There is a nice selection of CAAHEP accredited Sonography programs in California. The programs are spread around the state from Los Altos Hills in the north to San Diego in the south. California is recognized for its top quality university and community college system. Following is description of five of the most affordable or low cost sonography programs in California:
#1 Cypress College
Cypress College is located in Cypress, California and offers a variety of academic and vocational programs. The college catalog lists 58 Bachelor’s degree programs, 141 career certificate programs and 51 Associate degrees. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is offered through the Health Science academic program.
Reputation
Cypress College is recognized for its dedicated faculty who frequently earn numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship. The college has a reputation for academic excellence and is highly rated by students for the quality of its programs and for having some of the best student support services.
Sonography Program Overview
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. This means students who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the ARDMS exam for sonography certification. The program requirements take 16 months to complete after all prerequisites are met. Graduates earn a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate. | Learn More »
Tuition Fees and Costs
The total cost for the entire sonography training program is estimated at $4,934 as of 2016. That figures includes the registration fee for 3 semesters and 1 summer session, textbooks, uniforms and other miscellaneous fees.
#2. Merced College
Merced College in Merced, California offers a variety of sonography programs leading to an Associate degree or vocational certificate. The college also offers eight Associate Degrees for Transfer to California State University. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is under the auspice of the Allied Health Division.
Reputation
Merced College is a member of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium which pursues effective leadership and quality academics. The college focuses on student outcomes and exceeded peer averages on six out of seven factors which include Percent of Students Who Earned at Least 30 Units; Student Progress and Achievement Rate; Annual Successful Course Completion Rate for Credit Vocational Courses; Improvement Rate for Credit ESL Courses; and Improvement Rate for Basic Skills Courses. Students consistently earn honors like scholarships awarded by Alpha Gamma Sigma, the national honor society for California community colleges.
Sonography Program Overview
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate Program is CAAHEP accredited, making it one of the best programs in California. It requires 18 consecutive months to complete, and students must attend full-time. The program consists of 17.5 units of lecture/lab and 31.5 units of clinical experience. This is the equivalent of 243 lecture hours, 216 lab hours and 1,701 hours of clinic experience. Successfully completing all program requirements leads to a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate. Once training is completed, students are eligible to the the ARDMS exams in SPI, AB and OB-GYN to earn sonography certification. | Learn More »
Tuition Fees and Costs
As of 2016, the California State Enrollment Fee for the entire sonography program at Merced College is $2,254. Non-resident students must pay the enrollment fee plus an additional $208 per unit. All students will need to purchase textbooks at an estimated cost of $1,500 and pay various miscellaneous fees.
#3 Santa Barbara City College
The Santa Barbara City College serves Santa Barbara County. Established in 1909, it is one of the oldest community colleges in California. Offering academic and vocational training, students can select from more than 80 degree options and 50 or more certificate programs. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is offered through the Radiographic & Imaging Sciences Department.
Reputation
Ranked as the “#1 Community College in the Nation,” Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) was a co-winner of the 2013 Aspen Prize. The honor recognizes educational facilities for quality and focus on student learning outcomes, degree completion, labor market success, and facilitating the success of low-income and minority students. SBCC has also earned awards from the American Library Association, Excelencia in Education and other associations.
Sonography Program Overview
The sonography program curriculum requires 21 months to complete. It is CAAHEP accredited, meaning it is one of the best programs students can select. The core curriculum requirements include completing 54 units or 2,182 hours of lecture and clinical hours. Completing the training will lead to a Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Sonography certification is offered through the ARDMS. | Learn More »
Tuition Fees and Costs
All students must pay the enrollment fee of $46 per unit. Out-of-state students and international students pay an additional $261 per unit. Additionally, there are a few mandatory fees like the health fee. The total program cost for an in-state student is estimated to be $2,704 for tuition and fees and $4,275 for books and supplies.
#4. Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College has been operating in Costa Mesa, California since 1948. It offered more than 130 academic and career-oriented programs. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an Allied Health Program in the Consumer & Health Sciences Division.
Reputation
Orange Coast College has earned a reputation as being a high quality school and ranks first out of the nine Orange County community colleges in terms of number of students it transfers to California State University and the University of California. The college is recognized as having one of the best and largest public nautical programs in the country.
Sonography Program Overview
The Orange Coast College Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a CAAHEP accredited program. This means students can sit for the ARDMS exams once completing all training requirements. The sonography certification serves as the equivalent of a license and is required by most employers as the best proof of successful training and competency. The ultrasound technology 18-month program takes four semesters, one summer and one intersession to complete. Students successfully completing all requirements earn an Associate in Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program requires completing prerequisites, required sonography core courses and all courses needed to earn an Associate in Science General Education degree. | Learn More »
Tuition Fees and Costs
The approximate cost of the sonography program is $5,200. The unit enrollment fee is $46, and non-resident students pay an additional tuition amount on top of the enrollment fee.
#5. Foothill College
Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California is a very affordable community college that has won numerous architectural awards, including several from the American Institute of Architects. It has 79 degree programs and 107 specialty certificate programs. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is located in the Biological and Health Sciences division.
Reputation
Foothill College has earned a reputation for offering a rich variety of programs, facilities, comprehensive intercollegiate athletics program. It is integral to the community, regularly providing programs, resources and cultural or entertainment events for students and residents alike. Foothill College is also regarded as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
Sonography Program Overview
The CAAHEP accreditation earned by Foothill College is the sign of a quality program. Student can earn a Certificate of Achievement in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in six consecutive quarters. There are 98 units required for the certificate program; however, students may also choose an Associate in Science degree option. The training for the Associate degree program requires completing a minimum of 90 units that include all Foothill General Education requirements, or 30 units and core courses selected from the 98 units. It is up to the student to decide the best educational route. Completing either program path will qualify the student to earn sonography certification by taking the ARDMS exams. | Learn More »
Tuition Fees and Costs
The cost of the in-state enrollment fee is $31 per unit. Non-resident students must pay an additional amount of $156 per unit. The college also requires students pay a health services fee, a campus center fee and several other small fees. The only other large expense is textbooks.
Further Reading: 5 Best Value Sonography Programs in Florida in 2017