Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Indiana
Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography) Programs in Indiana
The state of Indiana offers students a choice of programs at a variety of CAAHEP accredited schools with options for an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Students interested in specializing further within echocardiography may also consider a concentration in vascular sonography. To learn more about the differences and similarities of these programs, contact the Indiana cardiac sonography programs you see listed below.
The role of an echocardiography technologist is an essential part of today’s hospital, clinic, or physician’s office environment. An echo tech must understand advanced medical concepts, as well as develop interpersonal skills for speaking with patients as they undergo procedures.
Within Indiana, the future for trained echo techs seems positive with plans by the state to expand upon Indiana health coverage programs. A recent article in Modern Healthcare suggests the state is prepared to expand Medicaid coverage to an estimated 350,000 residents. In addition, the nationwide aging of the population and the arrival at retirement age of millions of baby boomers is expected to increase the number of jobs in the healthcare sector over the next decade.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites positive growth in a number of healthcare professions with echo tech jobs expected to see an extraordinary 39 percent jump in available jobs in the next decade.
Graduates have many diverse opportunities for employment after graduation. One of the most rewarding routes is to work with community health clinics that provide services to low-income residents, as well as elderly residents in need of diagnostic work.
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in Indiana
High school students looking for a career in health care that features a strong science and technology component will want to look at cardiac ultrasound programs in Indiana. Indiana’s echo tech programs are scattered around the state, so students may be able to live at home while attending a nearby college, which may help reduce the cost of attending school. In addition, students will want to investigate Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program, which helps students plan for college, as well as find funds for scholarships.
Depending upon the program you enter, the curriculum will usually present a combination of classroom learning, as well as laboratory classes and clinical rotations. During classroom study, students will learn about topics like ultrasound physics, cardiac anatomy, and physiology. On the clinical and laboratory side of study, students will learn how to perform duties that will be required of the student once he or she enters the workforce after graduation. You may have the opportunity to intern with a working health care facility and observe professionals conducting actual procedures.
It will take approximately two years to complete your associate’s degree in echocardiography or four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree. During study, students will also require various certifications and testing such as a valid CPR certification, as well as proof of immunizations and a TB test.
Echo Tech Careers in Indiana
Healthcare training has become popular because of the expectation that new jobs in the industry will continue to grow at a healthy rate in the next decade. However, students with an interest in health care may benefit even more from training in diagnostic medical sonography because work is available with an associate’s degree with pay that exceeds $29 an hour, according to the BLS. The annual median income for sonographers in Indiana is $62,920, according to the BLS (2013).
The majority of employers require that applicants gain certification as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer with the ARDMS.
Accredited programs should provide you with the knowledge you need to successfully pass the certification exam. Once certified, graduates may seek out work in almost any medical facility that handles diagnostic sonography.
Work is available in the public sector, as well as the private sector. Echocardiography technicians often work in environments like hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices. In addition, graduates may find work with the companies that manufacture diagnostic equipment, as well as in education as a teacher or instructor on the topic of cardiac ultrasounds. Overall, employment opportunities for the profession can be diverse and exciting.
Contact cardiac ultrasound schools in Indiana today to learn more about what programs are available!