Your training starts with the fundamentals and builds toward the precise skills cardiac sonographers rely on every day. From studying anatomy and physiology to practicing advanced imaging techniques, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare to support physicians in diagnosing and monitoring heart health.
Training takes place alongside experienced instructors, with a mix of lab simulations and clinical rotations that bring concepts to life.
Explore the course module below for a detailed look at the techniques, tools, and topics covered.
Choosing the right cardiac sonographer program is essential to success in the field. At CHCP, our cardiac sonographer training gives students the opportunity to hone their technical skills along with the essential soft skills needed in this patient-facing role. Students can participate in clinical practicums, during which they can build a foundation of hands-on, real-world experience.
In addition to learning cardiovascular principles, techniques for echocardiography, and anatomy, students also participate in courses focused on patient care, psychology, and professionalism in the workplace. Other professional skills this program emphasizes include those such as:
For more information on course modules, topic coverage, and clinical practicums, explore our comprehensive breakdown by semester below.
The students will identify and operate with absolute value equations and inequalities, will acquire graphing skills, inverse functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, polynomial and rational functions, piece-wise defined functions, theory of equations and matrices. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course provides students with instruction and practice in expository writing and emphasizes grammatical and mechanical accuracy and proper essay from. Emphasis is placed on clarity, logical organization, unity and coherence of central idea and supporting material. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course is an introduction to medical terminology and covers terminology associated with the structure of the body, the integumentary, muscular and skeletal systems, the lymphatic, immune, and cardiovascular systems, the urinary, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, the eyes and ears, the reproductive and endocrine systems, diagnostic and imaging procedures, and pharmacology. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
In this course, the student will gain a general understanding of physics. Topics that will be introduced in this course are related to mechanics, thermal physics, light and optics, to conclude with a review of modern physics. Prerequisite: MATH 1314
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Topics include structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Systems being studied in this class include the skeletal and muscular systems, integumentary system, nervous system, endocrine system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 32 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 80 | hr. |
| Credits | 4 |
This course is a detailed study of law and ethics and how the legal system affects the medical professional. Students will discuss current issues and concepts to help prepare for many common ethical issues related to the allied health field. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 30 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
This course will introduce the students to the foundation and origins of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound. The student will receive an orientation to sonography learning dynamics, testing, and educational curricula. The students will learn patient-sonographer interaction as well as work place behaviors including communication skills, problem solving, ethics, and professionalism. This course will also teach students goal setting, conflict management, building resumes, and interview techniques. Prerequisite: MATH 1314; HPRS 101; PHYS 100; APS 101; LES 100
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 15 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 45 | hr. |
| Credits | 2.5 |
This course will cover various cardiac related principles necessary to build a comprehensive understanding of the cardiovascular system. Detailed topics taught in this course include cardiovascular anatomy, cardiac physiology, basic embryology, and cardiac hemodynamics. Cardiac evaluation methods and types of diagnostic tests will also be covered. Prerequisite: MATH 1314; HPRS 101; PHYS 100; APS 101; LES 100
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 30 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
This course covers drug classification, indications, contraindications, mechanism of action, normal dosages, side effects, and patient considerations of drugs used in the treatment of cardiovascular related diseases. This course will also explain the use of emergency cardiac medications. Prerequisite: MATH 1314; HPRS 101; PHYS 100; APS 101; LES 100
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 30 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
This course will cover the pathological mechanisms, clinical manifestations and appropriate therapeutic measures of various diseases that affect the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular topics taught in this course include fluid and hemodynamic disorders, atherosclerosis, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, aneurysms, cardiomyopathies, congenital defects seen in adults, arterial diseases, and diseases of the veins. Prerequisite: MATH 1314; HPRS 101; PHYS 100; APS 101; LES 100
