Department of Radiologic Sciences
Cardiac Sonography
Academic Programs    |    Modalities

Overview

Cardiac sonographers, also known as echocardiographers, use ultrasound to examine the heart's chambers, walls, valves and vessels.

Tasks

  • acquire information related to the heart's anatomy and physiology
  • produce real-time images of cardiac structures to assist the physician in diagnosing cardiovascular disease
  • evaluate acquired and congenital cardiac abnormalities and associated complications
  • evaluate narrowed or leaking heart valves
  • look for causes of murmurs, chest pain, shortness of breath
  • track and evaluate chronic heart conditions

Technology

  • sophisticated diagnostic ultrasound imaging machines
  • transducers that use high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images

Patient Interaction

  • direct patient contact
  • healthy and critically ill inpatients and outpatients
  • all ages from pediatrics to geriatrics
  • predominantly noninvasive

Work Conditions

  • small, low-lit rooms
  • stand or sit beside the patient, who is on a stretcher, exam table or wheelchair
  • portable ultrasound sometimes performed  in patient’s room

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 44% increase in the number of jobs for cardiac sonographers by 2020.

Pathways to a cardiac sonography degree

If you ...
  
then consider...
are in High School   2+2 PACE program
or 3+1 Advanced Placement BS/BS with
Immaculata University
have 50 prerequisite credits   2-year Multicompetency BS*option
or 2+1 BS/MS* (see below for more information)
have a baccalaureate degree
and 50 prerequisite credits		   1-year Advanced Placement BS option
or 1+1 BS/MS
or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS*
have certification in or graduated from an accredited program* in
Radiologic Sciences or allied health and have 50 prerequisite credits  		  1-year Advanced Placement BS option
or 1+1 BS/MS
or 2-year Multicompetency BS* or 2+1 BS/MS*

*Multicompetency Combination options

First Year Second Year
Vascular Sonography Cardiac Sonography
General Sonography Cardiac Sonography

(Other modality combinations are possible. Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Radiologic Sciences faculty member when choosing modalities.)


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