Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Georgia
Echocardiography is an ultrasound imaging technique that provides a minimally invasive and cost-effective way to visualize the heart for diagnosis and treatment purposes. The echocardiogram will show the heart veins and arteries and heart structure in detail. Echocardiogram today makes possible two- and three-dimensional views of the heart, giving the physician in-depth data from which to work.
It takes critical thinking skills, mechanical aptitude, and accuracy with details to be a successful cardiographer. If you have these abilities plus good communication skills and a compassionate nature, this may be a good career for you. The rewards are threefold: of creating precise echnocardiograms; of helping and serving patients; and of assisting physicians with their work.
Contact the echo tech programs in Georgia today to learn more about getting started in this field.
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Education Georgia
Given the many changes that are occurring in the medical sciences and healthcare delivery, it is important to find programs that are up-to-date that will prepare you for the medical world of today. You can be assured of a quality program if you select a college that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
When you look at the programs listed by colleges, you will find that echocardiography is referred to by several names. Cardiovascular Technology is the general category under which it is included. Echocardiography may be grouped with Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology, Vascular Technology or Cardiac Sonography.
The echocardiography programs available in Georgia are offered at the certificate, diploma or associate degree levels. The Certificate program requires 26 semester credits and provides basic courses and a practicum. The Diploma program requires 122 quarter credit hours and takes nine quarters to complete. The Associate program takes six semesters to complete and ends with a practicum of 1000 hours in clinical settings as required by the accrediting body.
Applicants must first meet the admission requirements for the college; generally, this consists of a high school diploma or GED. Some schools require a graduating G.P.A. of 2.0 in a college preparatory program or a 2.20 in a career/technical program.
Admission into the Cardiovascular Technology or Echocardiogram program is selective beyond the entry requirements to the college. SAT or ACT scores may be required or may be waived if the student transfers college courses in English and algebra with grades of “C” or better. Letters of recommendation must be submitted. Certain schools screen applicants for physical requirements of visual and hearing acuity, physical ability and manual dexterity. There are also prerequisite courses in English, math and science that must be passed before the student is accepted into the program.
The Certificate program includes courses in medical terminology, introduction to electrocardiography and electrocardiography practicum.
The Diploma program requires the minimal general education courses of English, Algebraic Concepts, Introduction of Microcomputers and Interpersonal Relations before concentrating on the occupational courses in health sciences and cardiovascular technology. These include Introduction to Health Care, Medical Terminology, Health Sciences Physics, Health Sciences Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Vital Signs, and Introductions to Invasive and Noninvasive Cardiology.
For the associate degree, general education courses in English, math, sciences, social sciences and humanities must be completed. The program starts with the basic courses for cardiovascular technology, which are included in the diploma program. Added to these are the more advanced and technical courses for Invasive and Non-invasive Cardiology; in addition: Electrophysiology and Cardiac Anatomy, Advanced Hemodynamics, Sonographic Physics, Patient Assessment and Advanced Cardiac Life support.
Some of the courses will include a laboratory portion for experiential learning and skill development. The ending practicum courses consist of rotations in different clinical sites located within Georgia and also in Alabama and Florida.
Completing the diploma or associate program will qualify you to take the national Registry in Cardiac or Vascular Technology exam which is administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Another registry organization is the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Passing either exam qualifies you as a “registered” technologist and will enhance your chances of being hired since most employers require this credential.
Salaries and Job Outlook for Cardiac Technologists in Georgia
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the following annual wage earnings in 2013. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians earned an average annual salary for this occupation of $53,470 in Georgia. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers averaged $60,010 in Georgia.
BLS reported in 2012 that the outlook through 2022 for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians was 39 percent, or much faster than average. There is also a good deal of flexibility, as you can shift to another area of ultrasound, or specialize in different age groups. Additional education can also open up opportunities.
To enhance your chances for employment, you should take every opportunity to network and broaden your experience in the field. The contacts you make when enrolled in the practicum can open possibilities for future jobs. You can look for career opportunities in hospitals, physicians’ offices, medical clinics, mobile outreach companies, cardiac equipment companies, or research groups.
Start researching your educational options today by requesting information from the schools listed on our site.