West Coast Ultrasound Institute-L.A. any reviews by grads?

marloman · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 1

I am considering admission to WCUI in L.A. I know the school is private and not accredited like a major college. They talk a good game and claim some of their students intern at UCLA & Cedars Sinai. The cost is more than most colleges, however I don't think you really need a 4 year degree to start in Ultrasound. From what I have seen experience and certification by the ARDMS is the basic way to start.

Oh by the way, I have no background in the medical field. But I am a two time cancer survivor who wants to get out of sales and marketing, and into a field that means more than just a paycheck. Question

Gdguy · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 3

I notice that no one has replied to this yet, so if you still need this information PM me. I was in a similar position a few years ago and had difficulty obtaining information to make an educated decision, so I understand your dilemma. The reply would be too long to post, so contact me if you want this information.

letty5purple · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

I currently attend west coast ultrasound in ontario, Beverly hills is the other campus. I have a 2 year science degree and I knew that getting accepted into an accredited school like Loma Linda was going to be a long wait especially if you don't have good grades in your prerequitsites. So I decided to go to west coast I knew that I would have to wait 1 year until I sat for ARDMS or at least have my bachelors degree. I investigated and this was the best route for me. I've also asked many students who have known other students that have graduated from this school and have gotten hired after their externship with good hospitals. I feel I have made a good decision. The instructors are very good too. The school is 21 months. Good luck

letty5purple · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

I currently attend west coast ultrasound in ontario, Beverly hills is the other campus. I have a 2 year science degree and I knew that getting accepted into an accredited school like Loma Linda was going to be a long wait especially if you don't have good grades in your prerequitsites. So I decided to go to west coast I knew that I would have to wait 1 year until I sat for ARDMS or at least have my bachelors degree. I investigated and this was the best route for me. I've also asked many students who have known other students that have graduated from this school and have gotten hired after their externship with good hospitals. I feel I have made a good decision. The instructors are very good too. The school is 21 months. Good luck

letty5purple · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

I currently attend west coast ultrasound in ontario, Beverly hills is the other campus. I have a 2 year science degree and I knew that getting accepted into an accredited school like Loma Linda was going to be a long wait especially if you don't have good grades in your prerequitsites. So I decided to go to west coast I knew that I would have to wait 1 year until I sat for ARDMS or at least have my bachelors degree. I investigated and this was the best route for me. I've also asked many students who have known other students that have graduated from this school and have gotten hired after their externship with good hospitals. I feel I have made a good decision. The instructors are very good too. The school is 21 months. Good luck

letty5purple · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

I currently attend west coast ultrasound in ontario, Beverly hills is the other campus. I have a 2 year science degree and I knew that getting accepted into an accredited school like Loma Linda was going to be a long wait especially if you don't have good grades in your prerequitsites. So I decided to go to west coast I knew that I would have to wait 1 year until I sat for ARDMS or at least have my bachelors degree. I investigated and this was the best route for me. I've also asked many students who have known other students that have graduated from this school and have gotten hired after their externship with good hospitals. I feel I have made a good decision. The instructors are very good too. The school is 21 months. Good luck

usdal · Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

They DO indeed talk a good game, but are not accredidted - and you will pay the consequence once your are out of school! IF you are lucky to get one of their 3 acute facilities sites, good for you..but it is unlikely...and if you do not have a Bachelor's degree? You cannot take the boards for a year-you will have to work for a year before you can take them...and it will be tough enough to even find work. AND THEY DO NOT HELP YOU ONCE YOU HAVE GRADUATED!!! They want your money....accredidation is everytihng...please do not waste your time or money on this place. I am paying on a loan for a profession I cannot even use because I went to this place and believed that they would be of help once I graduated!(they also were not forthcoming about the importance of going to an accredited school...never mentioned it..they went on and on about how many ultrasound jobs are out there-I Am considering litigation)

hjhogle · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 5:20 am Post subject:

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I cannot stress it enough - ONLY INVEST YOUR TIME AND MONEY IN AN ACCREDITED EDUCATION. If you attend a non-accredited school, you will be retarding your ability to earn a living and wasting your money. Without certification, in some states, you will not be allowed to work. Period.

As in the rest of life, shortcuts end up costing you.

Good luck,
hjh, RT

echo hello hello · Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

I am sad that I wasted my money at WCUI Ontario Campus. I will graduate in three weeks and don't have the knowledge or the skills to even go into an externship. The environment is very stressful and pressured they want you to memorize without really knowing why. I do not approve of their method of training its all about passing test and not in knowing what you are doing. I wouldnot recommend this school. Sad