Cardiac Sonography

DEGREE:

Certificate-level program

FORMAT:

In Person on Campus

DURATION: 

12 months starting in September

APPLICATIONS:

April 1st to April 30st

Download Student Handbook

Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography)

A cardiac sonographer, also known as an echocardiographer, plays a vital role in the field of cardiovascular medicine. Their primary responsibility is to acquire and analyze ultrasound images of the heart, known as echocardiograms. These images are essential for diagnosis and follow up of various cardiac conditions.

Overview of a cardiac sonographer’s job:

  • Performing echoes:

The main duty of a cardiac sonographer is to acquire images and to document their findings by preparing reports for imaging physicians. This involves using specialized ultrasound equipment to capture images of the heart from different angles and views.

  • Patient Interaction:

Cardiac sonographers interact closely with patients and their families before, during and after procedures on inpatient and outpatient settings.

  • Collaboration with Healthcare teams:

Cardiac sonographers work closely with cardiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners and other members of the healthcare system.

  • Continuing education:

As technology advances and new techniques emerge in cardiac imaging, cardiac sonographers engage in continuing education to stay updated with the latest developments in their field.

Program Description

The UCSF Cardiac Sonography program is a non-degree granting, certificate-level program. The program begins in the fall and is three semesters long - the curriculum consists of a sequence of didactic, hands-on laboratory, and clinical practicum.

Mission Statement

The UCSF Cardiac Sonography Program is a provider of quality, competency-based instruction. We are committed to the education of the total professional, using hands-on curriculum in a student-centered environment to prepare learners to become successful in a competitive world. The program upholds and maintains the vision to provide the best health care services and adheres to the PRIDE values of professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence in alignment with UCSF Health.

Program Goals & Objectives

The goals and objectives of the Cardiac Sonography program are “To prepare competent entrylevel cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the Adult Echocardiography profession.” The student should have developed the minimum knowledge and competencies to sit for registry exams. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to learn to work effectively with other allied healthcare professionals, patients, and families to promote patient safety, diagnosis, and recovery

 

 

 

 

Class Information

SEMESTER I - 4 days a week 9:30am-3:30pm (Monday off)

Course

AE-100

UP-100

AE-101L

Title

Adult Echocardiography

Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I

Adult Echocardiography Lab I

Didactic

64

48

-

- Lab -

-

-

160

Clinical

-

-

-

Hours = 272

SEMESTER II - 4 days a week 8am-3:30pm (Monday off)​

Course

AE-200

UP-200

AE-201L

EC-100C

Title

Adult Echocardiography II

Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II

Adult Echocardiography Lab II

Adult Echocardiography Clinical Practicum I

Didactic

32

24

-

-

- Lab -

-

-

80

-

Clinical

-

-

-

224

Hours = 360

SEMESTER III - 5 days a week 8am-3:30pm

Course

AE-200

UP-200

EC-100C

Title

Adult Echocardiography III

Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation III

Adult Echocardiography Clinical Practicum III

Didactic

32

24

-

- Lab -

-

-

-

Clinical

-

-

448

Hours = 504

 

Total Contact Hours = 1136

 

Tuition

The total cost of the program is $15,095.00, which includes a $50.00 application fee, $45.00 State of California student tuition recovery fund (STRF), and $15,000.00 tuition. Additional fees paid by the applicant include the cost of a criminal background check and urine drug screening, estimated at $500.00. (see handbook on documents for more information)

 

Selective Admissions Criteria

A rubric will be used if the number of applicants exceeds the available seats. The rubric is based on two main areas: previous experience in the healthcare field and academic achievement. The application period will be closed so that all applicants can be ranked. Once ranked, applicants will be notified of their status. An additional 10-15% of the applicant pool will be notified that they are alternates and will be notified by two weeks after acceptance/rejection letters are announced.

Admissions Requirements

The following items must be completed and submitted as part of the application:

  • Resume
  • Educational transcripts (must be official and sealed – recommend to use Parchment).
    • A minimum of an Associate’s degree is required.
    • Digital copies mailed to [email protected]
  •  Pre-requisites must have successfully completed with a grade of C or better:
    •  Medical Terminology (2 College credits)
    •  Anatomy & Physiology I and II (8 College Credits)
  • $50 application fee (non-refundable) payable
  • Two letters of reference (No family allowed)
    •  1 professional
    •  1 personal
  • Personal essay (see essay guidelines below)

(see handbook on documents for more information)

Program Outcomes

Cohort 1:

Institution:UCSF Health
 

# Graduates / # Total of students enrolled

3-Year Retention Rate*

Concentration CAAHEP AccreditedAdult Echocardiography
Class:2023/2024
Cohort #1
Student Retention

2/2

100%

Job Placement in 6 Months

2/2

100%

Test Takers Rate

2/2

100%

Credential Success Rate

2/2

100%

*Only have had 1 cohort.

 

Accreditation

 

The Cardiac Sonographer Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N., #7709 Seminole, FL 33775
(T) 727-210-2350
(F) 727-210-2354
http://www.caahep.org