ultrasound tech school

Hjl in Dallas, Texas said: Has anyone attended or have any knowledge about the Sandford Brown's program in Dallas Texas? I saw that it was accredited but I'm leary of it's quality and reputation. If anyone has any information, opinions or ideas please let me know.

I'm anxious to get started and don't wish to wait years to be accepted into the community college, yet I don't want to waste precious $ on a college that doesn't prepare you adequately for your boards and has a shady reputation.

Thanks

I am thinking about going to Sanford, and worried about the quality too. I want to start asap but evertime i go on their website i get lil info. How about you. Keep in touch. Also, how much do you think it cost?

A Wondering Girl in Dallas, Texas said: I would also like to know about Sandford Brown from anyone who has attended. I have been looking into them for a few weeks now. I have called and found out that the course is about $36,000 and is about 18 months long. Please Anyone who has gone to this college...tell me something good?!?

Wow 36K thats a lot. Do you think financial aid will be able to help?

is Argosy University an accredited school

Is there anyone here who has actually been accepted or rejected from either Cy Fair DMS or Alvin Cardio? I would really appreciate any do's or don'ts as far as applying goes.

Thanks

Amanda in Houston, Texas said: Definitely a Community College. I am graduating from Cy-Fair college in 6 weeks from the ultrasound program. It was way cheaper than a tech school and well worth it. I heard from former technical school students that they don't even think a tech school is worth it. What you want is an accredited school. Watch out for rip-offs.

Amanda - I'm wanting to try and get into the cyfair program next year. Can you tell me anything that i could do that might help might help my chances of getting in?

I'm considering taking the courses for Diagnostic Medical Sonography at El Centro College in Dallas. However, I was told by the counselor that they do not have a career placement program but since the El Centro DMS Program is held in such high esteem by the medical community, I would not have any trouble at all finding a job after graduation.

Can anyone confirm this as fact? Is their DMS program THAT great?

He said only two out of thirty-five students graduate from the program.

Please, anyone who has graduated from the program or is a member of the medical community, if you know anything about the program, I encourage you to respond. I'm very curious. If no one can help me here, I'm going to have to start calling hospitals or something. Any other info/advice on El Centro is welcome, as well.

Thanks in advance. :)

PS- To clear up any misunderstandings, the core curriculum accepts 35 students. 10 are chosen for the DMS program. 2 graduate from there. That's what he meant.

Hi Keri
I saw that you're considering going into the DMS program at El Centro in Dallas. I too am considering going into their program. I don't know anyone that's been in their program or graduated from there. But I've heard that El Centro is a good school when it comes to their Allied Health programs. Initially I was going into their RN program (at the Northlake campus) but I'm probably changing over to DMS. Have you attended the DMS orientation class yet? I'll be going next month on Oct 16th.
I've taken most of the core classes HOWEVER I was unaware of the science classes expiring after 5 years. So I'll probably have to take A&P over again along with Physics. ugh!
Also I wanted to try and do some voluteer work at clinics around the area but so far every clinic I call isn't taking any students. Is that something you've tried to consider as well? If so any luck?
Good luck to you!!

Hi Alicia! I actually haven't attended the orientation yet but planned on going on the 16th as well.

I have considered volunteer work, but like you, I couldn't find a facility that was taking students. Hopefully once we start the program we can get some leads as to where we can catch a break. I haven't started the core curriculum yet so we'll probably see eachother around in one of the classes. :)Have you considered standing in on one of the classes? I know they are looking for volunteers in the next couple of months to be test patients for sonography. That's also an option.

What made you decide to switch to DMS? A friend of mine is considering doing the RN program at Northlake...was something wrong with the program or just a change of heart?

Keri L ...this is still me Alicia...I just made a profile here and changed my name.
That's great that you're going to the orientation too. I'm sure I'll see you there. I had NO idea they were looking for volunteers to be test patients. I would LOVE that!! They can practice on me all they want. How did you find out about that and where do I sign up?
This is really a last minute decision for me. It was really just a change of heart. A coworker went and had a sonogram done and the more questions I asked the more interested I became. I started reading and researching and found the content and technology of it all fascinates me.
So who did you talk to that said only 2 students graduate from the program? It's a little discouraging but ... all you can do it study as hard as you can to be one of those students right?
Thanks Keri!!
This website has been SO helpful. I've spent hours reading posts from people all over the country. Glad I'm here. :-)

Alicia, I found out about the volunteering opportunity through the office. I can give you the number and e-mail for the coordinator. I'll give you my e-mail so you can get it. They don't allow numbers in the forum.

