Accelerated ultrasound tech certificate programs in the San Diego area offer a faster route to entering the field of diagnostic medical sonography. While most traditional programs take about two years to complete, these accelerated options condense the curriculum into 14 months or less without compromising the depth of education and clinical training required.
These programs are designed for individuals looking to start their careers quickly while still gaining the necessary skills and certifications to succeed. Below, you’ll find detailed information about each accelerated program, including duration, costs, class schedules, locations, certifications offered, and contact information.
Browse Schools:
UC San Diego Health Diagnostic Sonography Certificate Program
This 14-month program combines accelerated coursework with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for entry-level sonography roles. Students attend in-person classes at UC San Diego Health and complete 32 hours per week in clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities. Didactic classes are held approximately 8 hours weekly and cover foundational topics like Abdominal Sonography, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Vascular Sonography in a structured sequence to align with clinical training.
The curriculum includes specialized courses in ultrasound physics, anatomy, and pathology, with additional training in neonatal head sonography, interventional radiology, and Doppler imaging techniques. Students are required to participate in intensive clinical rotations where they gain practical experience using state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment. Clinical rotations are tailored to enhance skills in patient care, scanning techniques, and diagnostic imaging.
Tuition is $15,000, with additional costs for textbooks (approximately $1,000), background checks, and liability insurance. Students must meet prerequisites such as a bachelor’s degree or a two-year Radiologic Technology Program completion, alongside coursework in subjects like Anatomy, Pathophysiology, and Medical Terminology. ARDMS certification exams are not included in the program fee.
This program is designed to meet the standards of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring students are prepared for certification in Abdominal and Obstetrics & Gynecology sonography upon graduation. The program’s accelerated format allows students to quickly develop the skills necessary for a career in diagnostic medical sonography.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $15,000 (additional ~$1,000 for textbooks, $100 for background check, $27 for liability insurance) |
| Program Duration | 14 months |
| Class Schedules | In-person classes (~8 hours weekly); clinical rotations (32 hours weekly) |
| Location | 200 W. Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| Phone | (619) 471-9406 |
What to Look For in an Accelerated Ultrasound Program
When researching fast-track or condensed ultrasound tech programs in the San Diego area, consider these factors:
Final Thoughts
Accelerated ultrasound programs can be ideal for career changers or highly motivated students looking to enter the healthcare field quickly. San Diego’s educational landscape offers a small but high-quality selection of these fast-track sonography programs, with UCSD’s program standing out for its rigor and reputation. Prospective students should weigh each program’s structure, costs, and certification alignment before applying.