Cardiac sonography programs are specialized educational tracks designed to train students in the use of ultrasound technology specifically for examining the heart. These programs focus on teaching how to capture and interpret echocardiographic images, which are critical for diagnosing and managing various heart conditions.

Explore Chicago’s top Cardiac Sonography Programs and start your journey in this exciting field. Our guide highlights programs known for their quality training, modern facilities, and strong connections with leading medical centers. Perfect for newcomers or those advancing their careers, these programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, setting you up for success in cardiac imaging.

Stellar Career College in Chicago

The Stellar Career College in Chicago Echocardiography/Noninvasive Cardiovascular Sonographer program focuses on medical imaging of the heart and blood vessels, utilizing echocardiography technology to diagnose heart diseases. The curriculum covers various echocardiography types like Transthoracic, Transesophageal, Stress, Doppler, 3D, and Contrast Echocardiography.

Key Highlights of the Program:

1. Target Audience: The program is ideal for individuals seeking to specialize in pediatric cardiac sonography, adult echocardiography, and other specialized areas.
2. Program Objectives: Students learn to operate echocardiography machines, adjust settings, save images, and understand quality control standards. The program also covers patient positioning and accreditation bodies’ standards.
3. Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as Echocardiography Technicians, Pediatric Cardiac Sonographers, Fetal Echo Technicians, and other related roles in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
4. Certification Preparation: The program prepares students for national certification exams to become Registered Cardiac Sonographers through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
5. Admission Requirements: Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED. A personal interview and testing are part of the admission process. For those without 30 college credits, an entrance exam is required.
6. Program Format: The 18-month program offers 1400 clock hours and is available in on-ground and hybrid formats, allowing up to 45% of courses to be taken online.
7. Accreditation: Stellar Career College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

This program is designed for individuals aiming to advance their careers in the healthcare sector, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge in echocardiography to make a significant impact on patient care.

Midwestern Career College

Midwestern Career College in Chicago offers an Associate of Applied Science in Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Sonography, a program designed for those interested in starting or furthering a career in healthcare, particularly as echo sonographers in ultrasound centers or hospital imaging departments. This 2-year program is tailored to provide entry-level knowledge and skills in cardiovascular sonography.

Program Details

• Location: Chicago Main Campus
• Format: Hybrid
• Start Date: Winter 2025
• Duration: 80 Instructional Weeks/5 Terms
• Career Quiz: Students can assess their readiness and compatibility with the program through the Midwestern Career College Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Sonography Readiness Quiz.

Curriculum

The program is divided into two modules:

1. Certified Cardiology Technician (CCT): This module covers patient care, cardiac anatomy, physiology and pathology, EKG/ECG, Holter monitoring, and stress testing. It aims to prepare students for entry-level positions in cardiac technology.
2. Non-Invasive Cardiovascular (Echo) Sonographer: This module focuses on noninvasive diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and peripheral vascular diseases. It encompasses the use of ultrasound equipment for diagnostic purposes.

The curriculum adheres to the guidelines set by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences (AEIRS), and the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Externship

• A 450-hour externship is required for practical experience.

Certifications

• Eligibility for Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
• Pathway to Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) certification, with an additional 350 clinical hours not provided by MCC.
• Eligibility for the Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) Examination via the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
• Potential qualification for Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification through ARDMS, subject to meeting specific prerequisites.