Frequently asked questions
Do you accept federal aid or financial assistance?
No, at this time we cannot accept either. However, we are able to offer a student loan through Sallie Mae. We also accept GI Bill and WIOA funding. For information on WIOA (Maryland residents only), contact the One-Stop Career Center in your county of residence or Baltimore City.
How do I apply for a Sallie Mae loan?
Online at www.salliemae.com under the “Smart Option Student Loan” option. UMBC Training Centers’ Sallie Mae school code is 00210598. For qualified students, Smart Option Student Loans are available from Sallie Mae Financial Corporation. These are not financial aid loans provided by the federal or state government but are private loans underwritten and approved by Sallie Mae based on the credit worthiness of the student and/or co-signer. Once approved by Sallie Mae, students may be certified by UMBC Training Centers for loan amounts up to twice the cost of tuition for courses and programs that are confirmed to run. A signed registration form must be received by the school before a loan is certified and disbursed.
When does the program start and how long does it last?
The program starts every July and concludes in September the following year for a total of 13.5 months.
What is the tuition for the program?
Currently, the tuition is $22,995.00 for the 2023-2024 school year.
What are the additional costs beyond tuition?
Students are responsible for the parking fees at area hospitals, uniforms, books, CPR, medical exam, background check, drug screen, immunization tracker, lunch, professional organization fees, and registry exam fees. A $300 Enrollment Fee is due upon acceptance. A $1,000 Lab Fee and $500 Technology Fee are due with the first tuition payment.
What are the hours of the program?
Expect class and clinical hours to begin at 8 am (unless otherwise stated.) The day concludes at 4:30 – 5:00 pm. Students are required to attend all classes/clinical rotations during these hours Monday-Friday.
Are there any evening or weekend classes?
No, at the present, all classes are daytime classes that are held weekdays.
What certification do I receive upon completion of the program?
The UMBC Sonography Program is a non-credit certificate program. A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon graduation from the program.
Can I enroll in more than one track?
Students may be accepted into only one track: Abdomen-Extended and OB/GYN (our “General” track), Adult Cardiac or Vascular. Upon graduation, there are job opportunities in any of the three tracks.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, the program has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduates of a CAAHEP-accredited program such as the UMBC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program qualify to take the registry exams and earn a credential in their chosen specialty.
What is the Holiday or vacation schedule for students?
The program is closed for 9 major holidays with breaks around certain holidays. An extended break is scheduled during the Winter session.
Can I continue to work while I am in the program?
We do not recommend students work while in the program due to the demands of the program. However, if you must work, please be conscious that your work hours do not interfere with class and study time.
What is the dress code for the program?
The dress code for class is casual: jeans, t-shirts, khakis, polo shirts, Bermuda shorts, etc. Mini-skirts, tank tops, halter tops, yoga pants/shorts and crop tops are not allowed, nor anything obscene or offensive. In the clinical sites, a scrubs uniform is required. A complete dress code is published in the Student Handbook.
Is there a required uniform for the UMBC program?
Yes. While at clinical site rotations, our program requires all students wear a uniform that identifies them as UMBC students. The student must appear neat and professional at all times.
Are applicants required to complete prerequisite courses at UMBC?
No, prerequisite courses may be completed at any accredited university or community college.
Can any of the prerequisites be waived?
Transcripts are evaluated by the admissions office for courses that may meet the prerequisites, but no prerequisites are waived. Only one CLEP examination will be accepted in lieu of a prerequisite.
Does the UMBC Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program issue 1098-T forms?
No, since we are not an eligible institution under IRS guidelines, we cannot issue 1098-T forms.
What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the program?
If UMBC-DMSP receives a notice of cancellation at least 10 business days prior to the start date of classes: full refund of tuition paid.
If UMBC-DMSP receives a notice of cancellation 9 business days prior to the start date of classes: 50% refund of tuition paid.
After the start of classes, no refund of tuition paid.
Fees paid are non-refundable.