The 'only two graduate' thing is something I was told by a course advisor named Charlie Morgan. Sweet guy but not very knowledgeable about the program. When I inquired about the number he told me that it's not the program that's difficult, it's that there are so few students that go into the program with their head in the game. I wouldn't rely on him as a source, I couldn't find anyone else that would take the time to help though. It was busy when I drove up there.

If you go into the health building across from the main school, you can pick up a packet that tells you all you need to know about the program. I've found it pretty helpful.

I have loads of more information, feel free to e-mail me at care.bear08@gmail.com if you have any more questions and to get that phone number for the coordinator. I'm happy to help. It's great to talk to someone going into the same program. Will you be registering for Spring classes? I heard registration starts Oct 22nd...but that could be a rumor.

PS- I agree, this site is GREAT. If it weren't for indeed I would be going to Sanford Brown... I found out pretty quickly that that wouldn't be a wise choice. Thanks everyone!

hi i am to start a class in november for phlybotomy/e.k.g. i just wanted to know if the school is the right one. have anyone heard of teaque FHCG & laboratory and training academy? is it a creditable school. Are there any graduates out there?Have they helped you get employment? By the way the school is located in stone mountain ga.

I am nearly done with my Sonography program through the lonestar system, and it's all worth it.

Tech/vocational schools are NOT worth it, because their credits are not worth trash half the time when you are transferring later on in life to a larger school to finish your degree. Don't take my word for it, or the word of anyone else on here. Ask a councilor for a university, call or go into a firm where your degree is used and the Dr. or owner who he would rather have...

william in Los Angeles, California said: I'm thinking of going to Sanford Brown in Cleveland. The cost is about $35, but if I can get a job at the Cleveland Clinic and get paid about $50 a year, that doesn't seem so unreasonable. Any thoughts or has anyone any experience with that or any other Sanford Brown College? Thanks!

Good luck at getting a job in Ohio! The state is flooded with sonographers, and you can bet that for every position that opens, there is going to be someone (probably several someones) who are more qualified than you applying for it.

Has anyone been through the Academy of Ultrasound school, it's online and sounds pretty good.

Mason Sweeney in Spring, Texas said: I am nearly done with my Sonography program through the lonestar system, and it's all worth it.

Tech/vocational schools are NOT worth it, because their credits are not worth trash half the time when you are transferring later on in life to a larger school to finish your degree. Don't take my word for it, or the word of anyone else on here. Ask a councilor for a university, call or go into a firm where your degree is used and the Dr. or owner who he would rather have...

what is this lonestar system that you are going through? I want to do this but don't understand why there arent more schools in tx than el centro and wanting to know other good options.

Hjl in Dallas, Texas said: Hi Doe, no I haven't got any specific advice but still looking.

I contacted Doug Jones from the Washburn online DMS program. Mr. Jones stated that they acquire the clinical sites for you prior to you paying your tuition so if they are unable to aquire the sites needed then there is no use in you going through the online program. Also he stated that knowing someone in the sono dept at the hospital is a definite plus in helping them acquire it as a site. Doug stated that cities that have community programs (like El Centro in Dallas) normally have all the sites tied up.
I don't have any contact right now but I'm trying to find some.
El Centro only takes 10 students per year so I imagine there is quite a long list of prospective students.

Do you have any info?

It is true that El Centro only takes 10 in their DMS program and 10 in their Cardiovascular program. You would be surprised. I didn't get in the first time I applied but I started taking the prerequisites and applied the next year and got in. It was the best thing I ever did. I even qualified for a scholarship which the school was helpful in securing for me.

jessgeewhiz in Dalton, Georgia said: Has anyone been through the Academy of Ultrasound school, it's online and sounds pretty good.

I am one of the instructors for the AcademyofUltrasound.com program. If you contact the admissions office, Im sure they would be happy to provide you with several current and former students as references.

You can always contact me also at john@academyofultrasound.com.

