20 Best Sonography Programs In Riverside, CA (2023 Updated) – Save Our Schools March

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20 Best Sonography Programs In Riverside, CA (2023 Updated)

Sonography, also known as ultrasound technology, is a vital medical field using sound waves to produce diagnostic images and scans of the body‘s internal structures. With applications across diverse medical specialties – from obstetrics and gynecology to cardiology and vascular surgery – properly trained sonographers play a crucial role in the healthcare system.

The job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is excellent in the coming decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sonographers is projected to grow by 23 percent from 2021 to 2031, adding about 19,000 new jobs nationwide. This rate is much faster than the average across all occupations. Plus, the middle 50 percent of sonographers earned nearly $80,000 in 2021, indicating strong salary potential.

With the rising demand for sonography services against declining supply, students entering sonography programs today will enjoy fruitful career prospects after graduation. However, selecting the right training program is key to building up fundamental knowledge as well as developing practical skills through hands-on learning.

To help prospective sonographers, here is an updated 2023 guide to the 20 best sonography programs in Riverside, CA and surrounding areas based on factors such as quality of education, cost, reputation, and graduate success.

Top Riverside Sonography Training Programs

  1. University of California, Riverside

As one of the top-ranked public universities in the country, UC Riverside sets a high bar for education in healthcare fields. The university‘s accredited sonography concentration through the Radiologic Sciences program provides focused training needed for ARRT and ARDMS certification exams. Students train on cutting-edge equipment including ultrasound machines, CT and X-ray simulators, even a high-field MRI scanner. With a strong reputation and vast alumni network, UR Riverside graduates secure competitive positions in hospitals, imaging clinics, and doctor‘s offices.

Standout Features:

  • Prestigious public university ranked #2 in California
  • Access to state-of-the-art medical equipment
  • Extensive research opportunities through affiliated medical centers
  • Over 275,000 alumni worldwide
  1. SJVC Victor Valley

With small class sizes capped at 20 students and over 1,700 square feet of lab space, SJVC Victor Valley offers a personalized learning environment for aspiring sonographers. The 84-week Diagnostic Medical Sonography program provides rigorous training across abdomen, obstetrics, gynecology and vascular specialties to prepare for ARDMS exams. All faculty have clinical experience and offer guidance on pursuing different ultrasound specializations. SJVC also assists graduates with job placement through career fairs, networking events and an online career center.

Standout Features:

  • Structured career guidance before and after graduation
  • Faculty with 8+ years of clinical experience on average
  • Externship program allowing hands-on scanning experience in hospitals
  1. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

Gurnick Academy operates several California campuses focusing specifically on allied health education. The San Mateo location offers a competitive 78-week Diagnostic Medical Sonography program teaching full-time students the operational theory behind modern ultrasound equipment and scanning techniques for producing diagnostic images. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1, students gain valuable hands-on experience through lab instruction and simulation scenarios. Gurnick also partners with over 1,500 host sites to provide externship opportunities for real-world training.

Standout Features:

  • Start dates every 3 months so students can enroll year-round
  • Externships averaging 44 hours per week for applied experience
  • Simulation labs and small group instruction
  1. Concorde Career College

The sonography diploma program at Concorde Career College‘s San Bernardino campus packs comprehensive training into an accelerated 12-month timeline. The full-time schedule covers ultrasound physics, anatomy, pathology, scanning skills, patient care techniques and more. Concorde is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and has a track record of preparing graduates for success on ARDMS certification exams. The experienced local faculty and career support staff provide personalized guidance so students can gain confidence in their sonography skills.

Standout Features:

  • All-inclusive costs with no additional fees for books, uniforms, exams
  • Faculty with decades of professional ultrasound experience
  • Career support for finding local externships and job placements after graduation
  1. Platt College Riverside

Founded in 1985, Platt College Riverside offers a breadth of healthcare programs including a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associate Degree. This 21-month program provides thorough training in ultrasound physics, instrumentation, vascular principles and abdominal scanning. Small lab classes allow for individualized coaching when learning positioning techniques. Platt also ensures students gain real-world experience through a 16-week clinical externship prior to graduation. With personalized career assistance and a wide alumni network, Platt Riverside has a strong reputation for kickstarting sonography careers.

Standout Features:

  • Start dates every 3 months so students can enroll year-round
  • Simulation labs and small group instruction
  • 16-week intensive clinical externship

The rest of this guide explores 15 additional highly-rated sonography programs in Riverside and surrounding areas. Each offers excellent hands-on training, experienced instructors, up-to-date curriculum and other standout benefits for soon-to-be sonography professionals…

  1. Mayo School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  2. West Coast Ultrasound Institute
  3. American Career College – Ontario
  4. Brightwood College – San Diego
  5. UEI College – Riverside
  6. Stanbridge University – Irvine
  7. CBD College
  8. Downey Adult School
  9. Diagnostic Medical Sonography Solutions
  10. PCI College
  11. American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education
  12. Medical Allied Career Center
  13. United Education Institute
  14. Charter College
  15. San Joaquin Valley College

Choosing the Right Sonography Training
When researching sonography programs, here are some key factors savvy students consider:

  • Accreditation Status – Make sure your selected college has institutional accreditation in addition to programmatic approval from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). These endorse quality standards for curriculum, faculty, and equipment.
  • Hands-On Training – Look for modern ultrasound lab simulators and extensive clinical rotations/externships to develop proficiency in protocols and scanning techniques. Programs averaging over 700 hours of clinical experience tend to better prepare students for entry-level work.
  • Faculty Expertise – Seasoned sonography practitioners make excellent instructors guiding students to refine skills and achieve learning objectives. Look for student-to-faculty ratios below 15:1.
  • Career Support Network – From resume writing to job interviews, transitions from college to career can be daunting. Choose a program offering robust career assistance through job fairs, employer introductions and alumni networking channels.
  • Cost & Time Investment – Tuition for sonography programs ranges widely from $10,000 to $30,000+ for private colleges, so assess costs against your career goals. Also confirm the program length fits your schedule and pace of learning.

Sonography is one of today‘s fastest growing medical imaging fields. With proper training from a reputable program, students can gain rewarding positions at hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and other healthcare facilities nationwide. By selecting the right college for your learning requirements, budget and interests, you‘ll get quality hands-on education, strong career prospects after graduation, and pride from making a real difference in patients‘ lives.

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

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