Adult Echocardiography

 

Overview

This program is designed to accommodate the needs of sonographers who want to expand their scanning skills to include adult cardiac sonography. All lectures are online. The classes meet on campus once a week on Saturdays for scanning lab practices. The program content aligns with the expectations of the ARDMS Adult Echocardiography specialty exam, and provides ample opportunities to practice for that throughout two semesters. We also arrange for clinical externship experiences to enhance and enrich student learning. Weatherford College will apply for CAAHEP accreditation of this program in the near future. 
 
 After completion, 85% of the most recent Adult Echocardiography Certificate Program graduates have found employment as cardiac sonographers, and their ARDMS specialty exam passing rate was 100%.

Career Options

There is a continued high demand for cardiovascular sonographers in the United States. Our graduates had no difficulty finding cardiac sonographer jobs after graduation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Diagnostic imaging personnel who are certified are expected to have the best job opportunities. Those certified in more than one specialty are expected to find even greater job opportunities.

The Sono Lab at the Weatherford College Main Campus has first class ergonomic chairs and exam tables and recently has added four top of the line ultrasound systems. These ultrasound machines have specialized cardiac calculation packages in addition to many other high-end features like 3D/4D capabilities, and tissue tracking for ventricular muscle strain evaluation. The lab also has a 12-lead ECG machine that prints automated interpretation reports on the recordings. The spacious classroom and the 8 scanning bays provide everything a cardiac sonography student can wish for.

Related Programs

The adult echocardiography specialty belongs to the diagnostic medical sonography field and thus related to our abdominal, OB-GYN, and vascular sonography courses.

Transfer Options

Sonographers registered in other specialties are welcome to apply to the Adult Echocardiography Certificate Program. Upon completion of the echo program, WC DMS Program graduates might pursue baccalaureate degrees at Midwestern University, or could be transferring straight to the workforce.

Scholarships

Professional sonography organizations offer various scholarships to students.

• SDMS – Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• SVT – Society of Vascular Technology
• ASE – American Society of Echocardiography

Faculty

• Courtney Love, B.S., RDMS, RVT – Program Director
• Christine Semens, B.S., RDMS, RVT – Clinical Coordinator
• Sandra Puryear, B.S., RDCS – Concentration Coordinator