FAQ
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When I finish the program, will I be able to take the ARDMS Registry?
Yes, you will.
48 Semester Credits – One year work experience in the field of ultrasound then eligible to sit for ARDMS as we are considered a two year Allied Health program by the ARDMS. (ARDMS Prerequisite 1)
Associates Degree in any field – Eligible to take ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) Registry then eligible to sit for ARDMS (ARDMS Prerequisite 5), or One year work experience in the field of ultrasound then eligible to sit for ARDMS as we are considered a two year Allied Health program by the ARDMS. (ARDMS Prerequisite 1)
Associates Degree in Allied Health as determined by ARDMS. – Eligible immediately upon graduation. (ARDMS Prerequisite 1)
Bachelor’s Degree in any field – Eligible immediately upon graduation.
(ARDMS Prerequisite 3A)
The ARDMS Registry prerequisites are listed on the ARDMS website.
When I finish the program, will I be able to take the ARRT Registry?
With a two-year degree and upon completion of our program, you are eligible to sit for the ARRT Ultrasound Registry.
The degree doesn’t have to be in the radiologic sciences, and you can earn it before or after graduating from your radiological sciences educational program. You must receive the degree, however, before you take your ARRT examination.
You must complete an educational program in the same discipline as the credential you are pursuing. As part of the program, you must demonstrate competencies in didactic coursework and clinical procedures.
At the end of your program, your Program Director will let us know whether you’ve met the requirements. You’ll have three years after completing your program to establish eligibility and apply for ARRT certification and registration (known as the three-year rule).
What are the prerequisites?
If you are thinking about enrolling, here’s a list of what you’ll need to be accepted:
48 semester credits with required classes**
or
Graduate of a two year program in Allied Health as determined by the ARDMS
or
Associates Degree in any field of study with required classes**
or
A Bachelor’s Degree with required classes**
**Classes included in the above must be: Anatomy & Physiology with a lab, Biology with a lab and College Algebra. Courses must be at the college level. Any variation from above prerequisites must be approved by the Administrative Director.
What is the tuition?
Tuition for the twelve month program, Abdomen, OB/GYN, Vascular, Echocardiography, and Ultrasound Physics is $20,500.
How long is the program?
The program is a 12 month accelerated program covering four modalities of ultrasound. The ARDMS considers us a two-year Allied Health program due to the total clock hours completed within the year.
What are the hours of school?
The Florida Institute of Ultrasound, Inc. generally operates on a 42 hour per week cumulative time for didactic and clinical instruction. The classroom hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Friday. Clinical hours vary from site to site. Most clinical sites operate from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
What are the class start dates?
There is plenty of time to begin your training, we enroll new students every January, April, July, and October.
Is there job placement?
Although we do not offer specific job placement, we provide our students with employment leads. We also include in the curriculum classes on resumes, interview techniques and job websites. After graduation, we continue to inform graduates of employment leads that are received from prospective employers. We have a strong networking relationship with previous graduates that provides us with job opportunities throughout the Country.
Will I be able to find employment in the Pensacola and surrounding areas in the field of ultrasound?
Florida Institute of Ultrasound, Inc. has been in the Pensacola area for 44 years. While employment in the local Pensacola and surrounding area is possible, it is highly unlikely upon graduation from the program. Students should be aware that they may have to move out of the area to obtain employment as sonographers due to the lack of turn-over in the Pensacola and surrounding area.
Can I do only one part of the program?
No, at this point we do not offer any short term programs.
How many students are in a class?
The maximum class size is 20.
Can I do my clinical rotations back home at my own clinical site?
Yes. If you would like to attend clinicals out of the area, you are responsible for set?ting up a clinical site as long as the site will have daily scanning opportunities. The site you choose will need to forward a contract to our Clinical Coordinator, for review. The contract must be finalized one month before clinicals. Once the contract is finalized and the clinical site is approved by the Clinical Coordinator, you are approved to attend the alternate site of your choosing.
Have Additional Questions?
We’d love to answer any questions you may have about attending FIU.
