WHAT OUR GRADUATES ARE SAYING

Lab Instructor at WCUILos Angeles, 2017Kiara Buckley

Kiara Buckley
I started my journey while three months pregnant because helping others couldn’t wait.“After my father passed away, I made the decision to honor his memory and use this as fuel to chase after a new life and further my experiences. Shortly thereafter, I became pregnant for the second time and went in for what I expected to be a routinely scheduled ultrasound. However, as I saw the images of my child and experienced the bliss of getting a glimpse of the hidden life growing inside of myself, it struck a motivational chord - that I too wanted to provide this special moment to others.

Having grown up in a household with parents who instilled in me the love of science and the value of serving others, WCUI and healthcare were already an integral part of my life. In the coming days, I Googled “ultrasound schools near me”. Although WCUI was the first search result, I still did my research on every other ultrasound school around me. This thorough research led me back to WCUI because of their programs, student reviews, and the WCUI staff. I started my journey while three months pregnant because helping others couldn’t wait. The next years flew by and following graduation, I worked in the field of ultrasound, gaining knowledge, discipline, and the respect of my peers while growing confidence in myself.

I am very proud of the work that I have put into becoming the person I am today. I am certain that you will be filled with the same sense of astonishment and accomplishment while embarking on your journey. Always remember to be a service to others and treat your patients with the same warmth, understanding, and patience you would demonstrate to your mom, dad, grandparents, and/or children because they deserve it – every time.”

Ultrasound Tech at Inland Empire MDI ServicesOntario 2019, ValedictorianSarah Ogden

Sarah Ogden
BS, RDMS, RVT I’ve graduated from the bachelors DMS program and I am now employed with one of my externship sites, providing a new edge in the musculoskeletal modality.“After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, but I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to pursue. I did know I wanted to get my bachelor’s degree in something that would get me closer to my life goals of being a radiologist. Through my research, I found WCUI to offer competitive classes and a Bachelor of Science degree program. After 3 years, I’ve graduated from the bachelors DMS program and I am now employed with one of my externship sites, providing a new edge in the musculoskeletal modality.”

Ultrasound Tech at Cedar SinaiLos Angeles, 2017Hayley Bruno

Hayley Bruno
ARRT(S), RVT, RDMS(AB)(OB/GYN)I wanted to be a different type of tech, one making an impact in people’s lives by being able to relate to patients on another level. This program gave me a life I have always wanted.“I graduated from WCUI in 2017 and was valedictorian of my class. This program was the best decision I have ever made. Six years ago, I lost my son at seven months pregnant. It was the most tragic thing I have ever experienced, but in a large way it was beautiful in many ways as well. It allowed me to see who my husband was as a person and how he was there for me in the most trying moment of our lives. It gave me a drive to do ultrasound because of the horrible experiences I faced during that time. I wanted to be a different type of tech, one making an impact in people’s lives by being able to relate to patients on another level. This program gave me a life I have always wanted. Currently, I am a registered vascular sonographer at Cedars Sinai Hospital. I currently have my ARRT licensing in sonography, as well as, ARDMS registered in Abdomen, OB/GYN and RVT. All of these things did not come easy. I worked hard in school to be the most knowledgeable I could be since we literally have people’s lives in our hands. These degrees were earned, not rewarded and I am proud of the things I have done to achieve my career.

You need to be dedicated and willing to put in the work. If you try hard and you remain compassionate, you will flourish in this field as a technologist. You will not regret this decision. I absolutely love my job! Just like the saying ‘if you enjoy what you do for work you don’t ever work a day in your life.’ “

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at Good Samaritan HospitalLos Angeles 2019, ValedictorianKaylie Martinez

Kaylie Martinez
RDMS, RVTWCUI has done so much for me, especially at a time when I was focused on paving a path to a better life.“My first interaction with ultrasound came during the start of my pregnancy. During this process, I became intrigued by the science that led to the images of my unborn child being displayed on the monitor. My ultrasound technician's ability to utilize technology for sound imaging made a lasting impression. With little to occupy my time while being immobile during the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I Googled "How do you become an ultrasound tech". Little did I know that this active search would leave a lasting change in my life.

The Google search result produced a number of different schools. After researching and contacting various options, I landed on WCUI. I knew right away it was the right place for me. Victoria provided all the information I was looking for. Most importantly, she made sure by staying with me every step of the way. My choice was further confirmed by the instructors and staff I met at WCUI. They were knowledgeable, genuine, and went above and beyond to be supportive of each student. They guided me through my externship process and continue to check in on me long after I've graduated.

WCUI has done so much for me, especially at a time when I was focused on paving a path to a better life. They have walked with me during this journey, and I am grateful for their support.”

Ultrasound Tech at Banner ImagingPhoenix, 2016Meggan Lilly

Meggan Lilly
ARRT(S), RVT, ARDMS(AB)It is just the career I was searching for and I am so glad I quit saying “I’m too old to go back to school”“Shortly after high school, I became a young mother and wife. While I was busy raising children, I let my “college years” slip by. As my children became older, I still thought about going back to school but believed the lie that I was too old. Still having the desire to have a career, at the age of 32 I did one of the most challenging but rewarding things I’ve ever done. I enrolled in the ultrasound program at WCUI. Along with the support of both my family and the instructors and staff at WCUI, I completed the program and graduated in 2016.

