Cardiac Sonographer

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

All students interested in this program must begin in the Allied Health AAS program.

Apply for Clinicals - next application cycle for 2025

• 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 Requirements (pdf).
• Meet with a health career advisor.
• Attend a mandatory information session. Students must RSVP to attend one mandatory meeting.  Students who do not attend a meeting in the year for which they are applying will not be considered for selection into the Cardiac Sonography or Invasive Cardiovascular Technology programs. The meeting day and time is listed below:
  • April 2, 2025 via Zoom 5-6 p.m.
  • April 7, 2025 in person in East 213 8-9 a.m.
• Please RSVP for your attendance to Tami Burkholder at 717-358-2837 or by sending an email from your HAWKMail to tlburkho@hacc.edu. Provide your name, HACCid, date of attendance and which CVT program (invasive or sonography) you plan to apply to.
• All students who wish to be considered for Cardiac Sonography or Invasive Cardiovascular Technology programs must complete the online application by May 1, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. You may apply to one program (not both) - Invasive or Cardiac Sonography.
  • The cardiac sonography application can be completed using the following link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HACC2/CardiacSonographyClinicalApplication

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.

Is the program accredited?  

The Cardiovascular Technology-Adult Echocardiography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).
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. 

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 (2021-23) program effectiveness data?  

How can I get more information?

• Download the FAQ (pdf)
• Download the CVT Student Handbook (pdf)

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