Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (PA College), central Pennsylvania’s preeminent educational institution for the health care field, announced that it is currently accepting applications for its new Cardiac Sonography Associate Degree and Certificate Program that will be offered starting the Fall 2022 semester.
The Cardiac Sonography program at PA College is one of three ultrasound programs offered, including Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Vascular Sonography. The Cardiac Sonography Associate Degree is a two-year program, while the Cardiac Sonography Certificate is a one-year program for students who already hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or who will meet those degree requirements upon certificate completion.
“Cardiac sonography is an in-demand diagnostic imaging specialty,” said Veronica Eubanks, cardiac sonography program director at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. “Using ultrasound equipment, cardiac sonographers conduct echocardiograms to obtain images of the heart’s structure and function, which is critical in identifying serious health conditions.”
The program’s curriculum includes three clinical rotations through various health care facilities, as well as hands-on instruction in the on-campus ultrasound suite. Students will apply their knowledge to complete a diagnostic echocardiogram to include 2D, M-Mode, and Doppler interrogation and advanced measurements, independently interact with patients from initial greeting and preparation until the completion of the echocardiogram, combine and analyze the information obtained from the echocardiogram to indicate pathology and severity, identify critical results that determine if the cardiologist should be contacted, and more.
“Our new Cardiac Sonography Program comes at a time when there is great demand for sonographers,” said Dr. Mary Grace Simcox, president of Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 12,000 openings for medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists are projected every year from 2020 to 2030. This program will not only allow students to gain a unique and unparalleled skill set, but also will set them up for success by launching them directly into a field where those skills are in high demand.”
The Cardiac Sonography Program at Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). This step in the process is neither a status of accreditation nor a guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Both programs prepare students to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Cardiac Sonographer exam. Due to CAAHEP accreditation requirements, the first class of graduates will be eligible to sit for the exam after completion of the program and one year of cardiac sonography employment.
