Echocardiography Degree Programs

The heart is the largest muscle in the human body. The heart pumps blood throughout your entire body, and in case of the heart not working properly the problem needs to be diagnosed and found. Echocardiography is a technique which uses Doppler and ultrasound technology to help diagnose any issues and view the heart.

Echocardiography schools are created to educate students in the techniques which need to assist physicians in managing patient care and apply this technology. Echocardiography schools are offering programs which differ in length though they generally last about two years, and a large amount of echocardiography colleges offer online programs as well.

Echocardiography Degree Programs

Echocardiography Degree

There are two degree programs which are available to students who want to pursue a career in echocardiography:

Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences with a specialization in echocardiography
Associate of Applied Science in Echocardiography

Each of these programs introduces the science of medical applications and sonographic imaging of an (EKG electrocardiograph) machine.

Associate of Applied Science in Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a discipline which utilizes sonographic imaging electrocardiograph machines and to assess the overall heart health of a patient. Specialists in electrocardiography are working closely with vascular surgeons and cardiologists in different health care settings. A student, during being enrolled in an associate’s degree program, will receive basic training about how to properly administer an electrocardiograph exam.

Coursework is designed to cover the interpretation of an EKG reading as well as positioning of electrodes on the patient’s body. Ultrasound technology, which is used by electrocardiographers to take images of a patient’s heart, is also studied by students. Sonographic images are helpful in assessing pumping capacity, heart disease and heart damage. Instruction is also provided on conducting a general sonographic image examination of a patient.

Educational Prerequisites

Community colleges which are offering associate’s degree programs in echocardiography require their applicants to hold a high school diploma. In addition, applicants have to be CPR certified, have health insurance, be immunized for a number of diseases and successfully pass a background check. Some schools require from applicants to also take a PSB (Psychological Service Bureau) exam.

Program Coursework

In some of the AAS in Echocardiography degree programs an initial year of general study is required. This first year is devoted to completion of courses ofgeneral education; the second and third years of studying are focusing on courses in echocardiography. Several possible classes may include:

Applications of vascular technology
Anatomy and physiology
Adult echocardiography
Doppler physics
Ultrasound physics
Elementary physics
Pathology and echocardiographic evaluation
Concepts of cardiovascular examination

Possible Career Options

There are different career options which exist for graduates of an AAS program in echocardiography not counting EKG technician. These possible careers are listed below:

EKG marketing specialist
EKG technician
Cardiac sonographer

Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences

The discipline of imaging sciences combines a large amount of various fields, such as echocardiography, radiographic science and diagnostic medical songraphy. Students who enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in imaging sciences are studying echocardiography as a specialized area of science. Training is provided on sonographic imaging of the heart and related blood vessels as well as how to properly conduct an electrocardiograph exam. Students are learning how to combine these two procedures to assess the overall heart health of a patient. Advanced echo technology methods and EKG printouts are covered as well as anomalies in sonographic images, such as the use of a stress testing and holter monitor.

Educational Prerequisites

Those who wish to enroll in this program have to meet the minimum education requirements for high school subject areas. Additionally, scores must be submitted for either the ACT or SAT exam. Several universities may request letters of recommendation, a professional writing sample and an interview. A large amount of applicants transfer from two-year programs and have the proper educational requirements which are needed to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.

Program Coursework

Classes are designed to coder all aspects of echocardiography. Some courses also require completion of a laboratory component, with a help of which students gain hands-on experience. Possible classes may include: