Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does all general education coursework have to be completed to be accepted?
    No, however all general education courses must be completed by the beginning of the program in June of 2021. The prospective student must show proof of enrollment in classes to be considered for acceptance.
  • What is the coursework required for the associate degree in imaging sciences?
    Please check back as we continue to develop the Cardiac Sonography Program.
  • Do you guarantee employment after graduation?
    There are opportunities available for new graduates but we cannot guarantee placement. The field of central sterile processing continues to grow at a higher than normal rate so job outlook is extremely promising.
  • What do you look for when evaluating candidates?
    We look for individuals who have a strong background in biological sciences and mathematics (and good grades). This will come from regionally-accredited college-level coursework. We also look for work experience with customer contact and service-oriented emphasis. Candidates should possess good interpersonal communication skills and a discernable interest in health care.

    Due to the limited number of spaces within the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program, we look for a candidate that is knowledgeable about the field and is confident that this is the career path they are truly passionate about.
  • How can I enhance my chances of being accepted?
    Given the tremendous interest in our program, we cannot guarantee that any candidate will be accepted. The program will stop short of prescribing a specific plan to any or all candidates. Each candidate is expected to evaluate his/her own strengths and weaknesses and to establish a plan that will address relevant weaknesses. Should a candidate not be accepted, we are always happy to discuss with a candidate our perceived strengths and weaknesses.  

    The ideal candidate will possess a healthy balance of characteristics and skills deemed desirable by the faculty. The ideal candidate:

     

    • Has a proven record of academic success, particularly in math and sciences
    • Has work experience with the public in the service sector
    • Is knowledgeable of the field of sonography, including the less-than-desirable aspects
    • Possesses a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and caring demeanor desirable of a health-care giver
    • Communicate well verbally and in writing
    • Is knowledgeable of his/her own strengths and weaknesses
  • With concerns to travel, is it worth it?
    The program faculty is sensitive to the inconveniences of traveling for classes and clinical assignments and makes every reasonable effort to minimize the travel expectations. However, traveling is a necessary and reasonable expectation given the learning opportunities that result. We are proud of the comprehensive education in medical imaging that we provide, which will greatly benefit our graduates as they seek employment opportunities.

    We believe that our program is one of the most cost-effective programs in this region that is able to offer a comprehensive approach to education in varying settings and access to state of the art technology to ultimately make our graduates highly marketable!
  • Can I get financial aid, scholarships or tuition assistance?
    The program does not participate in Title IV financial funding and therefore does not offer financial aid opportunities. Thus Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and other state and federal-sanctioned aid do not apply. As a result, the program does keep tuition and textbook expenses very reasonable.

    We encourage candidates to seek scholarship opportunities throughout their local communities and local civic organizations. We will be happy to work with any third-party payer who will guarantee tuition or textbook payment on behalf of an enrolled student.
  • Can I work full-time while attending this program?

    This is a very common and poignant question and an issue we cannot emphasize enough to be seriously considered by each individual applying to the program. Although we cannot dictate what a student does outside of the program, past experiences have demonstrated that it is extremely difficult to successfully meet the requirements of the program while working a full time schedule. Some factors to consider beyond an individuals personal stamina and abilities are:
    • Physical and mental demands of the job.
    • Flexibility of work schedule
    • weekend vs after program hours
    • ability to reduce/switch hours to accommodate program demands
    • Additional personal/family responsibilities
    • Study time requirements outside of program hours
    • Are you a quick learner or an individual that needs to spend a fair amount of time to master material
    Many students do work part-time while in the program. The program faculty, while sympathetic and understanding of the situation, cannot lower the performance expectations of a student. Ultimately it is for each individual to honestly evaluate their abilities, both physical and academic and determine if after the commitment to the program hours and the hours to the job that there is enough time left to eat, sleep, study, travel, and for family while still meeting the requirements of the program…for 16 weeks.
  • How difficult is it to be accepted into the program?
    The increased interest in sonography over the past few years has indeed resulted in an increased number of applicants applying for a limited number of positions in the program and has therefore made the application process more competitive. For any applicant to be considered for acceptance they will need to demonstrate a history of successful academic performance as well as a personality that is compatible with both the academic and healthcare environment. Our selection panel evaluates many factors when selecting candidates for the program and has found that there is no one “model” for the ideal student. There is no one factor or attribute that can guarantee acceptance into the program.
  • Do you allow students to attend part time?
    The central sterile processing program is a 16-week, fast track course. The course is designed not only to educate in the principles of central sterile processing but to also provide the student with the 400 hours of clinical experience necessary to take the national certification exam. To achieve this, the student must commit to daily attendance Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Considering the advanced nature of the course, the program is unable to accommodate applicants seeking any form of part-time education.
  • Is the Cardiac Sonography concentration part of the general/vascular program?
    No, the Cardiac Sonography program is a separate concentration within the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the St. Vincent College of Health Professions. There are separate applications for each concentration.