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Cardiac Sonographer

Cardiac Sonographer

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

COVID-19 Immunization Requirements of Clinical Facilities

 

Apply for Clinicals

  • 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. 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 3, 2024 via Zoom, 5-6 p.m.
  • April 8, 2024 in person in Lancaster Campus - East 2138-9 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, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. You may apply to one program (not both) - Invasive or Cardiac Sonography.


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 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. 


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 (2020-22) program effectiveness data?  

Graduation Year

ARDMS Exam Pass Rate

Job Placement Rate

Program Completion Rate

 

ARDMS Exam RDCS

CCI Exam RCS

   

2022

100%

100%

84.62%

72.22%

2021

100%

100%

90.91%

84.62%

2020

No cohort

     

3 Year Average
(2020-2022)

100%

100%

87.5%

77.42%

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