Echocardiography or cardiac sonography, is a medical test that uses sound waves of high frequencies (ultrasonic) to create moving and still images of the heart. These pictures show the size and shape of the heart. They also show how well the heart’s chambers and valves and other structures are working. Echocardiography has become an important tool in diagnosing or helping diagnose many heart diseases and conditions.
The Echocardiography degree prepares students to become credentialed in adult echocardiography. Students are prepared to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Adult certification exam and/or for the Cardiovascular Credentialing International Registered Cardiac Sonographer credential.
To prepare competent entry-level cardiac sonographers both in diagnostic echocardiographic knowledge and scanning skills.
- recognize abnormal echocardiographic findings.
- demonstrate appropriate ergonomics when imaging.
- communicate with patients effectively.
- communicate effectively with doctors and health care staff.
- maintain a safe environment for themselves and patients.
- demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and clinical judgment.
- demonstrate professionalism and willingness to abide by the rules and policies of their workplace.
South Suburban College’s Echocardiography Program will provide students with an opportunity to become entry level skilled technicians in Echocardiography. Technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and peripheral vascular ailments. Graduates will be prepared for licensure and work as an entry level cardiac technician. Graduates of the SSC Echocardiography Program will be able to:
- perform thorough echocardiographic studies with all modalities e.g. two-dimensional, color/Doppler.
- apply concepts of ultrasound physics when performing echocardiographic imaging.
- obtain quality images with high efficiency.
The applicant must meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma (or GDP) and completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of C or higher:
- ENG 101 Composition and Rhetoric
- BIO 185 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- FAD 205 Emergency Care and Safety or CPR BLS
- Math placement exam
- PHY 115 Topics in Applied Physics
- HIT 102 Medical Terminology
- Group II Humanities Elective
- SPE 108 Oral Communication
- PSY 101 Introduction to psychology
- BIO 186 Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Submit an SSC application and forward all official high school or HSE/GED® transcripts as well as other college transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions.
- Admissions to the Echocardiography Program will be determined by a ranking of the grade point averages (GPA) of the program prerequisite courses. Students will be considered for admissions who have received at least a grade of “C” or better in all program prerequisites and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher (A = 4.0). All final course grades will be validated prior to the start of the program.
- The Echocardiography Program accepts new students every fall semester. Please submit your online application no later than June 15th in anticipation of starting in the fall. Students will be notified in writing of their admission status no later than July 15.
- A photocopy of the student’s current health care insurance must be submitted to each respective program coordinator in order to participate at any clinical education site. Failure to maintain comprehensive health care insurance will result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the clinical site and thereby receiving a failing grade in the clinical education class. Furthermore, the student will be financially responsible to pay all medical bills and co-payments as a result of injuries or health issues that arise from participation of clinical education programs.
Echocardiography Program Application
Be advised that Biology must be completed within the last 5 years to satisfy the program requirements.
Once admitted into the Echocardiography Program, students will be asked to complete a criminal background check and a possible drug screening, Students are responsible for these fees. Eligibility of internship sites might be dependent on results of the criminal background and drug screening results.
A.A.S. Degree
This degree is for those desiring employment with, or upgrading of their skills in the field of Echocardiography.
Certificate Program
This certificate is for those desiring employment with, or upgrading of their skills in the field of Echocardiography.
The Echocardiography Program Accreditation and Approval
The Echocardiography Program is accredited by CAAHEP:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
25400 US Highway 19 North Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Telephone: (727) 210-2350
FAX: (727) 210-2354
Website: https://www.caahep.org/
The Echocardiography AAS Degree from South Suburban College is approved by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
SSC Echocardiography Program Effectiveness Statistics for 2018-2021
| Retention | Job Placement | Credentialing Exam Passing Rate |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Graduates | 77.7% | 100% | Data to be provided in May 2022. |
| 2020 Graduates | 77.7% | 88.8% | 88.8% |
| 2019 Graduates | 78.75% | 81.82% | 81.82% |
| 2018 Graduates | 63.64% | 85.71% | 85.71% |
| Updated on 2/18/2022. Next update is scheduled in May 2022. | |||
24%
The U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts a growth of the medical sonography industry of 24% above average from 2014 to 2024.
$30/hour
Employment growth for sonographers is also growing faster than average. Mean annual salaries is roughly $63,000 or $30 per hour.
Health Requirements
Complete immunization record and TB testing as required by clinical sites should be provided before starting clinical internship. Drug screening will be performed before starting clinical rotation.
Criminal Background Check
A background check is required upon starting clinical training. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the requirements of the clinical site and potential employer with respect to a criminal background check.
Inquiry Form
Fill out this form or call the Allied Health & Career Programs department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2258 if you have additional questions about the Echocardiography Program at SSC.
To make an appointment concerning the Allied Health & Career Programs department, contact the College & Career Success Center at (708) 210-5724.