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.
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