Career Studies Certificate Programsechocardiography

Echocardiography

Length: Three Semester Program

Purpose: To prepare selected students for entry into Echocardiography. Successful completion will qualify students for entry level positions in echocardiography. The goals of the echocardiographer are to evaluate the structural and hemodynamic relationships within the heart and to assess overall cardiac function by using cardiac ultrasound techniques. Please note: this program does not offer the 1,680 hours to take the Registry Credentialing for this discipline. Those desiring to take the ARDMS specialty examination for echocardiography must complete 1,680 hours working full time in an echocardiography laboratory.

Occupational Objectives: Employment opportunities or the well-trained echocardiographer are available in hospitals, physician offices, industry, medical clinics, and educational institutions.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the College, entry into the program requires that applicants must be graduates of an approved educational program in radiography, respiratory care, diagnostic medical sonography, and registered nursing programs. Each student must have passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, NBRC Entry-Level Certification Examination, American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, or the Licensure for Registered Nursing or be registry eligible in one of the listed health technology areas. Special exception may be given to licensed LPN's with prior echocardiography training and registered nuclear medicine technologists from an approved educational program.

Applicants who have not completed a program in Radiologic Technology must take RAD 198-Fundamentals of Radiology for Sonographers prior to entering the echocardiography program.

Applicants must have completed two units of college anatomy and physiology.

Entry into the program is based upon selected entry and completed applications must be in the Admissions office by January 15.

Applicants are required to submit an application to the echocardiography program. A minimum of two successful interviews with members of the health technology faculty is required. Echocardiography is a limited enrollment program due to availability of clinical facilities.

Echocardiography classes begin in the fall semester each year. Applications, transcripts, and allied health care certification status must be in the admissions office by the January 15 deadline.
Program Admission: Those students who have been admitted into the program must have reflected a 2.0 GPA in their academic and health care classes. Upon acceptance the applicants must have a health certificate completed and signed by a licensed physician. The physical examination must be completed after receiving notification of acceptance to the program and prior to beginning classes.

Program Requirements: Clinical and Behavioral Requirements: Upon admission, and during the course of the program, faculty will carefully observe and evaluate the students' progress and suitability for the profession. If, in the opinion of the faculty, a student does not exhibit professional behavior, the student will be asked to withdraw from the program.

Physical Requirements: This program requires extensive walking, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and lifting. Further, extensive use of sight, hearing, and speaking is required.

Academic Requirements: Each student must complete all areas of the echocardiography program in order to receive a certificate and be eligible for graduation. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the program. Students who receive a final grade lower than "C" in any of the DMS courses must obtain permission from the program director to continue the career study in echocardiography. Students receiving a failing grade in any course are not allowed to continue in any major. Students may apply for readmission for the term in which this course is taught the following year. Readmission will be based on space availability.

Financial Requirements: In addition to the usual college tuition and fees, the Echocardiography Program requires: purchase of all accessories, uniforms, liability insurance, film badges, books, CPR certification, physical examinations, and other program materials. The purchase of such items is the financial responsibility of the individual student.

Other Requirements: Selected learning experiences will be provided at cooperating hospitals or other approved echocardiography locations. Students must provide their own transportation to such facilities.

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Testing: Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors are required for entrance into some clinical agencies. Students with convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Clinical agencies may require drug testing prior to placement of students for clinical rotations. Students with positive drug test results may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Cost for criminal background checks and drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.

 
Course
Number		 Course Title Lecture
Hours		 Lab
Hours		 Course
Credits
  First Semester      
DMS 208 Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation I 3 0 3
DMS 298 Basic Ultrasound Skills I 3 0 3
DMS 224 Intro. to Echocardiography 3 0 3
DMS 290 Echo. Clinical Introduction 0 8 1
RTH 195 Basic EKG 2 0 2
TOTAL 11 8 12
Second Semester
DMS 209 Ultrasound Physics & Instrumentation II 3 0 3
DMS 290 Echo. Clinicals II 0 15 3
DMS 295 Echo. Pathology I 3 0 3
RTH 295 12-Lead EKG 3 0 3
TOTAL 9 15 12
Summer Session
DMS 290 Echo. Clinicals III 0 15 3

Total Minimum Credits for the Career Studies Certificate in Echocardiography 27