Cardiovascular Sonography, AS

Quick Links

A cardiovascular sonographer aids physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Using ultrasound and other technology, sonographers collect and evaluate images of the heart, the heart valves and related blood vessels.

Cardiovascular sonographers also evaluate, analyze and record information related to blood vessel anatomy and blood flow of the vessels.

Cardiovascular sonographers work closely with patients. People who choose this career find it rewarding because they are helping others while making a good living doing it.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), diagnostic medical sonographers (including cardiovasular sonographers, cardiovascular technologists/technicians and vascular technologists) will have a much-faster-than-average job growth rate of 17 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Salary ranges vary by state, experience level and type of healthcare facility. The BLS reported that the national median salary in May 2019 for diagnostic medical sonographers (including cardiovascular sonographers, cardiovascular technologists/technicians and vascular technologists) was about $75,920 annually.

Program Perks

This Associate of Science degree in sonography is a 21-month program.
Students are able to sit for adult echocardiography and vascular technology examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
In addition to student-focused instruction and laboratory learning experiences, students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical training at hospitals and clinics locally and throughout the United States.

Accreditation & Licensure

The Cardiovascular Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 9355 - 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775, (727) 210-2350. www.caahep.org

Graduates are able to sit for examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

Admissions Information

Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

Prerequisite courses must be completed
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
High school and/or college academic record
Fulfillment program technical standards
Resume
Job shadowing experience recommended - We understand hours are not readily available due to COVID-19. Shadowing/observation hours are not required for the 2023 application cycle
Technical Standards for performance

Requirements

To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

NMC undergraduate application
Sonography Written Statement
Résumé | Download our résumé scoring rubric (pdf)
Program / career awareness questionnaire
Official high school transcript
Official GED test scores, if applicable
Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Sonography Observation Timesheet (optional but highly recommended)

Deadlines

Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted from deadlines throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and students will be notified of their application status by letter or phone.

Starting Term - Fall 2023

Priority Deadline - 12/5/2022

Standard Deadline - 2/1/2023

Costs & Financial Aid

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

Cost Per Credit Hour

$598

NMC Scholarships

NMC Scholarships consist of funds generously provided by the Methodist Hospital Foundation to assist our students.

Student Grants or Loans

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

External Scholarships

Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

Calculate Your Net Price

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Curriculum

The program requires a minimum of 70 credit hours. All students are required to complete specific coursework. This list should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change.

The echocardiography portion of the curriculum focuses on imaging of the heart, looking at the chambers, valves, vessels and functionality of the heart. Students also focus on the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.

The vascular technology portion of the curriculum focuses on the anatomy of the circulatory system to help diagnose and treat conditions involving the venous and arterial systems, including the neck, arms, legs and abdomen.

Included within this list is the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum. All students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree at Nebraska Methodist College must complete this set of Arts and Sciences requirements. As an educated citizen, NMC graduates are competent practitioners and respond productively to the complex dynamics of the world, utilizing a diversity of disciplines and perspectives.

First year - First Semester

SCI 206

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY

DETAILS

This survey course begins with a major focus on cellular function and pathology, including inflammation, infection, immune response, metabolism, and fluid disequilibria. These concepts serve as the foundation for the course as alterations in various bodily functions are examined. Alterations in body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis; fluid acid/base balance; gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory, cardiac, endocrine and neurological functions are emphasized. The student will be introduced to pharmacological principles of commonly used classes of medications. The various drug classifications and general characteristics of drugs within a class are examined. These characteristics include the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, side effects, adverse effects and drug interactions of common drugs within each class.

Prerequisites: SCI 200

HPS 100

HEALTHCARE FUNDAMENTALS I

DETAILS

This course serves as an overview for all members of the health care delivery team. The focus is placed on the basic skills needed to perform quality patient care, relationships with other health care team members, patient safety and scope of practice for each profession, vital signs, HIPAA, infection control, invasive procedures and self-care.

