r/SonographyStudents

Now I am even more worried because it seems like the OCC waitlist for sono is now 5-7 years. I am still going to go to my classes this fall, but I have been looking into other CAAHEP approved schools, come to find out the only realistic one is CBD College in LA, but they do not take transfer credits, and is a $64k college!! Classes would start in January of 2027. Cypress college is not an option for me since they go based off GPA. Why are there not more CAAHEP approved schools around OCC?? This is so discouraging and feels like I need to switch my career path.

I am applying to ACC sonography program for the fall. I have good grades, but dont have enhanced patient care and I did CNA training, but could never schedule to actually get my license for the extra points. My ranking score looks to be at about 56.9. Am I doomed? Or is there a chance I get in?

I'm a first time parent looking for a good career that I can take to different states, but I'm worried that the schooling is going to be tough for someone like me who is trying to keep a balance between being an active parent and be a good student. Is it terribly hard or doable?

Hi everyone! I’m a non-traditional student and I was just accepted into two CAAHEP-accredited DMS programs ( I’m so overjoyed, this is my first cycle applying and no I don’t have a 4.0!). I’m really struggling to choose and would love input from working sonographers and current students.

Program A
• Accredited for Abdomen + OB/GYN
• Bachelor’s degree upon completion
• Stronger reputation and clinical sites
• Higher graduation rate
• 15 months

Program B
• Accredited for Abdomen, OB/GYN, Cardiac + Vascular (would sit for all 4 registries)
• Certificate upon completion
• 100% ARDMS pass rate (same as Program A)
• 22 months

Similarities: both start in fall, similar price (although I’m not sure how much money they would be giving me yet if any) , and similar distance from me

About my goals:
• My passion is women’s health (OB/GYN is my why)
• Post grad I want to work hospital 12-hour shifts
• I know cardiac and vascular can be pursued post-grad, but I’m curious how realistic that actually is, especially once you’re working full time

My hesitation: Program B covers more registries upfront which appeals to me for hospital hiring and income potential. But Program A fits my life better (schedule, reputation, degree, time to complete). I’ve also read that CAAHEP graduates can sit for additional registries later through self-study.

My questions for you:

1. For those who added cardiac or vascular post-grad — how’d you do it and how hard was it really while working?

2. In a hospital setting, how often do OB/GYN sonographers cross over into cardiac or vascular?

3. Would I have any issued findings my desired schedule with only 2 registries?

4. Any other factors I’m not thinking about?

Which sounds like the better option?

TIA!

I got accepted into the St. Philip’s College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program!!! Received my acceptance email today from the director!! Super stoked!! 3.68 gpa, I did take the USA Exam but director did not give score on that, not sure if they will but I assume I did decent enough!

I'm currently still in high school junior year and I'm a little nervous that my stats aren't high enough or my pre reqs aren't enough and I wanted to about the process and how to get into sonography