There were various versions of previous ultrasounds, but sonography was first introduced for medical purposes in the 1950s by Dr. Ian Donald in Glasgow.[1] Since its first use, medical sonography has evolved in accuracy and efficiency while being integrated into care after commercial units became available in the 1960s. Ultrasound continues to evolve as a vital tool in the modern medical office. Why does ultrasound play such a significant role in medicine? Since its start after the 2nd World War[2], ultrasounds changed the world of diagnostics and its related treatment. Medical professionals have been able to use ultrasound images to observe the body as never before. Sonography has been particularly powerful in diagnosis serious illness with speed. An added benefit of sonography is that it can be utilized for scanning several areas of the body. You can specialize in echo/cardiac, pediatric, obstetrics/gynecology, vascular, and more! Think of all the benefits of being able to view the entirety of the inside of the body. Are you ready to change lives? Consider a career in sonography! [1] The Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy program is starting soon! With options in the morning and evening, the time to jump start your career is now! [2] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/a-brief-history-of-the-sonogram-180978732/ Visit SUI’s Program Page to learn more about SUI’s healthcare training programs and the Admissions page to learn more about getting started.
General or Cardiac: Two Sonography Programs at SUI
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute (SUI) prides itself on preparing its students for careers in allied health. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is the school’s oldest program, educating sonography students since 2001. In 2022, SUI also introduced the Cardiac Sonography program, the only cardiac sonography program in the greater Sacramento area. So, what’s the difference between the two programs? While BOTH programs will provide instruction on Anatomy and Physiology, Physics and Instrumentation, and Foundations of Sonography, the physiological focus will depend on the program. The Cardiac Sonography program’s preliminary classes will focus on understanding the heart in-depth, while the General program will provide a more whole-body approach. After students have a foundational understanding of ultrasound and the body, classes will provide hands-on training. General Sonography students will cover the Abdomen & Small Parts, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Vascular/Arterial. Cardiac Sonography students will scan the heart. Externships provide all students with real-world scanning experience focused on the student’s specialty focus. What program sounds best to you? Our advice: focus on what excites you the most and pursue it! Dr. Bashir Noori, Cardiac Program Director with SUI Cardiac Sonography Students Check out the Cardiac Sonography & General Diagnostic Medical Sonography program pages to learn more!
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute and StraighterLine Partner to Offer Students Affordable, Flexible Prerequisite Courses
Washington-Baltimore/Sacramento, CA (May 16, 2022) — StraighterLine, the leading provider of affordable online college courses, is proud to partner with the Sacramento Ultrasound Institute (SUI) to provide students an affordable way to earn credit for general education courses on their path to a career in the medical field. Students can choose from 25 StraighterLine courses in subjects such as business, English, mathematics, psychology, communications, medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology to help them meet admission requirements. “We are excited to partner with StraighterLine to offer our students a more affordable and flexible path to achieve their goals of becoming an MRI technologist, a general or cardiac sonographer,” said Samuel Yarmagyan, Chief Operating Officer of SUI. “Our partnership allows students to complete their prerequisites online to focus on learning their discipline and becoming proficient in their field at SUI.” SUI specializes in providing General and Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography, MRI Technology, Medical Assisting, and Phlebotomy Technician training. Unlike generalist schools, SUI’s focus is on specific areas of healthcare, allowing the student to gain a deeper understanding of their discipline and develop expertise. Jobs in the medical field are rapidly growing, and that growth is not limited to physicians and nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow by 18% between 2020 and 2030. Likewise, the job outlook is expected to grow 9% for MRI technologists and 14% for medical sonographers between 2020 and 2030. There is no better time than now to enter the medical field. “At StraighterLine, we want to help students succeed on their path to the career of their choice,” said Heather Combs, CEO of StraighterLine. “We are thrilled to partner with SUI to provide valuable courses that help students pursuing a career in the medical field the ability to take the classes they need on their own schedule and save money in the process.” Built and managed by educators, StraighterLine Connect offers institutions a flexible, affordable way for students to take general education courses that easily transfer via a credit articulation and referral partnership. With no upfront or ongoing costs, partnering with StraighterLine allows schools to allocate their resources where they are needed most. Pathways are specifically tailored to consist of only the course selections that meet the institution’s needs. Schools can choose from 60+ American Council on Education (ACE) Credit recommended general education courses. In addition, students who take courses through StraighterLine Connect receive free eTextbooks, live student support, and 24/7 free on-demand tutoring and writing help online. “One of the greatest benefits of taking online courses through StraighterLine is our wraparound student support,” said Combs. “We provide students with all the resources, tutoring, tools, and flexibility they need to succeed.”
