2019 - 2020 Catalog
Program: Cardiac Sonography
Degree Plan: Adult Cardiac Sonography Advanced Technical Certificate

Note: This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcccd.edu/hb1508.

(Advanced Technical Certificate)

• Students pursuing this award program are required to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards and course prerequisites.
• Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by the college awarding the degree.

Degree Plan Code: ATC.CARDIAC.ADULT

The Adult Cardiac Sonography Certificate Option is for a student having earned at least a previous Associate Degree in a designated allied health field or a B.S. degree with a major in a science discipline with substantial patient care experience. Potential students will be considered on an individual basis to determine if they have an adequate background in anatomy and physiology, college algebra, pathophysiology, pharmacology and physics. A background in basic ECG is also required. Upon completion, a certificate will be awarded.

The Adult Cardiac Sonographer performs cardiovascular examinations to produce a picture of a heart and great vessels using high-frequency sound waves. These examinations are used to diagnose congenital heart disease, valvular disease, pericardial disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular disorders. Types of examinations include 2D and 3D Echo, M-mode and color flow Doppler, as well as Transesophageal and Stress Studies. The Adult Cardiac Sonographer may work in hospitals, clinics and physician's offices.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 US Highway 19 North; Suite 158; Clearwater, FL 33763; Phone: 727-210-2350; Fax: 727-210-2354 in cooperation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT); 1449 Hill Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588-1032, Phone: 978-456-5594; Fax: 727-210-2354.

Admission requirements include attendance at a Specialized Imaging program information session, satisfactory scores on designated sections of the HESI A² test, completion of program prerequisite courses with a cumulative grade point of 3.0 or higher, completion of all requirements for admissions as a full-time student to the college. Applicants are rank-ordered for admission based on a weighted point system utilizing the grade point average on prerequisite courses and scores on the interview and HESI A² test. Contact the Counseling Center at El Centro College for general course placement advisement and Health Occupations Admissions to receive an information packet.

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.