Exploring Healthcare Programs at Smith Chason College

Smith Chason College offers a variety of healthcare programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the medical field. Formerly West Coast Ultrasound Institute (WCUI), Smith Chason College has evolved into a new, but familiar, name. With over 25 years of experienced instructors mentoring the future sonographers, MRI technologists and radiologic technologists in our communities. Our School of Nursing is grounded in a foundation of determination and empathy. Our experienced instructors are educating the next generation of sonographers, MRI technologists, radiologic technicians, and registered nurses. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our classrooms and into every facet of your educational journey. We take pride in our accreditation - a testament to our unwavering dedication to the education and job success of our students and alumni.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs

Smith Chason College offers several programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), also known as ultrasound technology. These programs focus on diagnostic imaging in various specialties. If you’ve ever had an ultrasound during a medical visit, you’ve already seen diagnostic imaging in action.

Advanced Skills in Ultrasound Technology

This degree program equips students with advanced skills in ultrasound technology, focusing on diagnostic imaging in specialties such as vascular, abdominal, gynecology and obstetrics, musculoskeletal, and superficial structures like thyroid and breast.

Foundational Skills in Sonography

This associate degree program provides foundational skills in sonography, preparing students to perform diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Students gain hands-on experience in imaging labs and clinical settings.

Cardiovascular Imaging Programs

These programs focus on imaging the heart and vascular system.

Cardiovascular Imaging

Students learn to perform cardiovascular imaging, focusing on the heart and vascular system. This specialized degree educates students in both pediatric and adult echocardiography, covering the full spectrum of heart imaging across age groups. Echocardiography (often called “echo”) is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the structure and function of the heart in real time.

Focus on Heart Health

In honor of Heart Health Month, you’re invited to an insightful free Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinar, “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy,” presented by Brad Mehl, MHA, ACS, RDCS, RVT, RDMS, RT(R), FASE.

MRI Technology Programs

Smith Chason College provides programs for students interested in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

MRI Machine Operation

Students gain expertise in operating MRI machines and capturing detailed internal images.

MRI Technologist Certificate Program

Designed for MRI technologists seeking to advance their expertise and achieve ARRT(MR) certification, this certificate program provides focused training in MRI technology. Applicants must be either non-registered MRI Technologists or ARRT-credentialed Technologists seeking formal education to qualify for the Advanced-Level ARRT MRI exam.

Radiologic Technology Program

Smith Chason College offers a program in radiologic technology. If you’ve been searching for “Radiologic Tech Schools” or “Radiologic Tech Schools Near Me,” you’re likely considering a rewarding career as a Radiologic Technologist. If you’re researching a career in medical imaging or even searching for “radiologic tech schools near me,” it’s important to understand what a radiologic technologist is, what they do, and how they fit into today’s healthcare system. For those interested in becoming a radiologic technologist (Rad Tech), one of the first questions is often about timing: how long will it take to complete the necessary education and practical experience?

Fundamentals of Radiologic Imaging

This associate degree program educates students in the fundamentals of radiologic imaging, including patient care, radiation safety, and advanced imaging procedures.

Nursing Program

This program offers a comprehensive education in nursing, blending classroom learning with clinical experience. Our School of Nursing is grounded in a foundation of determination and empathy.

Campus Locations and Facilities

Smith Chason College has multiple campuses with modern facilities.

Ontario Campus

Smith Chason College's Ontario campus offers a variety of healthcare programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the medical field. The Ontario campus moved into its new 36,000-sq-ft home just 2.9 miles from the previous location. Ample on-site parking is available for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. The new location also provides convenient access to public transportation, including Omnitrans bus routes along Vineyard Avenue.

Equipment at Ontario Campus

The Ontario campus provides students with a wide array of ultrasound equipment, including models like the GE Vivid E9, GE Logiq E9, Philips iE33, Samsung HS40, Acuson Sequoia 512, and Philips iU22. These machines, supported by UltraLinq, enhance students’ learning with real-time imaging capabilities.

Los Angeles Campus

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our Los Angeles campus, located in the Mid-Wilshire District. Spanning over 25,000 square feet, it hosts ultrasound labs and nursing simulation labs that mock hospital environments and imaging clinics, all complemented by nearby coffee shops and breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory! Purposefully designed across two floors, the new campus was built with students in mind. It features five ultrasound laboratories, two nursing skills labs, and a nursing simulation lab with three bays and a dedicated control room, all created to mirror real hospital and clinical settings.

San Marcos Campus

San Marcos, CA - August 14, 2025 - Smith Chason College proudly celebrated the expansion of its San Marcos campus with a vibrant Campus Kickoff event that brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community partners. Our San Marcos campus spans two floors, featuring high modern ceilings, expansive windows with views of the surrounding landscape, and occasional glimpses of the local NCTD Sprinter. The campus offers a total of 18,049 square feet-8,683 square feet on the first floor and an additional 9,366 square feet on the second floor. Recent expansions include new ultrasound labs, classrooms, and office spaces designed to accommodate our growing student body and support our dedicated employees. Students and employees also enjoy access to a student lounge, a faculty lounge, and an expanded Learning Resource Center with computer access to encourage collaboration and connection outside of class time. Just 34 miles north of Downtown San Diego and 5.6 miles from Old California Restaurant Row-North County’s largest international dining and entertainment hub-the campus is conveniently located near walkable amenities and major attractions.

Phoenix Campus

Immerse yourself in learning at our Phoenix campus, nestled within the Bioscience Healthcare District of Phoenix, AZ. It has facilities fit for students, faculty, and staff alike, with ultrasound labs that mock labs in hospitals and imaging clinics. Our campus offers an excellent learning environment at the heart of Phoenix's healthcare hub.

Simulation and Skill Labs

The campus offering Nursing programs has access to on-campus simulation and skill labs that provide a simulated hospital room that includes adult and child-size mannequins, human anatomy models, hospital beds, wheelchairs and other adaptive devices, EKG machines, CPR equipment, and more.

Externship Programs

Through our externship programs, we integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, empowering our students to thrive in their respective fields. Collaborating with hospitals and clinics nationwide, we offer hands-on learning opportunities under a mentor’s guidance.

Student Services and Support

Our leadership is committed to an open-door educational experience to keep you supported every step of your journey. Here's your one-stop page for all Student Services-related details and contact information!

Career Fairs and Employer Spotlights

You’re invited to the Smith Chason College Career Fair at our Ontario Campus on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. We are thrilled to have employers ready to conduct onsite interviews with our medical imaging and nursing alumni and students. Open positions include Diagnostic Medical Sonographers/Ultrasound Technicians, MRI Technologists, CNAs, and Patient Service Representatives. The Employer Spotlight series is designed to connect our upcoming graduates and alumni directly with hiring employers, provide insight into industry expectations, and open doors to potential career opportunities.

Distinctions in Medical Imaging Careers

When you’re training for a career in medical imaging, two acronyms you’ll hear a lot are ARRT and ARDMS. Medical imaging professionals - from radiologic technologists to diagnostic medical sonographers - have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings.

tags: #smith #chason #college #programs