What Every Future Echocardiographer Should Know
Choosing to become an echocardiographer is a big commitment, so we are sharing some advice to help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right career for you! The heart is a fascinating organ, and its contribution is immense. A career in cardiac sonography can be extremely rewarding. Cardiac sonographers work closely with cardiologists, and they play a key role in the health care system. The results of the echocardiogram test will give cardiologists a look inside the patient’s heart, allowing them to be able to give a diagnosis and initiate an appropriate treatment plan. Individuals that are interested in meaningful, fast-paced, patient-centered work, also with decent pay, will enjoy a career in cardiac sonography. What is your advice for future echo techs? Students should master their knowledge in Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology and Ultrasound Physics; these contents are the foundation of cardiac sonography. All health care workers are expected to put the patient care in the center of their work. Protect your health and professional career by using good ergonomics. Cardiac Sonography programs will vary in structure and schedule. However, all programs should consist of didactic and lab training with an extensive externship to gain clinical experience, fulfill competency requirements, and learn the daily job responsibilities of an echocardiographer. Cardiac Sonography programs should prepare you to become a registered entry-level echocardiographer. Think that Cardiac Sonography is right for you? Continue your research about the field of Cardiac Sonography! You might also consider exploring both paid and volunteer opportunities to provide you with more insight about medical careers! Lastly, make sure that you are on the right educational path toward applying to echocardiography programs. Each Cardiac Sonography programs will have different admissions requirements. Learn more about SUI’s HERE. Register here to learn more about SUI’s Cardiac Sonography program or watch the recorded webinar here. For More Information: FAQ Program Prerequisite Info Financial Aid
SUI Cares Act Cash Grant
General Information Sacramento Ultrasound Institute has received funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The College signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The College has been authorized to receive $19,915.00 to provide direct emergency checks/direct deposit grants to college students whose lives and educations have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak. To date, the College has not distributed any grants to students. As of 5/8/20, the College is in still gathering student information to determine eligibility in accordance with Section 18004(a)(1) of the Cares Act prior to distributing Emergency Financial Aid Grants. The College estimates that approximately 50 students are eligible to receive these funds under Title IV, Section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus, is eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants provided for by the CARES Act. The College is collecting applications and using information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine the students with the greatest need. This data will guide us in prioritizing which students will receive the Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much each student will receive. Our goal is to maximize the distribution and efficiency of the funds provided under the CARES Act. Emergency grant amounts will be awarded to students with qualifying costs and prioritized based on need. A Committee has been established and they will review applications on an ongoing basis, until all funds are spent, in the order applications are received. The college will spend its share of the CARES Act funds in one calendar year. Eligibility Requirements Per the Department of Education’s guidance, students are eligible for CARES Act funds if they meet Federal Title IV requirements such as, but not limited to: Eligible as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen* Valid Social Security number Registration with Selective Service (if the student is male) Maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course of study, and Do not owe a refund on grants previously received or in default on any federal student loans Additionally, students must have been enrolled in at least one class prior to March 13, 2020. If you already filed a FAFSA and received Title IV aid, you may be eligible for CARES Act funds. * Generally, you are an eligible noncitizen if you are (1) a permanent U.S. resident with a Permanent Resident Card (I-551); (2) a conditional permanent resident with a Conditional Green Card (I-551C); (3) the holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: “Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Parolee” (I-94 confirms that you were paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant;” or (4) the holder of a valid certification or eligibility letter from the Department of Health and Human Services showing a designation of “Victim of human trafficking. Definition of a Qualifying Situation Sacramento Ultrasound Institute’s CARES Act funds for students will be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. This includes, but is not limited to, eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare expenses. Financial Aid General [email protected] Forms CARES Act Grant Application All students must complete SUI’s CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application in order to be considered to receive funds. Direct Deposit Form Students are able to receive the funds by direct deposit or by check. If you wish to receive grant by direct deposit, please complete the form Direct Deposit Form Complete FAFSA Only students who are eligible to participate in Federal Title IV programs may receive CARES Act funds. If you have not already filed a FAFSA and are receiving Title IV aid, complete one now. Q & A: CARES Act Student Relief Program Do I need to complete an application to be considered for CARES Act funds?Yes, you are required to complete SUI’s online CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application and you must have a 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at SUI. Why do I need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for CARES Act funds?Per the Department of Education’s guidance, only students who are eligible to participate in Federal Title IV programs may receive CARES Act funds. Therefore, if you already filed a FAFSA and are receiving Title IV aid, then you are eligible to apply for CARES Act funds. What are my options if I’m not eligible for Title IV aid through the FAFSA?If you are not eligible for Title IV aid as determined by completing a FAFSA, then you will not be considered for CARES Act funds. Is there a deadline to apply for CARES Act funds?Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis until all funds are spent, in the order applications are received. The Committee’s goal is to distribute these funds as widely as possible to assist many students. Therefore, award amounts may be limited. What expenses can I receive grant funds towards?You can request grant funds to help towards expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. This includes, but is not limited to, eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance as determined by the Financial Aid Office, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. Who reviews the CARES Act application?A Committee has been established and will consider applications on an ongoing basis until all funds are spent, in the order applications are received. How much emergency grant aid will I receive?The Committee will determine the amount based on the results of your online application. Emergency grant amounts will be awarded to
7 reasons medical assisting makes a great first step into healthcare
7 reasons medical assisting makes a great first step into healthcare Sacramento Ultrasound Institute – Published 12:00 p.m. PST May. 21, 2019 Did you know that physicians make up only about 7% of the total number of individuals working in health care? Dozens of other critical occupations make up the rest – from the licensed practical nurse (LPN) that assists with medication administration and diagnosis during an appointment, the surgical technologist that makes sure everything runs smoothly in the operating room and the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) who helps a patient return to their previous quality of living after an operation.At the center of many of these other health care occupations is medical assisting: it provides aspiring medical students with their first step into the exciting world of health care employment, equipping them with some of the core concepts and skill sets that will later transfer to medical careers higher up the ladder. And while you can start training as an LPN or OTA, medical assisting can be a better starting choice for several reasons. Medical assisting lets you see if the medical field is for you There really is no other career field like health care, with some of the best opportunities for fantastic pay, exciting work and the chance to help others. But maybe you find you just don’t excel in a hands-on medical setting. Medical assisting provides you with a lower-commitment opportunity to take the field out for a “test run” and see if it really is your calling before spending a significant amount of money or time on a more intensive medical career path. And many of your credits can be transferred to a more administrative path such as medical billing and coding. You can complete most MA programs in less than a year If you don’t have the patience or money for a bachelor’s degree, medical assisting might be the answer for you, as they are generally some of the shortest programs in health care to complete. For example, Sacramento Ultrasound Institute offers an accelerated Medical Assisting Program that is just nine months long, making it one of the most accessible ways to get started in health care. It gets you a strong starting wage The average wage for a medical assistant in the Sacramento Metro Area is over $17 an hour, or about $36,000 a year, making training as an MA one of the best investments of your time. Lots of stability In many fields, you have to worry every day if it might be the last one on the job, as turnover can be very high: This isn’t the case with medical assisting. There is a strong demand for medical professionals, and MA is no exception, with low turnover and low unemployment. All this means is you can count on your career as a medical assistant, not going anywhere. “The demand for qualified new graduates continues to grow,” said Patricia Bradshaw, program director of the Medical Assisting program at Sacramento Ultrasound Institute. “And we expect that to increase as the current workforce continues to age in the Sacramento Area.” You will be in demand Job opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow 29% by 2026. That’s over four times the national average for all occupations! Talk about being popular. This skyrocketing growth provides plenty of career opportunities, making it easier for you to find work almost anywhere that you go. You are prepared to branch out into many other paths As medical assisting covers some of the more core medical concepts, you will have a strong foundation for continuing your education and building on your previous credits in other fields. Maybe you want to go on to become a nurse or train for the operating room: starting off in medical assisting makes this much more accessible. A chance to make a difference in someone else’s life A professional, informed, and compassionate medical assistant can make a big difference to the overall experience a patient has during their time at the doctor’s office or hospital. You can be there for people during their more challenging moments, and that can be incredibly rewarding. It’s important to feel fulfilled in your work, and medical assisting provides that opportunity. Are you interested in taking the first step into the world of health care? The ?Medical Assisting program at Sacramento Ultrasound Institute provides students with the best tools to prepare for their career in the medical field. Interested in becoming a Medical Assistant? Get started today!
