Phillip EdwinLos Angeles offers a strong and well-structured landscape for ultrasound technician education, with a growing demand for skilled diagnostic medical sonographers across hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. The city is home to a variety of programs, from private career colleges with state-of-the-art facilities to affordable public community college options.
These programs prepare students for careers in general sonography, cardiovascular sonography, and other imaging specialties, with many offering clinical externships at affiliated hospitals and clinics . Whether you are seeking a fast-track certificate or a comprehensive associate degree, LA’s ultrasound schools provide practical, industry-aligned training.
Top 15 Ultrasound Technician Schools In Los Angeles
1. CBD College
Located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, CBD College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that can be completed in approximately 19 months. The program includes 120 contact hours and prepares students for entry-level positions in the field. Tuition and fees are approximately $60,285, with an additional $1,725 for books and supplies. The school has a strong graduation rate of 82% and is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
2. Smith Chason College (formerly WCUI School of Medical Imaging)
Smith Chason College, located at 3580 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles, offers an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography through its WCUI School of Medical Imaging . The program prepares students for ARDMS and ARRT(S) registry examinations and includes clinical externships at affiliated hospitals and clinics. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and offers three key imaging disciplines: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Sonography, and MRI.
3. Medical Institute Vocational School
Located at 5170 Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles, the Medical Institute Vocational School offers a certificate program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Ultrasound Technology that can be completed in under two years . The program prepares individuals to utilize medical ultrasound techniques for diagnosing conditions and diseases . The training includes instruction in patient history and care, sonographic data processing, and operation of sonography equipment .
4. East Los Angeles College
ELAC is a public community college offering a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that leads to an Associate in Science degree . The two-year program has the advantage of being part of the public community college system, offering more affordable tuition compared to private institutions . Students receive comprehensive training in general sonography, preparing them for entry-level positions in hospitals and clinics throughout the Los Angeles area.
5. ATI College-Whittier
Located in Los Angeles County, ATI College-Whittier offers a popular 2 to 4 Year Postsecondary Certificate concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Ultrasound Technician . In a recent year, the program awarded 29 degrees in this field, making it one of the most common concentrations at the institution. The college also offers a Cardiovascular Technologist concentration with 2 degrees awarded in the same period.
6. Cypress College
Located in the Los Angeles area, Cypress College offers a certificate program for Diagnostic Medical Sonography . Students entering the program must also hold an associate degree in a health field, making it suitable for those with prior healthcare experience seeking specialized training . The program prepares graduates for certification and entry-level positions in diagnostic imaging.
7. West Coast Ultrasound Institute (now Smith Chason College)
Formerly known as WCUI, this institution (now Smith Chason College) has been a well-regarded provider of ultrasound education in Los Angeles, with programs accredited by ABHES . Students can choose specializations like cardiac or general sonography through the Associate of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography . The school has a long history of preparing graduates for successful careers in the field.
8. UCLA Health – Diagnostic Medical Sonography Training
UCLA Health offers clinical training opportunities for sonography students through its world-class healthcare system. The UCLA Department of Radiology provides hands-on experience in various imaging modalities, including abdominal, obstetric, and vascular sonography. Students benefit from training in one of the top hospital systems in the nation.
9. Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences – Sonography Program
Kaiser Permanente offers a comprehensive sonography program that prepares students for careers in diagnostic medical imaging. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience at Kaiser Permanente facilities throughout Southern California. Students receive training in general, cardiac, and vascular sonography.
10. American Career College – Los Angeles
American Career College offers healthcare training programs in the Los Angeles area. The college provides allied health education with a focus on practical skills and career readiness. Students interested in ultrasound technology can explore the college’s diagnostic imaging offerings as part of its comprehensive healthcare curriculum.
11. Glendale Career College
Glendale Career College, located in the greater Los Angeles area, offers healthcare training programs including diagnostic medical sonography. The college provides hands-on instruction and clinical experience to prepare students for certification and employment. Students benefit from the college’s career-focused approach and industry connections.
12. Platt College – Los Angeles
Platt College offers healthcare programs in the Los Angeles area with a focus on career preparation. The college provides training in various allied health fields, including diagnostic imaging. Students can pursue certificates and associate degrees designed for entry-level healthcare positions.
13. Angeles College
Angeles College in Los Angeles offers healthcare and allied health programs designed to prepare students for careers in medical imaging and patient care. The institution provides practical, hands-on training with a focus on career readiness. Students can explore diagnostic medical sonography as part of the college’s healthcare offerings.
14. Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health
This public college offers allied health programs including diagnostic imaging training. As part of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, the college provides access to extensive clinical training opportunities. Students benefit from the college’s affiliation with the county’s healthcare network.
15. California Paramedical and Technical College
Located in the Los Angeles area, this institution offers healthcare training programs including diagnostic medical sonography. The college provides practical, career-focused education for students seeking entry-level positions in medical imaging. Students receive hands-on instruction and clinical experience to prepare for certification.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Program Type | Approx. Completion Time | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CBD College | Associate of Applied Science | 19 months | ABHES accredited, 82% graduation rate |
| 2 | Smith Chason College | Associate/Bachelor of Science | Varies | ACCSC accredited, ARDMS prep, 3 imaging specialties |
| 3 | Medical Institute Vocational School | Certificate (<2 years) | Under 2 years | Certificate program, Santa Monica Blvd location |
| 4 | East Los Angeles College | Associate in Science | 2 years | Public community college, affordable option |
| 5 | ATI College – Whittier | Postsecondary Certificate | 2–4 years | 29 graduates in a recent year, cardiovascular option |
| 6 | Cypress College | Certificate Program | Varies | Requires prior health associate degree |
| 7 | West Coast Ultrasound Institute | Associate of Science | Varies | Now Smith Chason College, ABHES accredited |
| 8 | UCLA Health | Clinical Training | Varies | World-class hospital system, hands-on experience |
| 9 | Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Clinical rotations at Kaiser facilities |
| 10 | American Career College | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Career-focused healthcare training |
| 11 | Glendale Career College | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Greater LA area location |
| 12 | Platt College – Los Angeles | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Allied health career preparation |
| 13 | Angeles College | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Hands-on healthcare training |
| 14 | LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Public college, county health system affiliation |
| 15 | California Paramedical and Technical College | Certificate/Associate | Varies | Career-focused medical imaging training |
Success Tips for Application
Start by researching each school’s accreditation, as programs accredited by ABHES or ACCSC are essential for eligibility for ARDMS certification and financial aid.
Verify that the program includes a clinical externship component, as hands-on experience is a critical requirement for certification and employment.
Consider the cost differences between public and private institutions, as East Los Angeles College offers a more affordable community college option compared to private career colleges like CBD College.
For students with prior healthcare experience, programs like Cypress College’s certificate option may be particularly suitable.
Visit campuses and speak with admissions representatives about program details, clinical placement opportunities, and job placement rates before making your decision.
Closing
Los Angeles offers a solid and diverse selection of ultrasound technician programs, from established career colleges like CBD College and Smith Chason College to accessible public community college options. Each program provides practical training in diagnostic medical sonography, preparing graduates for certification and entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers across the region. When choosing a program, prioritize proper accreditation, clinical training opportunities, and alignment with your career goals and budget.
By thoroughly researching each option, prospective students can find an ultrasound technician school in Los Angeles that fits their needs and sets them on a rewarding career path in this growing healthcare field. Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.