Certificate of Completion - Program Map - 2024-2025
Health Sciences

Program Description

The Echocardiography (Adult) Certificate Program prepares individuals for a career in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform complex diagnostic ultrasound procedures using high-frequency sound waves in the category of the adult heart and great vessels. The Advanced Technical Certificate is a condensed version of the A.A.S. option available to students that already have credentials by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Successful completion of this program allows graduates to apply for the registry examination for certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification in the Adult Echocardiography and Sonography Principles & Instrumentation Examination (SPI). • Capstone experience: DSAE 1367, Practicum (or Field Experience)-Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician V. • Minimum grade required for specialized courses: C • The Certificate in Echocardiography (Adult) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), (9355-113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; www.caahep.org) upon recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) (1449 Hill St., Whitinsville, MA 001588). • Medical Advisor: Lookman Lawal, M.D. Important: This program requires students to fulfill Specialized Admissions criteria and procedures, including (but not limited to): minimum GPA, testing scores, a background check, substance abuse screening, and immunizations/titers. Acceptance into this program is determined by a competitive ranking formula which factors in individual academic performance, Specialized Admissions criteria, and the successful completion of ranking and/or mandatory courses, as applicable. Students should view the Program Information Guide on the program’s website and consult with a Health Career & Technical Education Counselor when considering applying to this program.

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Cardiac Sonographer • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer • Vascular Sonographer.

Potential Salary: $58,740 to $62,890/year in El Paso and $54,550 to $58,080/year in the State of Texas, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics www.bls.gov

Echocardiography (Adult)

Certificate of Completion

First Semester (Summer)

Credit Hours

DSAE

1203

Introduction to Echocardiography Techniques

2

HPRS

1206

Essentials of Medical Terminology

2

4

Second Semester

Credit Hours

DSAE

1264

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician I

2

DSAE

1315

Principles of Adult Echocardiography

3

DSAE

1340

Diagnostic Electrocardiography

3

8

Third Semester

Credit Hours

DMSO

1302

Basic Ultrasound Physics

3

DSAE

1265

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician II

2

DSAE

2303

Cardiovascular Concepts

3

8

Fourth Semester (Summer)

Credit Hours

DMSO

1242

Intermediate Ultrasound Physics

2

DSAE

1266

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician III

2

DSVT

1200

Principles of Vascular Technology

2

6

Fifth Semester

Credit Hours

DMSO

2351

Doppler Physics

3

DSAE

1267

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician IV

2

DSAE

2304

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Pathology I

3

8

Sixth Semester

Credit Hours

DSAE

1367

Practicum (or Field Experience)-Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician V

3

DSAE

2337

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Pathology II

3

6

Total Credit Hours

40



(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • Please visit your counselor/advisor at the end of each semester to discuss your next semester's courses.
  • Some courses in this degree plan may count towards the Echocardiography (Adult) Associate of Applied Science. Visit this degree plan to see which courses may be applicable.
  • DSAE 1266 requires 288 clinical contact hours.
  • DSAE 1264, DSAE 1265, and DSAE 1267 require 320 clinical contact hours.
  • DSAE 1367 requires 480 clinical contact hours.
  • If a student has an ARDMS (SPI) certification and has taken DMSO 1302, DMSO 1242, and/or DMSO 2351, they may see a counselor to petition for credit for each course taken or may retake the course again for self-improvement.
  • Graduates of the Echocardiography program may apply to take the National Registry Exam by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) Adult Echocardiography and the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation Examination (SPI).
  • Graduates may continue on to the AAS degree and then transfer to a university to complete a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health or a Bachelor of Applied Science. Some colleges may provide an alternative track for individuals who already have an AAS degree in Echocardiography (Adult) seeking a BS or a BAS in various majors. These programs typically have specialized admissions requirements which vary depending upon the college and program you select. DMSO and DSAE courses may not transfer, however, depending upon the program requirements. Please contact the specified counselor at your transfer institution for additional information.
  • For more information and to view the Specialized Admissions Program Information Guide visit the Echocardiography program webpage.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Echocardiography (Adult) Advanced Technical Certificate, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Adaptability: Students are able to flexibly and effectively adapt to changing environments and needs.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections
  • Technology: Students are well-versed in the technological programs and applications used in their field.
  • Time Management: Students work well under pressure to meet deadlines and can maximize their efficiency under time constraints.