Bachelor of Science in Health Professions: Cardiovascular Sonography (BS)

Requirements for Graduation

This program prepares the student for a career in cardiovascular sonography with specialization in both adult cardiac sonography and vascular sonography. The graduate will be prepared to perform echocardiograms on adults. Echocardiograms are noninvasive exams that create an image of the heart. These images aid physicians in detecting certain heart conditions. The graduate will also be prepared to perform cerebral and peripheral vascular diagnostic evaluation of the arteries and veins which create images to aid the physician in the diagnosis of a wide variety of disorders affecting the peripheral vascular system, including stroke, peripheral vascular disease and venous abnormalities. 

There is a strong emphasis on cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, cardiovascular hemodynamics and sound physics. Clinical experience is a major component of the program. Graduates of the program meet published requirements by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to apply for the registry examination in Adult Echocardiography and Vascular Technology. 

Students are divided into two cohort groups—Vascular and Adult Cardiac. This will determine which specialty they take first in their curriculum plan. The purpose of dividing into cohort groups is to maximize the use of available clinical sites. Students will take Skills Enhancement I and II while they are taking core courses in the second specialty to maintain skills they learned in the first specialty. This program is designed to be completed in eight semesters and three summers. 

Program Goal

To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for adult echocardiography and to prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for noninvasive vascular study.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the dual major the student will be able to:

1. Competently perform as an entry level sonographer in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for adult cardiac sonography and vascular sonography.
2. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior through sonographic practice congruent with standards of practice.
3. Meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) exams.
4. Interact effectively with individuals in a manner that reflects caring and acknowledges the holistic nature of individuals.
5. Promote growth of the health professional and awareness of health professions through education of individual groups and communities of interest.
6. Correlate current research to ensure best-practice delivery of specialty specific, quality patient care and services.

Program Requirements

Each studnt must complete a minimum of 44 credit hours in general education and 81 credit hours in the major.  Official transcript(s) must be on file for all transfer credits.