CVS 110

VASCULAR ANATOMY & IMAGE OPTIMIZATION

DETAILS

This course explores basic anatomy and imaging techniques of the vascular system. Students begin performing carotid and lower extremity venous ultrasound examinations. This course incorporates lab sessions to perform basic imaging optimization skills by scanning and understanding the basic knobology of the ultrasound equipment. Correlation of theory to practice is measured through attendance, participation, quizzes, assignments, scanning assignments, and competency exams over the course of the semester.

CVS 111

CARDIAC ANATOMY & IMAGE OPTIMIZATION

DETAILS

This course is explores basic anatomy and imaging techniques of the cardiac system. Students learn different basic cardiac images and optimization skills to achieve the best quality image. This course incorporates lab sessions to start basic imaging, and learning basic knobology of the ultrasound equipment. Correlation of theory to practice is measured through attendance, participation, quizzes, assignments, scanning assignments, and competency exams over the course of the semester.

DMS 206

SONOGRAPHIC PHYSICS I

DETAILS

This course will introduce fundamental sonographic theory including terminology, equipment, basic transducer construction and function, introduction to Doppler, and adjusting system controls for image acquisition. This course will cover beginning concepts in sonographic physics including pulsed sound parameters, intensities, and interactions of sound with media, range equation, transducers, sound beams, and axial and lateral resolution.

DMS 140

APPLIED SECTIONAL ANATOMY

DETAILS

This course provides an introduction to the basics of cross-sectional anatomy of the head, neck, chest, abdomen andpelvic anatomy with emphasis on structures visualized in diagnostic medical sonography, computerized tomography(CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. The anatomy will be evaluated in multiple planes.

DMS 209

SONOGRAPHIC SEMINAR I

DETAILS

This course facilitates the student’s entry into diagnostic medical sonography. Students explore personal and professional values in relation to the healthcare setting. Students acquire skills to assist them with time management, building critical thinking skills, and the ability to professionally communicate in the field of sonography.

First year - Second Semester

HUM 219

MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS

DETAILS

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of medical laws, ethical principles and bioethics for the healthcare practitioner. The application of these fundamental principles will be applied using current medical-legal issues and bioethical dilemmas of today. The course is designed to improve the student’s ability to critically think and make sound decisions that are in alignment with professional ethics and values, integrity and judgment. The course will include such areas as confidentiality, privacy, consents, responsible practice, professionalism, bioethical dilemmas, and key legal aspects that influence the healthcare practitioner.

HUM 150

THE WORLD OF IDEAS: CRITICAL REASONING AND RHETORIC

DETAILS

There is a strong relationship between thinking clearly and expressing thoughts in formal writing and public speaking. Using the skills of logic and critical thinking, students will examine ideas, analyze and evaluate the arguments of others, and advocate for their own ideas. Students will be introduced to the NMC Portfolio process. HUM 150 is to be taken in the first semester, unless designated in the second semester by the program of study.

DMS 306

SONOGRAPHIC PHYSICS II

DETAILS

This course continues where DMS 206 leaves off. The following sonographic principles are covered: real-time imaging, pulse echo instrumentation, displays and image processing, dynamic range, harmonics and contrast agents, hemodynamics, Doppler principles, Doppler optimization, artifacts, quality assurance and bioeffects.

Prerequisites: DMS 206

CVS 220

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY I

DETAILS

This course explores the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and imaging techniques of the Cardiac system. Students describe the different views needed for an echocardiogram and are able to recognize characteristics of normal valves by 2D, color Doppler and Doppler. Students correlate information learned didactically to scanning skills in the laboratory.

Prerequisites: HPS 100, DMS 140, DMS 206, DMS 209, SCI 206, CVS 111

CVS 220L

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY I LAB

DETAILS

The laboratory course enhances and reinforces material taught didactically in CVS 220. Students learn scanning techniques in the laboratory on real-time ultrasound equipment. Correlation of theory to practice is measured through attendance, scanning assignments and competency exams over the course of the semester. Students learn how to perform all 2D images of an echocardiogram, color and Doppler. By the end of the lab course, the student is able to perform all components of a complete echocardiogram.

