Carl Sandburg College offers an advanced certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography. Program curriculum consists of twelve months of intensive, integrated didactic and clinical coursework designed to prepare graduates to create diagnostic images and data of the heart and vascular structures in hospitals, clinics, and other diagnostic imaging facilities. An echocardiographer is a highly skilled health care professional who uses complex ultrasound equipment producing high-frequency sound waves to create diagnostic images and data to diagnose cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively in imaging of the heart, abdomen, pelvis, vascular
structures, and the developing fetus. The techniques required for obtaining imaging data require
a high level of skill and dexterity. Echocardiographers must use independent judgment to recognize the need to expand the scope of an exam based on diagnostic findings. Echocardiographers also contribute technical and professional knowledge and observation to the interpreting physician for
a final diagnostic impression of the exam. A thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics, pathophysiology, and ultrasound physical principles is required. Students will
spend 40 hours per week participating in classroom instruction and laboratory activities on-campus, and clinical instruction in a patient care facility. The DCS program requires a significant amount of classroom preparation and study beyond the 40-hour week.

Working Conditions: Most diagnostic imaging technologists work conventional 40-hour work weeks that may include evening and weekend shifts in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
On-call availability is required in many employment settings.

Employment: Sonographer/echocardiographer earnings vary depending on their employer, the amount of experience they have, whether or not they have specialized and are credentialed, and their geographic location. According to a recent salary survey conducted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), the median annual salary for sonographers is approximately $60,000 a year. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 19 percent through 2016— faster than the average for all occupations.

Accreditation/Licensure: Carl Sandburg College is accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – The Higher Learning Commission, 30 LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504. Graduates of the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program are eligible to take certification examinations offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). ARDMS certification is the globally recognized standard of excellence in Sonography enabling the graduate to
pursue employment throughout the Unites States and most foreign countries.

For Additional Program Information Contact:
Recruiter: Megan Jones at mjones@sandburg.edu or 309-341-5248
Program Coordinator: Jodi McGivern at jmcgivern@sandburg.edu or 309-341-5347

Admission to limited enrollment programs is competitive and selection is based on candidates’ overall academic performance. All prospective students for the Allied Health programs must submit admission materials and meet admission requirements before their applications will be considered for review. Applicants who are denied admission to a program and wish to apply for a subsequent academic year must repeat the application process in its entirety. The most qualified applicants who are residents of the Carl Sandburg College district or are residents of a community college district participating in a cooperative agreement with Carl Sandburg College will be given preference for admission to the programs.

Number of Students Admitted Each Year: Varies depending on number of clinical sites available

More Information
Program Curriculum
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Estimated Costs