SUI Presents at the 14 th National ABHES Conference
Sacramento Ultrasound Institute (SUI) Presents at the 14 th National ABHES Conference: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) promotes educational excellence, best practices and best results SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Sacramento Ultrasound Institute (SUI) shares a “7-Step Process on Leadership and Motivation” with the leaders of ABHES-accredited Health Education Schools nationwide at the 14 th National ABHES Conference. The leadership and motivation session, developed and delivered by SUI Development Director/Motivational Speaker Anush Gagua, is designed specifically for the CEOs/Leadership of Educational Institutions. “This strength based leadership and motivational session shares the psychology beyond peak performance. It provides a practical 7-step process that the CEO’s can use to create sustainable success and motivation with their staff. It gives the participants the tools and the mindset they need to take their staff to the next level, as taught by the masters in the personal/professional development industry, such as Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, and more,” says Anush Gagua, SUI Development Director and Success Coach. More than hundred education leaders from different Allied Health Schools attended the leadership and motivation session, by SUI Development Director/Coach Anush Gagua, at the ABHES conference, held at beautiful Renaissance Indian Wells Resort and Spa. It was one of the highly attended sessions of the ABHES National conference, showcasing the important role of professional development and motivation in educational success. Sacramento Ultrasound Institute has experienced a major growth in the past year, including receiving ABHES accreditation, financial aid and most importantly many student success stories, by making the coaching and professional development a priority for its staff and students. The 14th National ABHES Conference on Allied Health took place from February 22-24, 2017 in Palm Springs, California. This event every year brings together the best of the best in postsecondary health care education. Each year’s conference promises an industry-current agenda that features dynamic keynote and special guest speakers from industry leaders, educators, and those in the know regarding issues facing health care education. An array of informative and timely breakout sessions aim to assure attendees gain a renewed dedication to health care education and most importantly, the students served. Sacramento Ultrasound Institute (SUI) is an accredited and reputable school in Sacramento for all who want to build a career in Diagnostic Medical Health in only 18 -24 months. SUI is accredited by ABHES, the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and is a member of CAPPS. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at SUI has been preparing general sonographers for the past 15 years now. The school also prepares MRI technicians and Echo-cardiographers. SUI is the only private postsecondary school in Sacramento that offers a Degree in MRI and Cardiovascular Sonography. The school provides Federal Financial Aid for ultrasound students and secures clinical sites for all students. SUI students upon completion are eligible and ready to take their ARDMS & ARRT exams. The school takes pride in helping students move to high-paying jobs. For more information about Sacramento Ultrasound Institute, please visit www.sui.edu.
MRI Technicians & What they do
It’s safe to say that you must have some interest in MRI technicians and what they do, now that you’re here. We will inform you of the basics of MRI techs, the technology they use, what it takes to become one, and their demand. Gaining insight on this information will help you to decide if MRI technology is a career path for you. All about MRI Technology MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a way for doctors to view and examine tissues within the body. MRI’s use a powerful, active magnetic field that creates images of body tissues. This helps doctors to determine and diagnose any problems. MRI’s have no need for the use of radiation. Radio frequency energy and the use of a magnetic field is enough to produce clear images. Although radiation is not used, MRI technology still has some minor, preventable hazards. It is the patient’s duty to inform the tech of any metal on or within the body. This is because of metal’s attraction to the magnets used in the machinery. You can find more detailed information on the use and benefits of MRI technology here at https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri Now, all about MRI technicians Now that we’ve gained insight on MRI technology, we can now talk about what MRI technicians do. MRI technicians have the main responsibility of preparing and ensuring their patients. Preparing patients includes informing them of the procedure and answering any further questions. Another important responsibility for technicians is recording and maintaining patient’s medical history. MRI technicians ensure patients’ well-being by scanning only necessary areas. Positioning patients correctly helps to get the most accurate images for proper diagnosis. MRI techs also need knowledge and proper training working with the machinery. This is achieved with training programs and furthering education beyond an associate’s degree. Many technicians often work in either healthcare facilities or hospitals. The work environment for technicians includes long hours and time on their feet. Yet, among the many tasks of an MRI tech, the patient is the most important as well as maintaining equipment. Is there a demand for MRI technicians? The demand for MRI technicians will increase by 10% from 2014 to 2024, which you can learn more about here. In May 2015, California had 2,650 employed as MRI technicians. California was the second state with the most MRI technicians employed. Demand for MRI technicians is growing and expected to continue to grow. For information on this visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm How can I get started? Subjects such as physics, biology or anatomy would be helpful for those still in high school. This will prepare those for college education towards becoming an MRI technician. Techs have at least an associate’s degree after college education. There are programs for furthering their education also. MRI technicians can receive a bachelor’s degree and graduate certificates if they choose. The variety of careers in the medical field can be overwhelming. MRI technicians have the main responsibility of the patient and the machinery. They strive through long hours and often work with others. MRI technology will be beneficial to your future if any of the information sounds up your alley. Be sure to check out our website for more information on how to enroll and more. See you soon!
Thinking of becoming an MRI Technician?
Here are some key components to look at that might help you to pursue the great career. MRI technicians are highly respected and valuable in the Medical Field. They help to provide doctors and nurses with vital information about patient’s health with immense accuracy. Without MRI Technicians, we could not be sure about specific diagnosis with patients as we are today. MRI Techs also make a good living. According to the National censuses, the average MRI Tech can make up to $35 an hour. This includes great benefits along with very flexible hours depending on your employer Becoming an MRI Tech is not as hard as it may seem! You can generally become an MRI Tech in 1-2 years. Another thing that is required is an Associate’s degree in Radiation Tech or other related subjects. Along with an MRI Tech Degree which can be acquired from various schools such as SUI. With some experience and volunteering hours, big companies such as Kaiser or Sutter will be more than willing to hire a fine trained professional. What are you waiting for? Star your training in making a career as an MRI tech today!
What you need to know about accreditation.
Accreditation is a designation that ensures you will receive a high-quality education as a student of that institution. Accreditation is determined after a college, university, or other institution of higher education goes through a rigorous review and assessment by a respected, independent accreditation organization. Accrediting bodies that are recognized by the US Department of Education are listed on the ed.gov website. An accreditation organization’s job is to examine the institution’s capacity to meet best practices as outlined in professional standards. A degree or diploma from an accredited institution like Sacramento Ultrasound Institute ensures that your diploma or degree will be respected and recognized for the true educational achievement it represents by current and future employers, colleagues, and peers. How You Benefit From an Accredited College or University College accreditation is certain to have significant short- and long-term consequences in your life, beginning with your first class and continuing throughout the trajectory of your chosen career, such as: Providing a High-Quality Educational Experience Attending an accredited SUI means that you will enjoy the expertise and guidance of high-caliber instructors, the comprehensive education that comes from a robust curriculum, and the ease of state-of-the-art technology that smoothly delivers online education. You can be confident that your chosen program has passed the intense scrutiny and high standards of an independent accreditation organization. To retain the distinguished status of accreditation, Sacramento Ultrasound Institute participates in a thorough months-long recertification process every 4 years with Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, an independent accreditation corporation founded in 1969. Increasing Your Chances of Getting a Job Accredited degrees are an important qualification employers seek in job candidates. Most employers routinely review job applicants’ educational credentials to make sure their education comes from a college, university, or program with accreditation. If you have a degree, diploma, or certificate from a school without accreditation, it could easily stop you from getting a promotion or a coveted position with another company. Paving the Way for State Licensing If your job requires state licensure—like nurses, teachers, social workers, certified public accountants, and other professionals—it is common for states to require that you have a degree from an accredited college or university. Improving Your Eligibility for Federal Loans and Grants If you are depending on financial aid from federal loans and grants to further your education, you need to enroll in a college or university that has accreditation. Otherwise, you could be denied the necessary financial support you require. In the United States, organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) review accreditation organizations to make sure they are using effective accrediting practices. Specifically, the ED must keep watch to make sure that all federal student financial aid funds are being used for worthwhile academic institutions and programs that are giving students the quality education they deserve. If a college or university is not accredited, that raises a red flag that can cause federal financial aid requests to be denied.