Prerequisites: HPS 100, DMS 140, DMS 206, DMS 209, SCI 206, CVS 111

CVS 221

VASCULAR ULTRASOUND I

DETAILS

Students explore the anatomy, hemodynamics, physiology and pathophysiology of the vascular system. Students apply knowledge of disease processes. This course focuses on the sonographic appearances of various vascular examinations.

CVS 221L

VASCULAR ULTRASOUND I LAB

DETAILS

This laboratory course is utilized to enhance and reinforce material taught didactically in CVS 221. Students learn scanning techniques in the laboratory on real-time ultrasound equipment. Correlation of theory to practice is measured through scanning assignments and competency exams over the course of the semester.

First year - Third Semester

SSC 235

THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE

DETAILS

This course explores the ways in which human beings make and remake the meaning of their social world through the production of culture. It employs sociological methods to explore the construction of the dominant, white subculture in the United States. The same methodologies are employed to examine the construction of subcultures in the United States, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.

HUM ---

WORLD OF IDEAS: HUMANITIES ELECTIVE

DETAILS

Students may choose a World of Ideas elective course. The course must be categorized within one of the following three sections: The World of Ideas: Human Connection The World of Ideas: Historical Perspectives The World of Ideas: The Arts See All Humanities Course Descriptions for specific course information.

COM 255/267

BEGINNING HEALTHCARE SPANISH OR AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE BASIC SKILLS

DETAILS

COM 230 SPANISH COM 245 SIGN LANGUAGE Access to healthcare is greatly affected by one's command of language. Students in this course engage in the exploration of language and culture then apply these concepts to the healthcare environment through service-learning and community engagement. Students develop practical communication skills that enable effective cross-cultural work with health professionals and clients with backgrounds different from their own.

CVS 310L

Clinical Experience

DETAILS

This clinical course allows the student to experience the clinical setting firsthand. The student begins their first hands-on clinical experience by obtaining basic images of cardiac and vascular ultrasound images. The student is able to observe daily lab functions and a variety of patient care scenarios.

Prerequisites: DMS 306, CVS 220, CVS 220L, CVS 221, CVS 221L

CVS 325

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY II

DETAILS

This course is designed to explore a variety of pathologies that can be present on an echocardiogram. Students learn and perform measurements that are needed to evaluate pathologies on a case-by-case scenario. During this course, students learn to read echocardiogram exams and create preliminary echocardiogram reports. Students correlate information learned didactically to scanning skills in the laboratory.

Prerequisites: DMS 306, CVS 220, CVS 220L

CVS 322

VASCULAR ULTRASOUND II

DETAILS

This course focuses on expanding upon vascular pathologies. Topics covered within the course are abdominal evaluations, preoperative mapping, penile Doppler, transcranial Doppler (TCD), among other conditions. Students correlate information learned didactically to scanning skills in the laboratory.

Prerequisites: DMS 306, CVS 221, CVS 221L

Second year - First Semester

CVS 360

CLINICAL REASONING

DETAILS

Clinical reasoning is designed to sharpen the student’s deductive reasoning and sonographic interpretation skills through the use of case studies and medical literature. The essential components of a case presentation are introduced. Students present cases in an open forum for discussion and evaluation. Students also expand on the principles of evidence based practice and research methods in vascular technology and adult echocardiography.

Prerequisites: DMS 306, CVS 322, CVS 325, CVS 310L

CVS 213

PRINCIPLES OF EKG

DETAILS

In this course, students identify key parts of an EKG rhythm and the steps to interpreting a variety of cardiac rhythm strips. This course focuses on EKG theory and interpretation. The student learns how to perform an EKG on a patient, as well as identify basic rhythms and the components of an EKG. Students review case studies throughout this course.

