Who do I contact if I have questions?
Contact Brenda Pfeiffer, Sonography registration coordinator, regarding the profession and academic program. Brenda will help you through the application process, answer your questions about prerequisites, and prepare you for the academic interview. Brenda can be reached at (909) 583-3033 or bpfeiffer@llu.edu. Email is preferred.
What are the prerequisites for LLU’s sonography program?
Applicants must hold one of the following before entering the program:
All prerequisites must be completed before the program starts in September of the same year that you plan to start the program. All two tracks of sonography begin in September of each year.
What is the process for applying to the program?
Will I be prepared to take the board exams for sonography when I complete the program?
Upon successful completion of the LLU sonography programs, our graduates are able to sit for the national board exams. Passing the national board examinations will result in the receipt of one or more specialty credentials: Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), or Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS) depending on the track.
Is the LLU sonography program accredited?
Yes, The Loma Linda University Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program has been fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in general sonography and vascular and echocardiography since 1983. In addition, our vascular lab here at Loma Linda University Medical Center was awarded the Accreditation of Vascular Labs (ICAVL) in 1993.
What is LLU looking for in a student who applies to the sonography program?
What physical and mental abilities must I posses?
Entrance and completion of this program signifies that the candidate is prepared to practice in the sonography profession. The candidate must be prepared to work in the standing position, do frequent walking, list and transfer patients, communicate effectively, perform with both hands, and discriminate in color, depth, and temperature. For more information on this, please consult the Sonography Program Handbook.
What academic record do you require to enter and stay in the program?
Students must have a 2.5 average GPA in science prerequisites and a 2.5 overall GPA in prerequisites. Students must maintain at 2.5 GPA in the program.
Is there a waiting list to get into your sonography program?
Currently we do not have a waiting list for our sonography programs; however, the program is competitive. We usually receive 35-45 applicants, and 10 applicants are accepted into the program.
What is the approximate cost of the program?
Tuition costs for the program are approximately $10,000 each year in addition to books and other school fees, which are approximately $20K for the 24-month program. This does not include living and transportation expenses. Additional fees apply for international students. The online admissions fee of $60 dollars. There is also a required deposit fee of $100 once you have been accepted to hold your spot in the class. These fees and deposits are nonrefundable. The deposit is applied to your first quarter's tuition.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applications are accepted beginning October 1 of the previous year to the planned entrance to the program. The postmark deadline is March 1.
When does the program start?
The program begins the third week of September, which is the Fall Quarter of each year.
How many students do you accept each year?
How many applications do you receive each year?
Between 35-45
What is the salary range for sonographers?
In 2004, ultrasound and sonography technicians earned an average of $53,600. Those with more on the job experience and higher job positions can earn up to $73,500 yearly.
According to the SDMS Salary and Benefits Survey report (released March, 2005), the median salary for sonographers is $61,984. This income includes: 1) hourly salary, 2) overtime and, 3) on-call pay. The typical hourly pay rate is $29, and the number of overtime hours worked per week by sonographers is 3. The typical on-call pay rate is $3.00 per hour, and the call-in rate of pay is $42 per hour. Salaries vary depending on years of experience, number of specialties practiced, as well geographic location. There are opportunities for full-time and part-time employment.
What is the job outlook for sonographers?
Like many health care positions, ultrasound and sonography technician jobs are expected to grow much faster than other jobs. National trends tell us that there will be a 35 percent increase in positions through 2014. Since people are becoming more health conscience and want therapeutic aftercare the need for ultrasound and sonography technicians will increase. Job growth also stems from constant advancements in medical technology. Sonographers and vascular technologists can choose to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, technical advisors, etc.
Do I need to apply to the school as well as to the sonography program?
You need only to apply once. An online application is available for your convenience below.
What must I do if I have studied outside of the United States?
Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved evaluation center from the list below. Email our admissions director if you have any questions regarding foreign transcripts. Please note: there are additional University requirements and fees for International students. Please contact our student services for more information. Information for international students (PDF)
Is financial aid available or are there student loans available?
Financial aid is available to students depending on their credit history. Contact the financial aid department for more information and deadlines. Please note: FASA applications are due on or around March 1st of each year. Students are encouraged to secure educational funding as part of their application process.
Do you offer weekend or night classes for sonography?
No, we do not. This program is a full-time day program. Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You will also be assigned homework to complete.
Do you offer online courses for sonography?
No, we do not. Our courses are offered with hands-on learning within the classroom and clinical settings not easily replicated through online learning.
Can I work full-time or part-time while taking this program?
The sonography tracks are very comprehensive and intense professional programs. We do not recommend that you attempt to work full-time during this program to assure optimal success. It is possible to work weekends but on a very flexible part-time basis. Living expenses can be built into financial aid assistance as an option.
How long are the programs?
Where do I get the career observation forms?
Use the Career Observation Form that is available from this link. Also, you can request a career observation form from Gwen Wysocki. She will provide further information by email or mail.
If I live out of the area, can I do my career observation time at another facility?
Yes. Contact Gwen for further information.
What do I wear to career observation appointments? Dress professionally: Lab coat or scrubs preferred or professional dress for patient care setting. See observation page for more information. Wear sturdy shoes. No open toe shoes.
How do I apply for the sonography program?
Please only apply for one program at a time. There is a $60.00 online application fee.
Am I required to provide transportation to school and to clinical sites?
Yes. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from school and clinical sites. Some sites are located as much as an hour away from the Loma Linda campus.
Can I apply to track II (Cardiac) after I complete track I (diagnostic/vascular)?
Yes, however, most medical facilities only hire into one specialty. It is the small hospital in a rural area that would more likely need a diagnostic sonography and an echocardiographer.
If I have had a lifetime of computer experience, do I have to take an introduction to computer class?
No, you will, however, need to prove computer competency by documenting the type of computer experience that you have and the types of projects that you have completed using the computer. Final approval of this waiver must be made by the director of admissions and the diagnostic medical sonography program director.
If I have a math/accounting degree and have had a first career in accounting, do I have to take intermediate algebra within five years of entering the program?
No, if you have a degree in the field of mathematics or accounting, and you have recently ended a career in math or accounting, and you can show on your transcripts that you have had multiple classes in math, algebra, or accounting, then you do not have to retake the intermediate algebra class within five years of beginning the program. Final approval of this waiver must be made by the director of admissions and the diagnostic medical sonography program director.
Do I have to take all of the prerequisites to enter track II or track III if I am already an RDMS and currently working in sonography?
No, if you are currently employed as a diagnostic medical sonographer and you are planning to enter Track II, you do not have to retake the prerequisites. Final approval of this waiver must be made by the director of admissions and the diagnostic medical sonography program director.
Last Revised: Fri, May 23, 2008
