Sonography Schools in Washington State Recommendations?

I'm considering pursuing a career in sonography and I'm located in Washington State. Does anyone know of some good sonography programs in this area? I'm looking for schools that have strong reputations and provide good clinical experience. Besides reputation, how competitive is the admission process and what are the typical requirements? Any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful as I start this journey.

There are couple of schools in Washington State that are known for their sonography programs:

1. Bellevue College: Bellevue offers an Associate in Arts degree in Diagnostic Ultrasound. The program is 6 quarters long, does include clinical practicum, and is quite competitive. Typically, requirements include a minimum GPA (often around 2.5 or higher in prerequisite courses), and some healthcare experience. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which can be important for certain certification exams after graduation.

2. Seattle University: They offer a Bachelor's degree of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound and their program is well-regarded for providing both a solid academic framework and hands-on experience. The program is full-time for four consecutive quarters, including time for clinical rotations. In terms of competition, Seattle University does have strong selection criteria which includes a minimum GPA requirement as well as proven strength in human anatomy and physiology.

3. Tacoma Community College: Tacome Community College offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The program runs for 7 quarters and predominately takes place during daytime hours. The college prides itself in the rich clinical experiences that it offers to students. For admission, prior medical work experience and a strong knowledge in natural science fields can give you an edge.

Remember, admissions for these programs often consider overall GPA, prerequisite course grades, healthcare experience, and sometimes an entrance exam. Each program will have their specific criteria, so it's helpful to contact each institution individually and ask detailed questions. Be sure to plan ahead and prepare early for your applications - these programs can be quite competitive. Good luck in your sonographic journey!