Ultrasound Technology Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Requirements

• For admission into the program, what are the requirements?

  Click on the link for more info about Admissions Requirements.

• How do I know if my Associate Degree is considered to be “allied health”?

  According to the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), “a two year allied health education program that is patient care related is defined as (1) 24 full-time consecutive calendar months or (2) 60 semester credits or (3) 84 quarter credits (4) and requiring a clinical internship/externship to complete the program”.

• I have a foreign degree. Do I need to have my degree evaluated?

  Yes. All prospective applicants with a foreign degree must have their degree evaluated prior to enrollment of the program. An official course-by-course transcript is required for enrollment.

• I have no previous experience in the health care industry. Will that affect my chances for admission into the program?

  Though it is considered in the admissions assessment for acceptance, many of our students come from diverse backgrounds that are not limited to the health care industry.

• When is the application deadline for prerequisites?

  Our program reviews and accepts applications year-round.

• When is the application deadline for the core program?

  The core program application package is compiled throughout the prerequisite courses with the Admission Advisor.

• How many program start dates are there per year?

  There are 2 program start dates per year.

• How many students do you accept per start date?

  We accept approximately 10 students per start date (twice a year).

• What does the entrance exam consist of?

  The entrance exam consists of 50 questions in the areas of basic math and basic English.

• I have a medical degree. Am I still required to take the entrance exam?

  Yes, all applicants regardless of degree or background must pass the entrance exam prior to admission into the program.

• What happens if I don’t pass the entrance exam?

  You will be able to retake the exam after a period of one month and will be given a different version. Prospective students who are not able to pass the entrance exam are not granted admission into the program/prerequisite courses.

• What does the interview consist of and how long will it last?

  The interview is the final stage in the selection criteria for admission. Candidates will be interviewed by the program director and associate program director. Interviews usually last between 20 and 30 minutes and are conducted in a relaxed and casual manner.

Prerequisite Coursework

• Are there any prerequisite classes I need to take before I start the ultrasound program?

  Click on the link for more info: Prerequiste Courses.

• How often are the prerequisite courses offered?

  Twice a year, prior to each program start date.

• How can I bypass the prerequisite course requirement if I have already taken Ultrasound Physics, Anatomy and Physiology; Cross-Sectional Anatomy; or the equivalent to the Essential Medical Bioscience course?

  Credit Grating may be given for related previous education if the credits were granted within the last five (5) years and the Student recieved a minimum grade of a "C" as follows:
  1) Credits earned from courses or programs accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). (Official Transcripts must be provided.)  The Ultrasound Technology Program Director is responsible for evaluating the validity of each course and will make a determination of eligibility based on the individual’s academic history.
  2) Competency-based credit is granted for knowledge and/or skills acquired through experience. Credit is determined by written and/or practical examinations.

• Do you offer a course in Medical Terminology?

  Medical Terminology is incorporated into the Anatomy & Physiology course.

• Are the prerequisite classes everyday?

  No, prerequisite classes are taken twice a week. Please consult the Ultrasound Technology Program department for the most up-to-date course schedules. The scheduled is designed sequentially according to the prerequisite and corequisite requirements of these courses.

• What happens if I fail a prerequisite course?

  The failed course must be repeated before entering the program. All applicable fees for repeating a course will apply.

• Are prerequisites included in the program length?

  No, prerequisites are separate from the program and are not included in the program length.

Program

• What is the length of the program?

  Click on the link for more info: Program Length and Schedule.

• Is the program accredited?

  Click on the link for more info: Accreditation.

• Will I be eligible to sit for the ARDMS board exam after I finish the program?

  Yes, the program only accepts students with Bachelor degrees and those who have completed an Associates degree (allied health majors with an internship in human patient care only), all students who have successfully completed the program will be eligible to sit for the ARDMS board exam. Students with Bachelor’s degree fall under the ARDMS prerequisite #3A, and students with an allied health Associates degree fall under ARDMS prerequisite #1. Please see www.ardms.org for more information about the ARDMS and its test requirements.

• Will the program prepare me to pass the ARDMS exam?

  Yes, ARDMS test preparation is strongly emphasized throughout our students’ entire curriculum at Gurnick Academy. We also offer ARDMS “practice exams,” and review/preparation seminars focusing on the various test modalities.

• Do you offer online classes?

  No, all coursework is hands-on consisting of Didactic lectures, Laboratories, and Clinical Internship.
  
