Save Hearts. Save Lives.
Detect heart conditions early and accurately.
A cardiac sonographer is a specialized healthcare team member who uses high-frequency sound waves to aid cardiologists in the diagnosis of heart disease—the leading cause of death in the U.S. This high-demand role involves operating imaging equipment, identifying abnormal results and daily interactions with patients.
Success in this role requires a commitment to enhanced patient care and continuous improvement with ever-evolving technology, along with these personal attributes:
- fascination with the human heart and how it works
- detail-oriented and a natural problem solver
- enjoys talking with people and contributing to a team
- good at multitasking
- thrives in high-pressure situations
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Sonography
Required Credit Hours
63-65
From Classroom to Clinic
1,150
Clinical hours required at multiple hospital sites
10:1
Student-to-faculty ratio, offering a personalized learning environment
10
Students enrolled in first cohort launched June 2024
Develop Expert Heart Imaging Skills
Your first year will focus on foundational coursework and lab skills using hospital-grade equipment. In the classroom, you’ll study anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, medical terminology, patient care and diseases of the heart. In the lab, you learn how to manipulate a transducer and ultrasound machine to create sonographic images.
Real Patient Care Experience Under Expert Guidance
Your second year will prioritize clinical rotations, where you’ll work with patients under the supervision of knowledgeable sonographers. Practice and perfect ultrasound imaging techniques specific to heart structure and function. Learn to accurately assess cardiac health and aid cardiologists in the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions.
If desired, this degree is easily transferable to other colleges and universities to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Read our Student Highlights to see how our students are excelling in Cardiac Sonography.
Program Outcomes
The Cardiac Sonography Program is to prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the following concentrations it offers:
Adult Cardiac Sonography
Review this important information about the Cardiac Sonography, AAS Program:
Career Outcomes
By graduation, you’ll have already completed 1,150 clinical hours. To practice as a cardiac sonographer, you must pass national certification examinations through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). This certification qualities you to work in hospitals, physician offices or clinics.
In Their Words
“Owens’ long-standing sonography program has a high rate of job placements. It sets students up for success and gives them the most valuable experience possible. Instructors are passionate about helping me and my classmates.”
Halle Delos Reyes, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, ’23
Selective Admission Requirements
Cardiac Sonography is a “Selective Health” program—meaning we can only admit a limited number of students each year. Prospective students should apply to Owens first, then to Cardiac Sonography. Class admission uses a point-based system based on your academic record.
First, we look at your grade point average (GPA). Next, bonus points are awarded for most cardiac sonography general education course earning a C or better. If you haven’t taken enough of those courses, we look only at your high school GPA. General education courses can be taken before you’re admitted to the program.
If you choose a different program at Owens, these general education courses may count toward it as well. Work with your advisor early and often if you are considering multiple programs. See how the points work.
For clinical placement, you are required to submit documentation of a completed health exam and background check, along with additional requirements.
Accreditation
The Cardiac Sonography program at Owens Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) through 2031.
For more information regarding accreditation standards:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 – 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
(727) 210-2350
www.caahep.org
Contact Us
Julie Posey, MEd, RDMS, RVT
Sonography Department Chair, Program Director
Healthcare Education Center 132 F
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7560
Email
Mary Sizemore, BS, RDCS, RVT
Faculty, Concentration Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator
Healthcare Education Center 133 W
Toledo-area Campus
Phone: (567) 661-7344
Email
New Owens Students
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Current Owens Students
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