Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Echocardiography Specialization, A.A.S.

CIP Code: 51.0910

NOVA Code: 1091

Offered through MEC

Purpose: To prepare competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The curriculum prepares students to produce diagnostic images of the heart structures and motion to diagnose cardiovascular changes. The echocardiographer uses special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. The echocardiographer is a central member of the health care team and assists the radiologist in body image interpretation. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, the student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography examinations leading to credentials as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS^®).

Admission Requirements: Students must:

• Comply with all general admission requirements for Health Sciences Programs.
• Review an online Diagnostic Medical Sonography information session at https://www.nvcc.edu/academics/areas/nursing-health-sciences/diagnostic-medical-sonography.html.
• Attend a mandatory DMS Prospective Student Workshop prior to application.
• Complete BIO 141    and BIO 142   with a “B” or higher and completed within 5 years of application.
• Complete ENG 111   with a grade of “B” or higher.
• Complete MTH 154    or higher level math with a “B” or higher.
• Complete PHY 101   Introduction to Physics I with a “B” or higher and completed within 5 years of application.
• Complete SDV 101  Orientation to Healthcare with a “B” or higher.
• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Completion Requirements: All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better before taking the next course in the sequence and to satisfy graduation requirements.