Right after school, I stayed diligent and focused on acquiring my registries and gaining all the experience I could. I worked as a pool/PRN tech at multiple hospitals and clinics. I soaked in all the knowledge I could and learned from every tech and doctor I met. My goal was to eventually find a full-time position at a facility that was a perfect fit for my family and me. I always trusted that there is a place for us all, and with hard work, dedication, patience, and faith I would soon find it. After 2 years, I am now employed full-time for a major hospital in Phoenix, AZ. It truly is the fit I was looking for and I can finally say - I love my job! I continue to work PRN for another hospital, having the opportunity to pick up extra hours when I’m available. Along with my sonography license in ARRT, I also have obtained RVT and abdominal ARDMS registries. I also still have goals of sitting for additional exams in the near future.

I am thankful to be a part of the sonographer community. Being a part of a team to aid and assist in a patient’s healing and diagnosis brings gratification and fufillment. It is just the career I was searching for and I am so glad I quit saying “I’m too old to go back to school”.”

Our Pride

Our alumni can be found in hospitals and clinics all over the country, making a difference in their chosen field. Their commitment to the healthcare industry is reflected in their continued research and education after graduation, their participation in nationwide medical conferences and networking events, and most importantly their dedication to each individual patient. Many WCUI alumni stay connected to WCUI leadership, participating in campus orientations and program advisory committee meetings to help us adapt our curriculum to the changing healthcare field, and share their stories with other like-minded students. We look forward to hearing and sharing their stories for years to come.

Are you a current WCUI Alumni? Did you know we have a growing list of resources to help you on your journey after graduation? From CME courses, job search assistance, alumni workshops, and more. We want to make sure you have the support you need to succeed in your career. Find our Alumni Resources down below.

Ready to hire a WCUI grad? Our graduates are waiting and ready to enter the field. If you are currently looking to fill positions at your hospital or clinic, please visit our Hire A Grad page and fill out the form. Our Career Services team will reach out to you with the best candidates that fit your employment needs.

Their Journey

Our diverse Alumni made the decision to pursue a profession that heals our communities. Some of those decisions came from experience within the ultrasound or MRI field with a family member or even as a patient. We share their stories to inspire others to discover the field of ultrasound and MRI and the impact you can have as medical imaging healthcare professional. And to inspire our students and grads to overcome challenges and find the pathway that fits their career goals.

Are you a WCUI Alumni interested in sharing your journey? Email alumni@wcui.edu

Alumni Statistics

Our sonography and MRI graduates are employed at popular hospitals and imaging clinics such as AZ Tech Radiology, Kaiser Permanente, Banner Health, Med Smart Inc, Simon Med, Pro Health Imaging Center, Echo Tech Imaging Center, and Sun Radiology.

Our alumni can be found in hospitals/clinics/physicians’ offices all across the country including: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Map of the United States of America

Average Employment Rate of Graduates

25%

50%

75%

100%

ACCSC Benchmark
70%
WCUI
73.3%
AAS DMS
Academic Associates Diagnostic Medical Sonography
ACCSC Benchmark
70%
WCUI
88%
AAS ECHO
Academic Associates Cardiovascular Sonography
ACCSC Benchmark
70%
WCUI
81.3%
AAS MRI
Academic Associates MRI
ACCSC Benchmark
70%
WCUI
90%
PED ECHO
Pediatric Cardiac Ultrasound and Congenital Heart Disease

WCUI’s Average Employment Rate of Graduates are sourced from WCUI’s 2019 ACCSC Annual Report (Graduation and Employment Rates). The 70% benchmark in the above graph is ACCSC’s established benchmark employment rate for all program lengths since 2016. ACCSC determines the benchmark employment rates based on the information collected from all ACCSC-approved schools in the Annual Report.

For more details about ACCSC, WCUI’s accreditor, and their benchmark employment rates visit: http://www.accsc.org/ UploadedDocuments/Commission%20Actions/2019/Institutional-Characteristics-2019.pdf

For WCUI’s full ACCSC Annual Report to view details about WCUI’s employment and graduation rates by campus and by program visit: www.wcui.edu/consumer-information

Alumni Resources

Our commitment to our students stays just as strong on Day 600 as Day 1. As a member of the WCUI family, the support doesn’t end after graduation. We encourage a professional relationship to help you continue to find new career advancement opportunities in your field, grow your education, and network with other medical professionals in the industry. Our evolving alumni resources are built based on your feedback and needs as you encounter the professional world, to help us answer the most important question: How can we help you succeed?

Subscribe to Our Alumni Newsletter
- Be the first to hear about all the upcoming events, news, CME courses, registry reviews, read the Quarterly Alumni Magazine, and more at WCUI!
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  - Read our previous Quarterly Alumni Magazine Editions like the one above HERE
  - Interested in sharing your story of how you entered your profession to inspire others? Email alumni@wcui.edu

Upcoming Alumni Events

CME – Continuing Medical Education courses
- Live Webinars: Quarterly Webinars by industry experts to enhance knowledge, acquire CME credits, and add to your resume.
- CME Library: Access to self-instructed CME courses (held on Canvas) with video lectures and eligible for CME credits. Request Access Here:
- See our blog page for current and past CME courses.

WCUI Alumni Association + Online Job Board
- A community for WCUI alumni to network with other alumni from all three campuses, and get the latest news on advancements in the field, CME opportunities, career opportunities specialized by program and by state, and WCUI. Available on Facebook Groups and LinkedIn Groups.

Alumni Workshops
- WCUI workshops are available to help you through your journey as a medical professional. From career development, Job Search 101, and professionalism courses, to managing your online personal brand, these workshops will help you elevate your professional career.

Don’t miss out on these great benefits!
- Get the events, invites, news, discounts, and more that matter the most to you. Subscribe to our Alumni Newsletter or connect with us via Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook so that we can provide you with the latest.