Prerequisites: CVS 220, CVS 220L

CVS 281

CLINICAL PRACTICUM I

DETAILS

Students are assigned to the clinical setting to begin advancing their hands-on experience performing sonographic procedures and practice patient care skills. The student begins to develop skills to carry out sonographic examinations and gains the ability to recognize normal and abnormal sonographic patterns. The student works closely with their clinical preceptor, as well as other staff technologists. Students begin to perform examinations including transthoracic echocardiograms, carotid duplex, lower extremity venous and arterial duplex, upper extremity venous and arterial duplex, ankle/brachial indices and segmental arterial pressures. Correlation of theory to practice is measured through attendance, clinical logs and evaluations.

Second year - Second Semester

SSC 325

APPLIED ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH

DETAILS

Evidence-based practice is an important component of effective clinical management. This course allows students to develop skills in applied statistics and research while learning to critically examine healthcare information from a variety of sources, including but not limited to professional journals, governmental reports and public media.

CVS 286

CLINICAL PRACTICUM II

DETAILS

As a continuation of Clinical Practicum I, students continue to develop their sonography skills under the supervision of their clinical preceptor. The student more actively participates in examinations, daily lab functions, and patient care. In addition, students continue to perform examinations in cardiac and vascular sonography.

Prerequisites: CVS 281

Elective

CVS ***

PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE COURSE

DETAILS

Consult Program Director for list of electives.

CVS 251*

DIRECTED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

DETAILS

In the final semester of the program, students may have the option of performing additional clinical experience depending on their interests. Areas may include but are not limited to vascular, adult echo, pediatrics and fetal echo. This experience is not meant to be comprehensive in nature, but to provide an introduction to a more specific area of interest. Note: Students interested in completing this course should communicate a semester in advance with their advisor and/or Clinical Coordinator. A clinical affiliation agreement must be in place for the student to participate.

CVS 420

CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP

DETAILS

A clinical externship is an opportunity for a student to complete a clinical experience at a site other than the current approved program clinical affiliates. Note: Students interested in completing this course should communicate a semester in advance with their advisor and/or Clinical Coordinator. A clinical affiliation agreement must be in place for the student to participate.

Prerequisites: Instructor permission

Meet the Faculty

Our nursing faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use. While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal and professional experiences. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

Additional information

Sonography Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Multispecialty Sonography and Cardiovascular Sonography programs will:

Be competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains (applicable to Multispecialty Sonography students).
Be competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains (applicable to Cardiovascular Sonography students).
Be competent entry-level vascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains (applicable to Cardiovascular Sonography students).
Model ethical and culturally sensitive professional attitudes, behaviors, and ethics that will encourage life-long learning, reflective practice and professional growth and development.
Exhibit didactic and clinical skills that include the ability to perform age appropriate patient care by assessment of physiological and psychological status incorporating communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and decision making abilities.
Attain the NMC Educated Citizen skills to become Reflective Individuals, Effective Communicators and Change Agents.

Cardiovascular Sonography Blog Posts

Careers 101: Cardiovascular Sonography Takes Heart

Professional Resources

To learn more about the field of echocardiography, please visit the websites below:

Sonography Written Statement

For students applying to Multispecialty Sonography, AS or BS; or Cardiovascular Sonography, AS or BS.

Please develop a thoughtful and organized response to each of the numbered prompts below. Use this as a chance to let the admissions committee get to know you, what your motivation to become a sonographer is, and what excites you to be a part of the field of diagnostic medical sonography.

The admissions committee is looking for responses that are well supported and use appropriate style and grammar.

Your complete statement should not exceed 1,000 words. If you use any references in the following answers, it is expected that you follow APA formatting guidelines. You may attach your statement to an email and submit it to the Admissions Office at admissions@methodistcollege.edu.

Instances of plagiarism within an applicant's written statement will disqualify them for acceptance to Nebraska Methodist College due to the College's commitment to academic integrity and stringent plagiarism policies.

