LCCC Catalog 2023-2024 
    
    May 03, 2024  
LCCC Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Echocardiography, AAS

Location(s): Cheyenne Campus


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Academic School

The echocardiography AAS program is a medical imaging program offered as a specialization of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program.  The echocardiography program is an intensive, three-semester program, not including prerequisite courses, and is designed for students who wish to specialize into this area of medical imaging.

The echocardiographer (cardiac sonographer) must have an in-depth knowledge of physics, pathophysiology, human anatomy and physiology, and sonographic technique to create diagnostic ultrasound and echocardiographic images. Physicians depend on the echocardiographer’s experience to evaluate normal and abnormal anatomy of the cardiac system.  Students of this program are eligible to sit for the national certifying exams of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Upon passing the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation and the Adult Echocardiography (AE) exams, a student is certified as a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RDCS).  Students are also eligible to be certified as a Registered Cardiac Sonography (RCS) by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

As part of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, the echocardiography program is pursuing accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) with recommendation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) for this medical imaging specialty. The JRCDMS has established specific criteria for clinical settings for students, thus limiting the number of accepted students pending clinical site availability. Most students are employed immediately following graduation. The program begins each summer. Please plan your course schedule with your Student Success Coach.

The program offers a variety of clinical experiences throughout the region.  Students interested in the program may contact the DMS Program Director, the Echocardiography faculty, or Enrollment Services for details about the program admission process and timeline. The Echocardiography program is a closed program and student selection will occur each Spring semester and will be based on current medical imaging certification, prerequisites or other support courses completed or in-progress, and other criteria as indicated in the program application material.

Laramie County Community College does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political affiliation, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its education program or activities.

Current and previous medical imaging certification will be considered for entrance into this program, and this may satisfy some or all of the general education or support courses required for this certificate. For any prerequisites or support courses needed, these must be in progress or complete with a grade of “C” or better by the application deadline. Students are encouraged to contact the echocardiography faculty for program-specific questions.

Contact Information

Contact information is available on the Echocardiography and Diagnostic Medical Sonography program websites.

Map your individual academic plan of courses with your Student Success Coach.

Coursework common to all degrees within this pathway is indicated by CAC, Common Academic Coursework, in the program map. 

Competencies


Upon successful completion of this program, students will (be):

  1. Consistently create high quality diagnostic sonographic images of the cardiac system by the proficient use of technical factors.
  2. Demonstrate communication skills.
  3. Provide consistent, high-quality patient care. 
  4. Conduct themselves ethically and professionally. 
  5. Successfully employed in an echocardiographic position. 

First Semester - Prerequisites


Choice Points


  • STRT 1000  is not a prerequisite application requirement.

Semester Total: 13 Credits


Second Semester - Prerequisites


Milestones


  • Students are eligible to apply to the Echo program upon completion of the courses in this semester.

Semester Total: 13 Credits


First Semester


Milestones


  • The Echo program typically begins during the summer semester.

Semester Total: 6 Credits


Second Semester


Semester Total: 14 Credits


Third Semester


Milestones


  • Upon completion of IMAG 1515 , students are eligible to sit for the Sonography Principles of Instrumentation (SPI) board certification. 
  • Completion of Echocardiography, AAS.
  • Students are eligible during this semester to apply for certification through ARDMS or CCI. The majority of employers mandate these certifications. 

Semester Total:18 Credits


Program Credit Hour Total: 64 Credits


Program Comments

The information below is intended to be a guide, and does not guarantee regional job placement, job availability, or a specific wage after completion of the program.

Potential job opportunities for individuals with degrees in Echocardiography may include Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Cardiovascular Technology as an echocardiographer in hospitals, clinics, and commercial sales technician.

Additional information on careers in Echocardiography is available through Career Coach.

Transfer Information

LCCC courses may transfer to institutions in addition to those above with formal articulation agreements. Students are strongly encouraged to determine the degree requirements and transfer policy of the specific college/university and program to which they plan to transfer.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Academic School