Cardiac Sonography Degree Program - Associate of Applied Science
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Cardiac Sonography Degree Program - Associate of Applied Science

Classes Start September 30th

Our Cardiac Sonography Program in Texas is designed to teach you how to use sonography to help doctors accurately diagnose and treat cardiac patients.

Interested in an allied health career that empowers you to help others? Becoming a cardiac sonographer can be an exciting, rewarding journey towards your goal. Cardiac sonographers, also referred to as echocardiologists, cardiac ultrasound technicians, or heart sonographers, are medical professionals trained to use hand-held devices that produce and record images of the heart's chambers, valves, and movements. These devices, called transducers, use sound waves that move through a patient's chest to create multidimensional pictures and video imagery. The images are then given to a provider, who uses them to help assess patients.

The CHCP Cardiac Sonography AAS Degree Program leverages the convenience of hybrid learning to integrate classroom theory, laboratory training, and hands-on clinical experience into one comprehensive program. Throughout the two-year program, students will have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to prepare for the Cardiovascular Credentialing Exam and employment in the medical industry.

On-Campus Flexible Learning

Our Cardiac Sonography Degree is uniquely designed as a hybrid learning environment, which offers students a blend of in-depth understanding of echo technology and the opportunity to train in the technical capabilities necessary for a career as a cardiac sonographer. Available at our Houston Northwest campus, students enrolled in the Cardiac Sonography AAS Degree Program benefit from hands-on training and personal mentorship working closely with seasoned medical professionals.

 

Cardiac Sonography Programs in Texas | Our Locations

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.

Cardiac Sonography Programs in Houston

Houston - Northwest Campus

Cardiac Sonographer | Skills and Course Modules

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:

  • Proper echocardiogram procedure
  • Ability to obtain and record accurate patient histories
  • Capability of performing cardiac ultrasounds
  • Methods for assisting physicians in medical diagnosis
  • Understanding of oral and/or written summaries of technical findings
  • Compassionate and effective interaction skills with patients

For more information on course modules, topic coverage, and clinical practicums, explore our comprehensive breakdown by semester below.

SEMESTER ISEMESTER IISEMESTER IIISEMESTER IVSEMESTER VSEMESTER VI

College Algebra

MATH 1314

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

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

English Composition*

ENGL 101

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

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Medical Terminology*

HPRS 101

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

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

General Physics*

PHYS 100

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

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Anatomy & Physiology*

APS 101

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

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours80hr.
Credits4 

Law and Ethics in Allied Health*

LES 100

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

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits2 

Patient Care and Professionalism

DBS 201

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

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory15hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours45hr.
Credits2.5 

Cardiovascular Principles

CSG 200

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

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits2 

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

CSG 210

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

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits2 

Cardiovascular Pathology

CSG 220

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

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours45hr.
Credits3 

Electrocardiography

CSG 230

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

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory30hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours60hr.
Credits3 

Introduction to Psychology*

PSYT 101

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

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Introduction to Echocardiography

CSG 340

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

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours105hr.
Credits5 

Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation

DBS 290

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

Lecture90hr.
Laboratory15hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours105hr.
Credits6.5 

Echocardiography I

CSG 450

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

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours105hr.
Credits5 

Echocardiography Clinical Practicum I

CSGC 1

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

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship240hr.
Total Hours240hr.
Credits5 

Introduction to Vascular Sonography

DBS 560

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

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory45hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours90hr.
Credits4.5 

Echocardiography II

CSG 560

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

Lecture45hr.
Laboratory60hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours105hr.
Credits5 

Echocardiography Clinical Practicum II

CSGC 2

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

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory360hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours360hr.
Credits8 

Ultrasound Physics Prep

DBS 390

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

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours15hr.
Credits1 

Echocardiography III

CSG 670

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

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory30hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours45hr.
Credits0 

Echocardiography Clinical Practicum III

CSGC 3

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

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory360hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours360hr.
Credits8 

Echocardiography Registry Review

CSG 600

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

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits2 

Cardiac Sonographer Certification and Course Outcomes

The Cardiac Sonography Degree Program is created to help prepare students for professional certification, which most employers will expect when hiring diagnostic imaging technologists. Certification is available through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Credentialing International.

In order to receive credentials for this career, you’ll first need to graduate from the program and pass an exam. Since each credential is specialized, many technologists will receive at least one or more certifications. Employers also often require applicants to earn a basic life support certification.

Licensure is a final step for some echocardiologists to qualify for employment in some states. The requirements vary by state, so it’s important to contact your local state medical board to learn more. Those interested in an expanded sonography role may also consider pursuing a cardiovascular sonography program, designed to help prepare students for both the Adult Echocardiography Registry Exam and the Vascular Registry Exam.

 

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers LogoCardiovascular Credentialing International Logo

The Cardiac Sonographer Role

Cardiac sonographers and echocardiographers are in high demand, with an estimated growth rate of 10% by 2032, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics*. In May 2023, the median annual wage was $84,470 for diagnostic medical sonographers and $66,170 for cardivascular technologists and technicians. 

The day-to-day responsibilities of a cardiac sonographer can vary and may include tasks such as recording patients’ histories, sterilizing and preparing the exam room for the procedure, performing echocardiography tests, communicating with physicians, and keeping patients comfortable. Their work may also include assisting a doctor who inserts a probe down a patient's esophagus for related images. Trained and certified echocardiologists may assist in operating ultrasonography machinery, too. 

One of the most exciting aspects of cardiac sonography is the flexibility it offers. Whether you envision yourself in a bustling hospital, a specialized cardiac clinic, a community outpatient facility, or even an educational setting, you have the freedom to choose the environment that best suits your interests and lifestyle. Your schedule can be just as diverse, with options ranging from traditional 9-to-5 hours common in specialty clinics to longer 12-hour shifts as a cardiac sonographer in a hospital setting.

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How to Become a Cardiac Sonographer | Admission Criteria

If you’re passionate about healthcare, fascinated by new medical technology, and ready to make a difference – your next steps are simple. Fill out our application form with your program of interest and contact information to get started.To enroll in our Cardiac Sonography Program, you must first meet the following requirements:

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED and the ability to read and write in English
  • Complete the Scholastic Level Exam with at least a 21
  • Complete a background check. Students who have criminal backgrounds must complete the Declaratory Order of Eligibility (DOE) for licensure through the correct organizations and provide a copy of their letter of eligibility prior to enrollment.

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