An NMC graduate is an educated citizen who exhibits breadth of learning through the liberal arts and sciences traditions in concert with professional education. Our goal as an institution is that graduates of NMC will be able to articulate and demonstrate growth in the following areas: as reflective individuals, as effective communicators and as change agents. Considering the educated citizen goals, describe how you would envision using these characteristics as a sonographer.
Please address what or who has influenced your decision to pursue a career in healthcare.
Provide an example of a difficult situation or dilemma and describe how you demonstrated resilience.
How would you explain the field of sonography (Cardiovascular or Multispecialty/Diagnostic Medical Sonography based on the program to which you are applying) to a family friend not in the health care field?
You are working on a group project and one of the members wants to approach the project drastically different from your own ideas. How do you proceed?
Outline the steps you will take to ensure your success in this academically rigorous and time-intensive program. Specifically discuss how you will balance other roles and responsibilities in your life during this time. Please consider addressing relationships, employment, financial obligations and any additional priorities in your response.
If you have job shadowed in sonography, tell us about that experience and how it confirmed that this is the right career choice for you. If you have not shadowed, please respond: Not Applicable.
Address any and all D's, F's, W's or other discrepancies on your transcripts. If you do not have any D's, F's or W's please respond: Not Applicable.

Technical Standards

The purpose of this policy is to determine the physical and emotional abilities of a student in the Department in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.

Policy:
It is your responsibility to understand the duties, responsibilities, skills and abilities required of your chosen program/profession. In addition to the technical standards as described above, please review the information regarding Diagnostic Medical Sonography at the O*NET website.

Procedure:

Behavioral and Social Skills - Possess qualities of compassion, integrity, empathy and interpersonal skills. Possess emotional health necessary to effectively complete professional responsibilities.
Communication - Read, write, speak, hear, and observe patients to effectively communicate the patient's condition and interact with the patient and other healthcare individuals.
Integrative and Quantitative Skills - Problem solve utilizing computation, synthesis, and analysis. Visualize and analyze three dimensional relationships.
Motor and Functional Abilities - Perform therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
*Sonography students must assist with moving and lifting patients and equipment of up to 50 lbs or more, up to 50% of the time. Visual abilities are necessary for viewing the ultrasound screen 85% of the time. This is adapted from Methodist Health System Performance Development Plan -Job Description for the sonographer
Observation - Use instruments requiring sight, e.g., ultrasound and radiographic equipment, health assessment tools and devices, i.e. blood pressure cuff, stethoscope,etc. Make observations and evaluations. Observe results of treatment and reactions.

OUTCOMES DATA AT GRADUATION

Assessment/Measurement

Program Enrollment
Enrollment (At Start of Program)

Attrition
Attrition

Graduation Rate

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2
(29%)

0
(0%)

3
(37%)

3
(50%)

1
(13%)

2
(20%)

5
(71%)

8
(100%)

5
(63%)

3
(50%)

7
(88%)

8
(80%)

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE EXAM

Assessment/
Measurement

Students Taking VASC Credential

Students Earning VASC Credential from ARDMS

Students Earning VASC Credential from CCI

Total Earning VASC Credential

VASC Credential Success Rate

Students Taking CARDIAC Credential

Students Earning CARDIAC Credential from ARDMS

Students Earning CARDIAC Credential from CCI

Total Earning CARDIAC Credential

CARDIAC Credential Success Rate

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

100%

67%

80%

100%

67%

80%

OUTCOMES POST GRADUATION

Assessment/
Measurement

Employment
Employment 6 Months after graduation

Job Placement Rate

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

100%

75%

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Cardiovascular Sonography, AS

Quick Links

Program Perks

Accreditation & Licensure

Admissions Information

Criteria

Requirements

Deadlines

Starting Term - Fall 2023

Priority Deadline - 12/5/2022

Standard Deadline - 2/1/2023

Costs & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour

$598

NMC Scholarships

Student Grants or Loans

Employee Education Benefits

External Scholarships

Calculate Your Net Price

Curriculum

First year - First Semester

First year - Second Semester

First year - Third Semester

Second year - First Semester

Second year - Second Semester

Elective

Meet the Faculty

Additional information

Sonography Program Outcomes

Cardiovascular Sonography Blog Posts

Professional Resources

Sonography Written Statement

Technical Standards

Healthcare Degree Programs

Admissions

About NMC