| Lecture | 45 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 45 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course will focus on identification and analysis of cardiac arrhythmias, identification of abnormal ECG changes characteristic of myocardial ischemia, injury, infarction, bundle branch blocks, chamber enlargement, hypertrophy, and electrolyte imbalances. Exercise stress testing will also be covered. Prerequisite: MATH 1314; HPRS 101; PHYS 100; APS 101; LES 100
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 30 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 60 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course covers the interrelationship between biology and human behavior. Included in the course are theories involved in sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, thought language, mental abilities, motivation and emotion, effect of stress, personality traits, social psychology, and psychological disorders and their treatments. Prerequisite: None
| Lecture | 48 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 48 | hr. |
| Credits | 3 |
This course covers fundamental theoretical principles and basic scan techniques of two-dimensional echocardiography, M-mode, and Doppler modalities. The normal sonographic appearance of standard two- dimensional transthoracic views, M-mode tracings, Doppler tracings, and routine measurements related to these modalities are the focus of this course. Sonographer responsibilities before and after examinations, patient positioning, and orientation to the ultrasound equipment will also be covered. Prerequisite: Semester II
| Lecture | 45 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 60 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 105 | hr. |
| Credits | 5 |
This course provides fundamental knowledge of theory based acoustic physics, ultrasound principles, and instrumentation. The students will learn how diagnostic ultrasound works and optimize image acquisition. Students will learn to recognize and compensate for acoustical artifacts. Understand acoustic energy and bio effects while applying the ALARA principle. Students will be able to apply basic concepts of acoustic physics including sound production and propagation, interaction of sound and matter, Doppler physics and principles, various Doppler methods, operator control options, methods of recording, as well as emerging technologies. This course will also teach students about patient privacy and confidentiality, professional conduct and ethics, as well as Quality control procedures. Prerequisite: Semester II
| Lecture | 90 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 15 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 105 | hr. |
| Credits | 6.5 |
This course covers the clinical presentation of various cardiac diseases. Clinical assessment and physiological changes associated with cardiac diseases will be taught. The application of two-dimensional echocardiography, M- mode, and Doppler modalities to identify and assess abnormal sonographic changes characteristic of cardiac diseases will be discussed. Cardiac diseases taught in this course include valvular stenosis, valvular regurgitation, endocarditis, ischemic cardiac disease, hypertensive and pulmonary heart disease, and diseases of the great vessels. Prerequisite: Semester III
| Lecture | 45 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 60 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 105 | hr. |
| Credits | 5 |
This course allows students to observe, participate, and train in those tasks required of a Cardiovascular Sonographer. The focus will be on the acclimation to the clinical environment and clinical site procedures in a supervised clinical setting. Hands-on clinical experience will be gained by performing basic limited studies on technically average patients per facility protocol. Students will complete competencies as directed by the clinical education plan. Prerequisite: Semester III
| Lecture | 0 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 240 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 240 | hr. |
| Credits | 5 |
This course is an introduction to non-invasive vascular technology. Students will learn the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the extra cranial vessels as well as the peripheral arterial and veins in the upper and lower extremities. Students will learn to perform duplex exams of the extra cranial vessels and the lower extremities. Prerequisite: Semester III
| Lecture | 45 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 45 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 90 | hr. |
| Credits | 4.5 |
This course is a continuation of Echocardiography I and covers the clinical presentation of various cardiac diseases.Clinical assessment, and physiological changes associated with cardiac diseases will be discussed. The application of two-dimensional echocardiography, M-mode, and Doppler modalities to identify and assess abnormal sonographic changes characteristic of cardiac diseases will be discussed. Cardiac diseases taught in this course include cardiomyopathies, pericardial diseases, prosthetic valves, cardiac masses and congenital heart disease in the adult. Prerequisite: Semester IV
| Lecture | 45 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 60 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 105 | hr. |
| Credits | 5 |
This course is a continuation of Echocardiography Clinical Practicum I. Students will continue to observe, participate and train in those tasks required of a Cardiovascular Sonographer. Students will continue to gain hands- on practical experience in a clinical setting and focus on scanning technically average patients, producing high quality images, practicing routine measurements, and learning to document relevant clinical information. Students will complete competencies as directed by the clinical education plan. Prerequisite: Semester IV