  

• Are didactic courses and laboratories held on campus?

  Yes.

• Is this a full time program?

  Yes, the program is considered to be a full-time program, even though students are not required to be on campus full time.

• Do you offer night classes?

  No, the Ultrasound Technology Program only offers day classes.

• What are the class times?

  Students should be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.  Please see the following page for more details in the Program Schedule section.

• Will I be able to maintain my employment while in the program?

  Students are not encouraged to continue employment during the core program.  With careful time management, many students have been able to maintain part-time employment during the prerequisite coures.  As this is an intensive program, students often spend many additional hours studying.  Though students are not scheduled to be on campus full-time, many students also utilize the open laboratory hours for additional practice time.

• How many didactic modules are taught within the program?

  The program consists of 4 modules: Abdomen & Small Parts, Obstetrics & Gynecology Ultrasound, Vascular Ultrasound, and Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation.  There is an additional 12 hour course, Patient Care for the Ultrasound Professionals, which is taken prior to the clinical internship portion of the program.

• How long are each of the modules?

  The modules are a total of 14 months; however, each module varies in length. Please contact the Ultrasound Technology Program Department for the most current module calendar.

• What happens if I fail a module? Will I be expelled from the program?

  The student will be able to continue the program, but must repeat the failed module. All applicable fees will apply.

• Do your other campus offer the Ultrasound Technology Program?

  No, our San Mateo campus the only location that has the Ultrasound Technology Program.

• Where can I find more information regarding Gurnick Academy’s ultrasound program?

  More information can be provided through our Ultrasound Technology Program application package (available online), or by contacting the Ultrasound Technology Program department. Also, you may view the press release for more information.

Clinical Training/ Internship

• How many hours of clinical training am I expected to perform?

  Click on the link for more info: Program Length and Schedule.

• Do I have to find my own internship?

  No, an internship will be provided for all of our students.

• Where will the clinical training be conducted?

  Your internship will be provided through our affiliated clinical facilities. These facilities consist of hospitals, outpatient imaging facilities, and private doctors’ offices. It is the student’s responsibility to commute to the various internship sites.

• When do I begin my internship?

  The internship portion of the program begins after the seventh (7) month of the core program.

• Can I do my internship during the weekend or at night?

  No, clinical training is available during normal buisness hours on the weekdays.

• Are the internships paid positions?

  No, all internships are unpaid.

• Will I be clinically evaluated during my internship?

  Yes, all students will be evaluated on a continual basis onsite by the Clinical Coordinator(s), as well as the student’s clinical instructor. These evaluations will take place at the internship site. All interns will be notified in advance of their upcoming evaluations.

• Do I have the option of finding my own internship?

  Yes, although an internship will be provided for all students it may be possible for students to establish an internship on their own. Please contact the Ultrasound Technology Program department for more information.

Tuition

• How much does the program cost?

  For a cost breakdown please see the Program Fees section.

• Are prerequisites included in the program cost?

  Prerequisites and the registration fee are billed separately from the program and are not included into the program cost.

• What does the program cost include?

  For a cost breakdown please see the Program Fees section.

• Can I obtain financial aid?

  Yes, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs. Please see the Financial Aid section for more information.

• When do I start making payments towards my Sallie Mae loan?

  Loan payments are paid directly to Sallie Mae immediately upon program start. Students will begin making payments within 30 days of the first disbersement based on a maximum 10-year repayment loan.

• Is there a prepayment penalty for Sallie Mae loan?

  No, there is no prepayment penalty.

Graduation Information

• Once I graduate from the program will I be getting a degree or diploma?

  The Ultrasound Technology Program is a diploma program.

• Once I graduate where am I eligible to work?

  Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to obtain entry level sonography positions in hospitals, outpatient centers, doctors’ offices, and other facilities that utilize ultrasound.

• Do you offer job placement?

  Yes, we assist with job placements for all students who successfully complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

• Once I graduate will anyone help me apply to take the ARDMS exam?

  During the final months of the program, Gurnick Academy staff is available to assist all students in preparing their materials for the SPI exam. Upon graduation, Gurnick Academy staff also assists in preparing their materials to apply for the ARDMS specialty exams in order for the student to earn their credentials.

• Once I graduate am I able to return to the ultrasound lab to maintain my scanning skills?

  Yes, graduates are more than welcome to utilize the ultrasound lab/equipment in maintaining their skills.