Heart Vision
Help people understand, manage and protect their heart health.
Take the first step toward a specialized healthcare career that combines cutting-edge technology with direct patient care with Owens’ Pre-Cardiac Sonography Concentration, AS program. As a cardiac sonographer—or echocardiographer—you’ll use sophisticated ultrasound equipment to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, providing critical diagnostic information that helps cardiologists detect heart disease and monitor treatment progress.
You’ll make a real difference in patients’ lives. This pre-program provides the foundation and prerequisite general education coursework you need for seamless transfer into the Owens’ Cardiac Sonography, AAS program or other bachelor’s degree pathways.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
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 feedback.
Award Type
Associate of Science (AS)
Department
Department of Sonography
Required Credit Hours
62-66
By the Numbers
2
Years of concentrated instruction—covers most Pre-Cardiac Sonography AAS prerequisites
14:1
Student-to-faculty ratio, offering a personalized learning environment
Images. Insight. Impact.
Our comprehensive pre-cardiac sonography program prepares you through rigorous academic preparation and hands-on experience.
Build a healthcare foundation in your first semester with core coursework in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and psychology. Communicate empathetically with patients by strengthening your communication and writing skills for professional healthcare environments.
The second semester deepens your knowledge with more anatomy and physiology coursework, plus a math elective tailored to your career goals—choose from statistics, algebra or quantitative reasoning. You’ll also gain deeper insight into both the science and human aspects of patient care through lifespan psychology, sociology and advanced communication studies.
By the third semester, you’ll be ready to broaden your perspective with courses in ethics, microbiology and immunology, and general arts and sciences and communication electives. A highlight of this semester is completing Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training, which provides valuable direct patient-care experience.
In your final semester, you’ll round out your degree with five electives that allow you to customize your studies to match your specific interests and career goals, ensuring you graduate with knowledge tailored to your professional aspirations.
Career Outcomes
Completing this program is a smart first step toward a rewarding career as a cardiac sonographer. You’ll build essential science prerequisites and foundational healthcare knowledge, preparing you for Owens’ Cardiac Sonography, AAS program—or for transfer into other bachelor’s programs.
To practice as a cardiac sonographer, you must pass a national certification exam through either the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Cardiac sonographers typically work in hospitals, physician offices and specialty clinics, with some positions requiring on-call shifts for emergency diagnostic services. Career advancement opportunities are diverse, including roles in education, administration, or specialized positions with medical technology companies as application specialists or sales representatives.
This degree also provides excellent transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor’s degree, allowing you to build upon your strong foundation in healthcare.
In Their Words
“The instructors at Ownes provided tons of ways to get extra help and prepare you for your clinical experiences and beyond.”
Shannon Lange, School of Nursing and Health Technologies grad
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
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