Cardiac Sonography
Students who complete the non-invasive Cardiac Sonography (CS) program of study will be prepared to enter the healthcare field in cardiac sonography labs as adult cardiac sonographers. Cardiac sonography, also known as echocardiography, is a rapidly advancing specialty area of cardiac imaging that uses ultrasound technology to evaluate the heart. With this technology, a cardiac sonographer uses sound waves created by the machine to acquire images of the cardiac chambers, walls, valves and blood flow.
The cardiac sonographer is a skilled person qualified by academic and clinical preparation to have:
- A detailed working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the heart
- The ability to optimize images
- A thorough understanding of cardiac pathology and its effects on the heart
- The ability to comprehend the sonographic appearance of normal and abnormal cardiac conditions.
Cardiac sonographers generally work closely with cardiologists, who use the images to diagnose cardiac diseases.
Students completing the Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography prepare to sit for the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) exam through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) exam through American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
The CS program is housed at Chaffee Crossing in Fort Smith, 12211 Ward Drive, Building 139, Fort Smith, AR 72916.
The Cardiovascular Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (https://www.caahep.org), upon the recommendation of The Joint Review Committee on Education on Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 210-2350
Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies until admitted into their selected program.
Students are advised that the Cardiac Sonography Program (CS) is strenuous in nature. Students are therefore not allowed to take additional course work that is not directly related to their degree plan while in the CS Program. If a student has completed all general education course requirements prior to entering the program, the student may not have a full load of twelve credit hours or more (which could affect financial aid eligibility). The CS program is very intense and requires approximately 30-38 hours per week of theory /lab/fieldwork. This estimate does not include prep or study time. The hours ascribed to each semester while in the CS Program are considered by the program to be full time.