About WCUI
Who We Are
West Coast Ultrasound Institute (WCUI) is dedicated to the success of its students. We are a private postsecondary vocational institute. Our main campus is located in Beverly Hills, California. We have a satellite campus located in Ontario, California and a branch campus in Phoenix, Arizona.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute is unique in that it is owned and operated by Board Certified Radiologists, Cardiologists and Technologists that are currently employed in the medical field. Their expertise enables our students to be current in new technology, imaging protocols, and innovations.
Purpose and Philosophy Statement
West Coast Ultrasound Institute understands that the rewards of education are valuable and enduring. This understanding has focused us on allowing each student to reap the rewards of education and achieve his or her potential in the fast growing healthcare field.
Our motto is, “Knowledge Builds Careers,” and West Coast Ultrasound Institute has designed specialized programs for all qualified students to enhance their knowledge and develop their skills. Students successfully completing the program offered at WCUI can rely on a good foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge as they enter the medical field.
History
Dr. Neville Smith, M.D., a Board Certified Radiologist opened West Coast Ultrasound Institute in 1998 with Myra Chason, BS, BSN, RDMS, a well known instructor of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Together with the talents of many instructors well known in the community, they have pioneered the innovative teaching style of “edutaining.” This teaching style is a combination of education and entertainment, this allows the learning process to be more entertaining while still learning the complexities and technical skills necessary in today’s challenging medical careers.
Dr. Smith recognized the importance of a school that specialized in radiological imaging. In addition to the imaging programs he recognized the overwhelming need for a Nursing program. This lead to the development of an outstanding Nursing department with an experienced and innovative Director of Nursing; Karen Hall, RN, BSN, MSN, NP, a graduate from Vanderbilt University.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute is unique in that along with the school, it also operates a low cost ultrasound clinic onsite catering to patients without medical insurance. This clinic has over twenty-five referring medical agencies and primary care physicians. This allows students to participate in “real” patient care through the various training programs.
The learning experience at West Coast Ultrasound Institute includes both the didactic instruction as well as actual hands on clinical experience. Students use the latest ultrasound imaging equipment in our on-site clinical laboratories. Between the three school locations, there are over 50 multi-functional ultrasound machines exclusively for student use. All students are given a clinical externship at a hospital or imaging center upon the successful completion of their program. WCUI has over 70 clinical affiliations with hospitals and imaging centers.
Accreditation and Licensure
West Coast Ultrasound Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to provide educational services in the State of California. Currently, the BPPE is the Department of Consumer Affairs. WCUI is also licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to provide educational services in the state of Arizona. WCUI’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging AOS program is accredited by ARMRIT.
Following the completion of our imaging programs, qualified students will be prepared and eligible to take their respective registry and/or board examinations from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT), or the Board of Vocational Nursing.
Approvals
Department of Education:
Federal Government
Approved by the US Department of Education (DOE) to administer Title IV Federal Financial Aid to those students who qualify.
California State Approval:
Approved by the Bureau for Private-Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Arizona State Approval:
Approved by the Arizona State Board for Private Postseconday Education (AZPPSE)
Veterans Administration:
Approved to train eligible Veterans of the United States Military.
American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT):
Upon completion of the MRI program, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) – www.armrit.org National Certification examination.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
West Coast Ultrasound Institute does not deny admission or discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
West Coast Ultrasound Institute does not guarantee employment.
