Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Connecticut
Becoming a cardiac ultrasound technician (also known as a sonographer) in Connecticut can provide you with a rewarding career as you will become a vital part of the healthcare team that provides cost-effective, non-invasive testing.
Connecticut has several accredited educational programs available, which includes online programs cardiac sonography programs. You have the opportunity to enroll in some of these following programs; ultrasound technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) programs, radiologic technology and cardiac imaging. Any of these programs may give you the opportunity to interact with patients by providing an essential medical service and have job security.
Connecticut does not require licensure for sonographers, but employers usually require employees with an associate’s degree and the ARMDS certification.
Echo Tech/Ultrasound Cardiac Education in Connecticut
There are campus programs at colleges and universities, plus several online cardiac technician programs in Connecticut to seek your education. You have to decide how much education you want in order to reach your career goals. There are certificate, associate, bachelor and master degree programs available. Choose a school that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs from those listed below and request more details to get started.
A two year cardiac ultrasound program usually requires prerequisite courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology.
Other common admission requirements include:
- Official transcripts from high school or college
- Essay
- Two letters of reference (professional and personal)
- Resume
- $35-50 application fee
The normal curriculum to become a cardiac ultrasound technician in Connecticut often begins with five weeks of classroom instruction that concentrates on cardiac anatomy and physiology, Ultrasound Physics, equipment operation and fundamental skill development in cardiac ultrasound. Hands-on instruction at hospital sites comprises the balance of the program.
The rotation through the clinical sites may include:
- Cardiac catherization
- Graded exercise testing
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Open Heart surgery
- EKG
Yale-New Haven Hospital, Keiser University and ITT Tech each have an accredited online programs for sonographers in Connecticut. They can take anywhere from 14-16 months to complete.
If you need assistance with your finances, you can check with the Admission Aid Office at your college to get information about federal government grants and low-interest loans.
It is important to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) certification exam, as passing the exam from this globally recognized organization proves your competency. They offer several types of exams, including the cardiac specialty. You have an opportunity to take practice exams or receive content outlines. The cost is $200, or $250 depending on the certification.
Echo Tech Careers in Connecticut
If you become a Cardiac Sonographer, you will be qualified to use ultrasound imaging equipment to perform cardiac and vascular exams on patients of any age. While most Cardiovascular Technologists or Sonographers work full-time in hospitals, others work in medical or diagnostic laboratories, doctor’s offices or other healthcare settings.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated in 2012 the average annual income was $60,350, which was for those technicians with an associate degree. Sonographer positions are expected to increase by 39 percent by 2022.
There is an Associationof Diagnostic Medical Sonography that seeks to promote, educate and advance its members, as well as, the medical community. Joining this organization can be a great way to network with others in your field, and looks good to potential employers as well.
This exciting career offers job satisfaction, a good salary and many other benefits. If you are looking for a new career in healthcare, then this may be a good choice for you. Contact the Connecticut cardiac ultrasound technician schools listed on our site to learn more about your options.