What Is It Known For?
Dr. Edward B. Diethrich founded the Arizona Heart Foundation in Phoenix back in 1971. His goal was simple: fight heart disease by teaching people about it and raising public awareness. The foundation started out partnering with medical device companies to push cardiac care technology forward through research.
The organization shifted gears over time and moved into education. For more than four decades, they’ve trained sonographers across Arizona. Now they run programs at three locations: Phoenix, Tucson, and their Washington Satellite Campus. Their accelerated programs get you through in just one year.
Class sizes stay small, averaging between 18 and 22 students. The school keeps enrollment numbers private, but those intimate class sizes suggest they focus on quality over quantity.
Degrees & Certifications
The school offers three programs that run between 6 and 12 months:
- Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound Program
- DMS & Vascular Ultrasound Program
- Pediatric Ultrasound
Class Schedules
You’ll need to dedicate more than 35 hours each week to your studies. Your total program adds up to 1,678 hours, with 800 of those being hands-on clinical work. Right from week one, you’ll start scanning actual patients. Clinical days run 8 to 10 hours long. Your start time depends on which facility you get assigned to. If regular daytime hours won’t work for you, there’s a Cardiac Night Program available. Unfortunately, online classes aren’t part of their setup.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Arizona Heart Foundation School of Ultrasound is institutionally accredited by ABHES.
Acceptance Rate
While no specific acceptance rate is mentioned, getting in is competitive. The school limits each cohort to a maximum of ten students.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Your program cost depends on which track you pick:
- Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound Program: $34,900
- Vascular Ultrasound Program: $34,900
- Pediatric Echocardiography Program: $19,900
Unfortunately, the Arizona Heart Foundation School of Ultrasound does not have a net price calculator, so you’ll need to contact them directly about financial aid options.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound Program
- DMS & Vascular Ultrasound Program
- Pediatric Ultrasound Program
Campus Locations
Phoenix 1313 E Osborn Road Suite 225 Phoenix, AZ 85014
Tucson 310 S. Williams Blvd. Suite 250 Tucson, AZ 85711
Reviews
Based on Google reviews provided, the Arizona Heart Foundation School of Cardiac & Vascular Ultrasound has a polarized reputation. Recent reviews from students are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a strong educational experience and supportive staff. However, a cluster of older reviews points to significant issues with administration, communication, and a lack of support after enrollment.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Instructors and Staff: Many recent reviews consistently praise the teaching staff. Instructors are described as having a positive attitude, using easy and fun teaching methods, and being patient and helpful. A specific instructor is mentioned by name multiple times for their effectiveness. The overall staff, including administration, is also called “professional and amazing.”
Strong Educational Experience: Students feel that the program, while challenging, provides them with a great education. They are grateful for the knowledge gained and feel prepared for their careers. The curriculum is noted for being well-taught, ensuring students are on the same page.
High Job Placement and Externship Support: The school’s own website states it has a 90% placement rate, and some recent reviews from students on externships mention a positive experience. The program is designed to get students scanning on their first day and includes a significant hands-on clinical rotation component.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Communication Issues: A significant criticism, primarily from older reviews, is that the school is disorganized and that the application process is “all over the place.” One reviewer received a “rude and rather demeaning” response after submitting an inquiry. There are also reports of a lack of communication from staff, including unreturned phone calls and unaccredited online information.
Externship and Post-Graduation Support: A major negative review from two years ago claims the school fails to provide promised externship sites and that the institution only cares about money, not the students. This reviewer also alleges that the school doesn’t help with job placement once a student graduates, directly contradicting the school’s stated mission.
Accreditation Concerns: While the school states it is accredited by ABHES, an older Reddit conversation raises questions from prospective students who prefer the more widely recognized CAAHEP accreditation for sonography programs. The reviews and external sources suggest that the type of accreditation may impact a graduate’s ability to get hired outside of Arizona.
Momentum
The reviews show a distinct shift. The vast majority of recent reviews (from the last four months) are overwhelmingly positive and focus on the quality of the instructors and the educational program. In contrast, the most severe criticisms, particularly regarding administration and post-graduation support, are found in reviews that are a year or two older. While this could signal a recent improvement, it also highlights that the most significant problems were concentrated in the past. The school owner’s engagement is limited to a single brief response on a negative review.