Frequently Asked Questions About AZ Heart Foundation School of Ultrasound

Ultrasound sonographers operate special imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Sonographers and technologists may work closely with physicians and surgeons before, during, and after procedures.^*

Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 14 – 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.^*
As the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions—such as blood clots and heart disease—will likely increase. Imaging technology is a tool used in making these diagnoses. Moreover, diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, and vascular technologists will continue to be needed in healthcare settings to provide an alternative to imaging techniques that involve radiation.

The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists was $67,080 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.^*

Yes, you can download the full catalog here.

You must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.

The Arizona Heart Foundation School of Ultrasound offers two ultrasound programs. Both of our ultrasound programs are 12-months long.

Both our Cardiac Ultrasound Program and Vascular Ultrasound Program start every January and July. The January Cardiac program includes the regular day program (7am – 2pm) OR an evening program (1pm – 7:30pm). Please see individual program pages for next start dates.

Our average class size is 20 – 22 students, with the except of the Cardiac Night Program which limits its class size to 10 – 12 students.

Classroom sessions and clinical rotations average 35-40 hours per week. Hours vary, but typically the Cardiac and Vascular day time programs run 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday-Friday, while the Cardiac Night Program runs 1:00 PM – 7:30 PM Monday – Friday.

When your clinical rotation begins, the schedule is built around 8 hour clinical days and start times can vary based on your assigned facility; however, almost all clinical rotations (including those for the Cardiac Night Program) happen between 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

We schedule 840 total clinical hours.

We are proud to offer clinical rotations at hospitals, acute care facilities and outpatient facilities throughout the Continental U.S.; however, given that we are located in Arizona, and that the majority of our students are from the greater Phoenix area, our main focus is on obtaining clinical sites in the greater Phoenix area and the state of Arizona. Sites can vary from year to year.

While we try to accommodate all Phoenix area students with a clinical site in the greater Phoenix area, there are only so many clinical sites available in the greater Phoenix area every six months; so, students must be prepared to go wherever they are assigned within the Continental U.S. to complete their clinical rotation.

We historically place over 90% of our students!

We work with all graduates to help them secure a job in the sonography field by posting job listings, networking and helping to construct resumes showcasing applicable skills.

We require passing the CCI registry exam in order to complete the program, which will give you a nationally recognized credential and you will not need more credentials.  The cost of the exam is included in your tuition, but if you do not pass the first time you will be financially responsible for any subsequent attempts.

Please follow the links to the two credentialing agencies for information on their policies: CCI, ARDMS.

Yes! We are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Yes, you can download the full catalog here.

You must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.

No, we do not accept credits from other programs. Regardless of your background you must complete the Ultrasound Program in its entirety.

Cardiac Program fee: $29,900. Plus, one-time registration fee of $250.
Vascular Program fee: $29,900. Plus, one-time registration fee of $250.
Program fee includes tuition, textbooks, equipment, supplies, and a one-time national certification exam fee.

If you are outside the Phoenix metro area, you may need to find housing for a few months. However, most clinical rotations can be done in your hometown.

Additional Expenses

• Passport-type photo
• Fingerprint clearance card
• Background check
• 12-panel drug screening
• Current BLS or ACLS card
• Proof of medical insurance
• Any additional testing or documentation that may be required by a clinical site

We do not offer Title IV, federally-funded aid. But we do offer competitive and customizable student loans through our financing partner, Meritize, including loan payment deferral while in school and up to 3 months post-graduation.

We also offer a $3,000 discount off the cost of the program if tuition is paid in-full before the start of the program.

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Currently, we do not qualify for federal financial aid. But we do offer competitive student loans through Meritize, who offers multiple payback plans as well as the ability to defer any payments up to 3 months after graduation. For more information please visit this link: Meritize

Yes! We are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

We make the application process easy by allowing you complete your application on-line.

Along with basic contact information including name, address, phone number, and email, you should have the following information available:

• High School Information:
  • Name & Location
  • Years Attended
  • Major (if appropriate)
  • Graduation Date
  • GPA
• High School Transcript
  you must have a copy of your transcript that you can include with your application.
• College Information
  (if appropriate):
  • Name & Location
  • Years Attended
  • Major (if appropriate)
  • Graduation Date
  • GPA
• College Transcript
  (if appropriate) – you must have a copy of your transcript that you can include with your application.
• Medical Training
  (if appropriate):
  • Name & Location
  • Years Attended
  • Major (if appropriate)
  • Graduation Date
  • GPA
• Ultrasound Training
  (if appropriate):
  • Name & Location
  • Years Attended
  • Major (if appropriate)
  • Graduation Date
  • GPA
• References
  At least 3 people not related to you who you have known for at least one year.
• Letters of Recommendation
  At least 2 letters of recommendation that can be submitted with your application.

The next step in the enrollment process after submitting your application is a one-on-one interview with the Program instructor. Our instructors review every application and, then, schedule their interviews accordingly.

However, this process does not typically begin until March for the program starting in July and not until September for the programs starting in January.

• If you are in a position to take anatomy/physiology, and/or medical terminology at your local community college it would certainly give you a head start.
• If you are not in a position to take the above mentioned classes, do your own independent internet study ahead of your start date.
• Try to set up times to shadow someone in the ultrasound field to make sure it is a good fit for you.
• If you cannot shadow someone in the field, contact us to schedule a time to observe a scan lab.