Program Overview

As a cardiac sonographer, you'll be working with physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart and blood vessel conditions. This may also include assisting with other diagnostic procedures, patient care and the maintenance of ultrasound equipment.

Through the use of echocardiograms or ultrasound imaging, you'll evaluate different aspects of the heart including chamber size, blood flow and valve function to identify abnormalities.

At KU, you can complete a cardiovascular sonography certificate in 21-months. In the program, you can choose from two cardiovascular sonography tracks:

• Adult echocardiography and vascular technology
  Become a credentialed Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) through American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) and a Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
• Adult echocardiography and pediatric echocardiography
  Become a credentialed Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer with specialty in pediatric echocardiography (PE) through ARDMS or a Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

You'll spend 30 to 40 hours a week at clinical affiliates, dividing your time between instructional course work and hands-on clinical applications.

Clinical Training

Through this program, you will learn to use independent judgment in the acquisition of diagnostic information. This includes benefiting from the wide variety of diagnostic examinations conducted at The University of Kansas Health System and affiliated clinical sites.

• The University of Kansas Health System main hospital campus
  (Mid America Cardiology, KU Pediatrics and Vascular Surgery Associates)
• Olathe Medical Center
• Children's Mercy Hospital