DEGREE:
Certificate-level program
FORMAT:
In Person on Campus
DURATION:
12 months starting in September
APPLICATIONS:
April 1st to April 30st
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
Tuition
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)
Program Outcomes
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