| Lecture | 0 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 360 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 360 | hr. |
| Credits | 8 |
This course prepares students for the Ultrasound Physics Registry Exam. Concepts and principles learned in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation will be reviewed. Prerequisite: DBS 290
| Lecture | 15 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 15 | hr. |
| Credits | 1 |
This course provides an overview of advanced echocardiographic modalities utilized in the field of echocardiography. Topics include Stress Echocardiography, Transesophageal Echocardiography, Contrast Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional Echocardiography, and Strain Rate Imaging. Prerequisite: Semester V
| Lecture | 15 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 30 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 45 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
This course is a continuation of Echocardiography Clinical Practicum II. Students will observe, participate and train in those tasks required of a Cardiovascular Sonographer. Students will focus on scanning patients in a timely manner, producing high quality images, acquiring accurate measurements, and documenting relevant clinical information. Students will complete competencies as directed by the clinical education plan. Prerequisite: Semester V
| Lecture | 0 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 360 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 360 | hr. |
| Credits | 8 |
This course prepares students for the Adult Echocardiography Registry Exam. Concepts and principles learned in the core echocardiography courses will be reviewed. Prerequisite: Semester V
| Lecture | 30 | hr. |
| Laboratory | 0 | hr. |
| Externship | 0 | hr. |
| Total Hours | 30 | hr. |
| Credits | 2 |
Training at CHCP’s Houston - Northwest campus means stepping into a structured, supportive environment that reflects the pace and professionalism of the field.
On campus, you’ll study cardiovascular principles, anatomy, pathology, electrocardiography, and echocardiographic techniques. Supervised labs provide the opportunity to practice in two-dimensional imaging, M-mode and Doppler modalities; vascular sonography; patient positioning; and image acquisition—building toward both technical expertise and professional skills.
Your lecture content, assignments, and theory modules are completed online, so you can work at your own pace between on-campus sessions. In-person time is dedicated to interactive labs, simulations, and focused technical training.
Across three Echocardiography Clinical Practicum courses, you’ll complete 960 clinical hours in hospitals, clinics, or outpatient facilities. Here, you’ll apply scanning techniques, perform standard studies, and interact with patients under the guidance of experienced sonographers.
Graduates are expected to sit for their Adult Echocardiography Registry Exam through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) within 90 days of program completion. A dedicated Echocardiography Registry Review course is built into the curriculum to reinforce key concepts and support exam readiness. It’s important to note that certification requirements are set by outside agencies and subject to change.
Your schedule shouldn’t be a barrier to your goals. With day and evening options, CHCP’s on-campus program is designed to meet you where you are—and help you move forward.
The Cardiac Sonography Program at CHCP is available to students at our Houston - Northwest Campus, located approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown. This convenient location places students in the heart of a thriving medical community, within easy distance of leading healthcare facilities such as the Texas Medical Center. Students experience clinical practicums and in-person lectures in addition to online learning during their time in the program.
Becoming a cardiac sonographer means developing the precision to capture clear images and the compassion to guide patients through the process. Here’s how CHCP’s on-campus AAS degree program blends knowledge, practice, and clinical experience to help you prepare.
Spanning 96 weeks, or approximately two years, the Cardiac Sonography AAS Degree Program is a comprehensive, six-semester journey totaling 2,120 clock hours and 85.5 semester credits. Training is divided into three key components:
This program is delivered in a blended format at CHCP’s Houston - Northwest Campus.
To apply for the program, you must:
Applicants complete the SLE, a short readiness assessment, as part of the admissions process. You’ll receive guidance from our admissions team on what to expect.
CHCP is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a nationally recognized accrediting agency focused exclusively on health education.
Qualified students may also access a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and federal assistance.
We know that planning for tuition is part of planning for your future. CHCP offers tools like the Net Price Calculator to give you an individualized cost estimate, along with detailed tuition breakdowns in our Catalog and Campus Addenda.
You’re ready to move forward, so let us help you get started. CHCP combines expert instruction, real-world practice, and personalized support to help you prepare for your career in cardiac sonography.
"I cannot say enough amazing things about this school and the instructors! I graduated from the Medical Assistant Program and let me just say, no matter who my instructor was, they took the time and effort to make sure we understood exactly what was being taught."
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