Laurel Collins in Los Angeles, California said: They ARE NOT accredited! You cannot take the ARDMS boards unless you have worked for a year(and again, I know MANY people who are having a rough time finding work to even complete that year)or you have a Bachelor's. I know this because I graduated from there as well! Just because you receive a piece of paper from the school does not make you board certified. Look at how many people are having a rough time finding work...if you are lucky enough to be offered something from your clinical site, great - but some graduates were not - me included - although they wanted to, they just didn't have any openings at the time. Now I have heard that the school does not have enough clinical sites for the students they are turning out - and the students are trying to find sites themselves - which some hospitals have blatantly said they do not want to work with the school. I was a great student, but never thought I would have to play luck of the draw to get a job in this field...not after paying what I have. Wonderful for the handful of students who have actually found work..but the field is getting tougher...just look at almost every job opening...experience, ARDMS and accredited by the CAAHP...

How much is the program, pay and can you work part-time? I'm interested on this career.

sophiabri in Norco, California said: How much is the program, pay and can you work part-time? I'm interested on this career.

Sophiabri,

It is not clear to me if "Laurel Collins" in Los Angeles,Ca is referring to Academy of Ultrasound OR another institution. However, she is NOT a former student and has NEVER attended the Academy of Ultrasound(www.academyofultrasound.com); hence, NOT a graduate of our program. I am the Chief Administrator at the Academy.
Also, I would like to add that a graduate may be able to sit for CCI(Cardiovascular Credentialing International) registry(individual would have to look at website and the requirements as pertain to them)at www.cci-online.org. After passing this registry, individual is eligible to IMMEDIATELY sit for ARDMS (pre-requisite #5), check it out on ARDMS website at www.ardms.org.

Thank you and I encourage you to contact us.

God Bless and Good Luck!

If you have ANY other questions or concerns, I would be happy to give the CORRECT information you are seeking about our online sonography programs. Feel free to contact me at info@academyofultrasound.com

The cost of the online Ultrasound/Sonography program at the Academy of Ultrasound, LLC (www.academyofultrasound.com) is only $16,500.00.

I encourage you to look at blog at www.academyofultrasound.com/blog

For additional information contact me at info@academyofultrasound.com

thank you.

Mina in Dallas, Texas said: I am thinking about going to Sanford, and worried about the quality too. I want to start asap but evertime i go on their website i get lil info. How about you. Keep in touch. Also, how much do you think it cost?

I was looking into Sanford brown too but I am 50 50 if i should go because I have been reading some bad reviews from that college.. so if you get anymore info please reply back. Or for any one that has some advise of experience with that school.

alexandra in Dallas, Texas said: I was looking into Sanford brown too but I am 50 50 if i should go because I have been reading some bad reviews from that college.. so if you get anymore info please reply back. Or for any one that has some advise of experience with that school.

If you have BA already, you can sit for boards and get registered. If you do not have a BA, you won't stand a fighting chance as a SB graduate these days. It seems most employers want ARMDS registry as a prerequisite. Even with the BA it's dicey because some employers now are leaning towords graduates from accreddited schools. You can verify this on indeed.com's job postings for this field and see how many require it.

alexandra in Dallas, Texas said: I was looking into Sanford brown too but I am 50 50 if i should go because I have been reading some bad reviews from that college.. so if you get anymore info please reply back. Or for any one that has some advise of experience with that school.

Alexandra,
I would like to suggest an online ultrasound program. Go to www.academyofultrasound.com and reveiw information on Echocardiography, Vascular, and General Ultrasound program. All didactic work is completed online;however, the 2 required "hands-on" scan labs are conducted in a location convenient to student (yes, instructor travels with machine) and conducts seminar-type scan labs prior to clinical rotation.
This online ultrasound training program is very convenient for even the toughest of schedules in that you can complete assignments/studies at anytime as long as submitted on time.
Just check it out. Also, there is a blog at www.academyofultrasound.com/blog, look at the post about "accredited" v. "non-accredited." MOst employers want you to be registered OR at least registry eligible. With your education, you would be able to sit for registry upon completion of program; so, you would be entering field as a "registered" tech.

Good luck.

Amanda in Houston, Texas said: Definitely a Community College. I am graduating from Cy-Fair college in 6 weeks from the ultrasound program. It was way cheaper than a tech school and well worth it. I heard from former technical school students that they don't even think a tech school is worth it. What you want is an accredited school. Watch out for rip-offs.

Amanda my daughter is interested in going to cyfair. Is there any prerequisites?

Hello, i want to be an ultrasound tech, but im confused. Do i only go to a vo-tech, or do i go to college and attain my basics, then go to a vo-tech? Do both options recieve the same salary, and same pay?

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