Programs And Courses

Cardiac Sonographer

Learn more about our Cardiac Sonographer Associate in Science Degree program.

Complete the clinical application for Fall 2021 online using SurveyMonkey sill be here spring 2021.

CVT letter to students (May 2020) (pdf)

What does a cardiac sonographer do? 

Cardiac sonographers  have various duties. They: 

  • operate ultrasound equipment to create diagnostic images proving normal versus abnormal cardiac pathology.    
  • develop differential diagnoses based on patient history and examination findings. 
  • are proficient in various ultrasound modalities, including M-mode, 2-Dimensional, Spectral Doppler, Color flow Doppler imaging, 3D imaging, strain and strain rate images. 

Check out our new CVT video
View more information about the career (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography - SDMS) 

 

Where do cardiac sonographers work? 

Cardiac sonographers work: 

  • In hospitals 
  • In outpatient diagnostic centers  

 

How much does the program cost? 

Download Estimated Expenses (pdf) for a list of estimated expenses.

 

What degree will I earn? Will I be eligible for credentials?

Upon successful completion you:  

  • will earn a Cardiovascular Technology – Cardiac Sonography Associate in Science Degree 
  • are eligible to sit for these exams:
    • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) 
    • Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
       

What are the required courses and what is the suggested schedule? How long does the program take to complete? Where are the clinical classes held? 

  • Download a list of Required Courses. The list of required courses includes a sample schedule (pdf)
  • HACC holds CVT classes at the Lancaster campus. Prerequisite courses are offered at other campuses and sites.
  • We prepare students during the first two semesters on campus to enter a clinical assignment with the ability to perform a complete echocardiogram: 
    • image acquisition, measuring appropriate images (2D, M-Mode and Doppler) 
    • completion of the technologist impression/preliminary report for the physician based on images acquired during the examination.  
  • Students should be prepared to attend clinical 32-40 hours each week during the assigned clinical rotation from January through August (the final two semesters of the clinical program). 
  • HACC assigns clinical rotations within 90 miles of the Lancaster campus. Several hospitals in the Lancaster, York, Harrisburg and Philadelphia areas are affiliated with the program.  
  • You need your own transportation to attend clinical and field trips.

 

What are the program clinical admission criteria and how do I apply for clinical?

  • Admission to HACC does not guarantee admission to the clinical component of the program.  Work closely with your advisor to prepare to apply to the clinical/core component.  
  • Download the Admission Criteria and Essential Qualifications (pdf). 
  • Meet with a health career advisor. 
  • Attend a mandatory information session. If you are applying for CVT clinicals in 2021 you MUST attend one of these sessions.Future students as well as current students are welcome to attend.

    Topics covered at all sessions will be: Rigors of the program; Point system;Program start date

    • RSVP to Tami Burkholder (717-358-2837) tlburkho@hacc.edu with your name, HACCID (if you have one), phone number & email (Please use your HAWKMAIL address if you are a current student) and indicate which program (invasive or sonography) you plan to apply to.

      • Wednesday, March 24 from 10-11am

      • Wednesday, March 31 from 6-7pm

  • Complete the clinical application for Fall 2021 online using SurveyMonkey sill be here spring 2021.

Is the program accredited?  

The CVT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
   

Can I advance my education in this field? 

  • This program leads directly to an occupation. 
  • Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in a health related field in order to transition into a management, education or industry position:
    • Franklin University offers a BS in Allied Healthcare Management
    • Shippensburg University offers a BS in Healthcare Administration  
    • Immaculata University offers an accelerated BA in Health Care Management. They offer classes in accelerated format at HACC's Lancaster Campus


What are the program goals?

Program goals are to prepare students to:  

  • be competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists 
  • demonstrate competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains for adult echocardiography 

What is the most current (2016-2018) program effectiveness data?  

Graduation Year

ARDMS Exam Pass Rate

Job Placement Rate

 

Program Completion Rate

 

SPI (Physics & Instrumentation)

ARDMS Exam

RDCS

CCI Exam RCS

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

100%

100%

100%

81%

84%

2018

100%

100%

100%

100%

83%

2017

100%

100%

100%

77%

90%

2016

85%

67%

100%

75%

72%

2015

87%

100%

100%

100

66%

5 Year Average
(2015-2019)

94%

93%

100%

84%

80%


How can I get more information?

Who can I contact for more information?

Please contact an Admissions Counselor, by phone at 800-ABC-HACC, or by email at start@hacc.edu


Cardiac Sonography Program Office

HACC Lancaster Campus
East Building, Room 207
1641 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-358-2837

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