Virginia College in birmingham, AL

I was wondering if I could hear from anyone who got their sonography training here- or if anyone knows the reputation? Is it a good school to attend? Can you sit for the ARDMS after attending here? Was it hard to find a job?
Thankyou for any help!!
Jen

I graduated from VC in Birmingham. I enjoyed the program. I'll put it in a nutshell. Now that I am working, I feel like VC offer me more then what is needed in the real world, which is great. I have the extensive training needed to make it out there. I would refer the program to anyone.

You can sit for CCI registry. ARDMS required One year on the job training. I decided to take the CCI one so I could become register. I got a job three months after I graduated. The job timing varies because it depends on when you complete the program. So come out doing a diverse needed time others come out doing a dead time. It depends on if you don't mind taking a position out of town. I've found that accepting a job in another state other then Alabama is very rewarding. Like, the pay, and getting a job much faster after school without being register.

Thankyou so much for answering! I had my "interview" there today and it sounds really good. They seem to think though that based on my test scores I would do better in respiratory therapy though for some reason. She said yes, the pay is higher for a sonographer, but that birmingham is a research hospital erea and there is a low need for sonographers here and I would have to go out of state to get a good job- as you said. I have a lot to think about now- in a very short time. Thank you so much!!

Intrigue- Thankyou for answering my questions. I had a few more if you have time to answer. What is CCI? I looked at some out of state job lisings- and in state (but there's not many here), and most of them even stated in their ads that they wanted someone with ARDMS. So I worry a bit about finding employment. I only have 2 days to decide. Respiratory Therapy sounds pretty good- especially since there are a lot of jobs, but the pay is a lot less. And I'm not only about the money, I hope I don't sound that way. I just want school to be worth my time as I have a son to raise, so time management (not working 12 hour shifts) and pay are a big factor whether I want them to be or not. :)

jlb4 said: Intrigue- Thankyou for answering my questions. I had a few more if you have time to answer. What is CCI? I looked at some out of state job lisings- and in state (but there's not many here), and most of them even stated in their ads that they wanted someone with ARDMS. So I worry a bit about finding employment. I only have 2 days to decide. Respiratory Therapy sounds pretty good- especially since there are a lot of jobs, but the pay is a lot less. And I'm not only about the money, I hope I don't sound that way. I just want school to be worth my time as I have a son to raise, so time management (not working 12 hour shifts) and pay are a big factor whether I want them to be or not. :)

In making a decision about school you must way your options. I want the decision to totally yours about which program to seek education in. I choose the Sonography program because I knew that I really wanted to be in that field. I new going in that it may be a challenge finding a job after. As I mention before depending on the time of completion their may or may not be a job available at that time. like now every hospital here in the birmingham metro area just about is hiring for a tech in ultrasound. I also went back to school to get my bachelors in health service management so I would have something else to lean on in the future. CCI is another recognized registry company. Although most say ARDMS if you are CCI registered they will honor you the same. So yes you have a lot to think about. But remember do what's best for you and at the same time make sure you will enjoy doing it in your life ahead. PS Iknew I wanted to make better then just ok pay and ultrasound gives me that.

Intrigue in Birmingham, Alabama said: In making a decision about school you must way your options. I want the decision to totally yours about which program to seek education in. I choose the Sonography program because I knew that I really wanted to be in that field. I new going in that it may be a challenge finding a job after. As I mention before depending on the time of completion their may or may not be a job available at that time. like now every hospital here in the birmingham metro area just about is hiring for a tech in ultrasound. I also went back to school to get my bachelors in health service management so I would have something else to lean on in the future. CCI is another recognized registry company. Although most say ARDMS if you are CCI registered they will honor you the same. So yes you have a lot to think about. But remember do what's best for you and at the same time make sure you will enjoy doing it in your life ahead. PS Iknew I wanted to make better then just ok pay and ultrasound gives me that.

I'm a fellow Virginia College student Graduating in Dec. I'm currently conducting my externship at Cooper Green Hospital. Can you tell me about any openings in the Birmingham area. I don't require benefits and can work weekends? Did you graduate in this past year? I'm so glad to hear of your success!!!

I want to seek a field in which I can become employed quickly. I'm in the transition of changing careers currently working as a CNA. I wish to know if Virgina College is a good school for ultra sound tech? Are some of the courses available online? How long is the program? What is the success rate for graduates becoming employed in Birmingham and its surrounding areas and how long does it take to find a job?

tonythom8 said: I want to seek a field in which I can become employed quickly. I'm in the transition of changing careers currently working as a CNA. I wish to know if Virgina College is a good school for ultra sound tech? Are some of the courses available online? How long is the program? What is the success rate for graduates becoming employed in Birmingham and its surrounding areas and how long does it take to find a job?

I'd like to know the answers to your questions too! The only online class I took while at Virginia College was Medical Law and Ethics. The program is two years. I'll be graduating in Dec. 2008 and will let you know about finding a job. I have two weeks left in my externship and as of right now, no job. Any other past Virginia College students out there?

Jib4 BEWARE! Gee, "Intrigue" sounds like she works for Virginia College! Maybe you should hear from someone less biased. I thought it was a terrible school, from the instructors to the shotty equipment in their labs. I was lied to and told that the school would be accredited by the time I graduated... NEVER HAPPENED! That school is only concerned with your money. Don't plan on staying in Birmingham if you need a job, b/c sub-par schools like Virginia College keep saturating the market with unprepared techs (I went out of state for employment). There are plenty of other (better) options.Don't waste your time with CCI. The lab accreditation laws and insurance reimbursement policies keep changing and only RDMS will be recognized. I just wanted to let you hear from someone that was completely burned/disgusted with that school!!! Good luck!

I work with two girls at our local hospital who went to Virginia College for sonography and they said it was a great program.