc. Unless you have a Bachelors degree in US or 12 moniths of clinical experience verified with a CV form signed by an MD or Supervisor who must be a Registered Tech. They are very strict on this!! You can verify this on ARDMS website. The ACCST is a different accredidation and not the one recognized by ARDMS. I wish that I had known this before I invested my time and money..

Keri in Tustin, California said: Jason, WCUI does not have the CAAHEP accredidation that is required by ARDMS to sit for your test right out of school. It will enable you to sit for the SPI exam but that is it..then you are stuck . You can not sit for the 2nd exam that is needed to obtain your credentials..ie. ABD< OB< BREAST< etc. Unless you have a Bachelors degree in US or 12 moniths of clinical experience verified with a CV form signed by an MD or Supervisor who must be a Registered Tech. They are very strict on this!! You can verify this on ARDMS website. The ACCST is a different accredidation and not the one recognized by ARDMS. I wish that I had known this before I invested my time and money..

Hey Keri just to correct you, if you have a bachelor ARDMS counts the bachelor as the education portion of the requirement and your ultrasound education counts as the 1 year of experience that is all you need to sit for the specialty exam with a bachelor AND the bachelor can be in ANY field. It can be a bachelor in anything. It does not have to be a bachelor in ultrasound and you do not need another year of experience outside of school/externship.

I went to ATI College for Ultrasound Technology. They are asking for around $28,000.00 for tuition. Do anyone else know any other tech school that are cheaper and reputable?

sandy in San Pedro, California said: I went to ATI College for Ultrasound Technology. They are asking for around $28,000.00 for tuition. Do anyone else know any other tech school that are cheaper and reputable?

Yes ATI college and all these other non-accredited schools are CRAP. This coming from a former student who is ARDMS registered. Don't go there trust me it's a joke. Take the time to go the right route and attend a CAHEEP accredited school. Even if you have to wait a few years or have to take 2 years of pre-reqs just to get in IT IS THE WAY TO GO. A little info about myself I was one of the fortunate ones and was able to get a low paying job at a doctors clinic and after a year of full time work was able to sit for my ARDMS. I study my ass off and pass both physics and abdomen. I figure since I am now ARDMS I will be able to get a job in a major hospital......lord behold when I look at the job posting...
*ARDMS required*
*Graduate from CAHEEP program or equivalent of 5 years of full time work in a hospital*...... ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME!!!
So yeah pretty much the only way to get into a major hospital in California these days you would have to graduate from an accredited program and have your ARDMS right away to be even consider for a job. Trust me I have tried and believe me I can scan but still hospitals here are so strict now because of the over saturation. I need to relocate or I'm probably gonna be stuck at this dirty clinic for the rest of my life. Ultrasound jobs are available in other states. Here in Cali, techs like us from unaccredited school who wasn't lucky enough to graduate 5+ years ago when the market was soooo different and was able to get jobs are now being made obsolete. I'm just giving you my honest opinion of someone who graduated 2 years ago and still cannot get into a major hospital even though I had hospital experience from my externship.

Hi! So I'm starting a non-accredited program this Tuesday and just found this forum. ATI, I hope you get this...I'm about to spend 30k plus on this 18 month ultrasound program. I have a BA and I'm making a drastic career change. I decided ultrasound because it's in the med field....but if what I'm reading is true...I'm second guessing this move. Is the ultrasound job market this bad? Will I be able to find a good paying job in 18 months???? I know we can't tell the future but if I'm going to spend 30K on this I'm going to need some kind of assurance! Please advise...

Thanks for your help in advance.

RosieB in Norwalk, California said: Hi! So I'm starting a non-accredited program this Tuesday and just found this forum. ATI, I hope you get this...I'm about to spend 30k plus on this 18 month ultrasound program. I have a BA and I'm making a drastic career change. I decided ultrasound because it's in the med field....but if what I'm reading is true...I'm second guessing this move. Is the ultrasound job market this bad? Will I be able to find a good paying job in 18 months???? I know we can't tell the future but if I'm going to spend 30K on this I'm going to need some kind of assurance! Please advise...

Thanks for your help in advance.

Yes the market is terrible. In NYC there are very few jobs and only the lucky (or connected) get a place. From what I have seen on here ATI is not a good school . I would defer your entry and ask around the hospitals. Phone the US dept and ask to speak to the supervisor. Ask which schools are good and if they have any jobs

Jason Garcia in Ontario, California said: Cassandra you have been miss informed, West Coast Ultrasound is Accredited under ACCSCT. And it will allow you to sit for the ARDMS exam.

You are wrong. The school has to be accredited by caahep or you have to have a Bachelor's Degree. West Coast does not have that accreditation! Orange Coast community college does but the waiting list is very long.

Watch out. Ultrasound programs that are not CAAHEP acreddited are a complete scam. You will not get a job when you graduate. I know a bunch of people who spent $30,000 and now have a worthless "certificate." My friend referred me this website. Apparently these guys have represented students in other ultrasound cases.

www.kcrlegal.com/helping-victims-of-trade-school-scams.aspx

I just cant understand what the complaint is here. I attended WCUI, graduated and I am currently working. Starting my program there I knew the how hard it was going to be because I called around before I enrolled. I contacted hospitals spoke with techs and did my research. All of these people who say they were lied to or feel it is a hoax are simply in denial. Where is the hoax? did they not provide the classes you signed up for?..did they not have ultrasound machines to train on? The information that was provided for me by my rep was adaquate with the information I collected from hospitals that I called myself before I enrolled. THere is no scam with this school. You get what you earn. Just because you paid 30,000 does not mean you will find a job. Just like you pay 30,000 40,000 or even 50,000 to get your BA, BS, or Master degree it does not guarantee you a job right after you graduate and you are then also stuck with loans. I dont know your admission representative, but mine never gave me false hope or even lied about anything in this profession to enroll me. I just hope people start doing their own research and not rely on others posts or even go by these money hungry lawyers who themselves dont know about the school and only go by what was told to them.

I just cant understand what the complaint is here. I attended WCUI, graduated and I am currently working. Starting my program there I knew the how hard it was going to be because I called around before I enrolled. I contacted hospitals spoke with techs and did my research. All of these people who say they were lied to or feel it is a hoax are simply in denial. Where is the hoax? did they not provide the classes you signed up for?..did they not have ultrasound machines to train on? The information that was provided for me by my rep was adaquate with the information I collected from hospitals that I called myself before I enrolled. THere is no scam with this school. You get what you earn. Just because you paid 30,000 does not mean you will find a job. Just like you pay 30,000 40,000 or even 50,000 to get your BA, BS, or Master degree it does not guarantee you a job right after you graduate and you are then also stuck with loans. I dont know your admission representative, but mine never gave me false hope or even lied about anything in this profession to enroll me. I just hope people start doing their own research and not rely on others posts or even go by these money hungry lawyers who themselves dont know about the school and only go by what was told to them.

Hey, i was thinking about WCUI...can anyone email me @johnBank23@hotmail.com i have some specific questions etc..thx! :0)

I will be moving to the South Cali. area in June. I already graduated with a BA, and have been thinking about going back for ultrasound tech. I understand stand the importance of the school I choose being accredited, but what school do people see as the best for the price in the Area? And if I was looking at community college programs are they all CAAHEP accredited? And what is an average wait to get in? I heard there is a long wait list for many of the community college programs...