Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in North Carolina
There are many career opportunities in the field of cardiovascular technology (sonography) as this non-invasive testing is often the choice of cardiologists to diagnose and treat patients with cardiac disease. Cardiovascular technologists or sonographers can get a certificate, an Associate of Science, a Bachelor of Science or Master’s Degree in this field.
Reach out to the North Carolina schools with echocardiography programs listed below to learn more about getting started.
The American Society of Echocardiography recommends an accredited program that combines didactic classes and clinical instruction. After graduation, when you take the exam for national certification, you will have successfully proved your knowledge and skills for your new career.
The duties for cardiac sonographers have advanced in recent years due to new tools in cardiovascular ultrasound. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) along with cardiac mechanics are gaining broader acceptance as sonographers have learned new imaging modalities and this science has gained a new understanding.
North Carolina has several accredited programs available, but they may be titled differently. An Associate of Science degree in diagnostic cardiac sonography may be called echocardiograph sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography, cardiovascular sonography or cardiovascular technology. A one-year certificate program may be earned if you already have an associate degree in the medical field. In addition, there are online programs available where you study at home and complete your clinical requirements in a local healthcare facility with a preceptor.
The typical admission criteria includes an official high school graduation or high school equivalency, an official transcript of any college work and passing scores on placement tests.
Some of the required courses required to become a certified echocardiology technician in North Carolina may include:
- English
- General Biology
- Math
- Physics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Integrated Software Intro
- Health, Safety & Nutrition
- Digital Electronics
- Medical Law and Ethics
Once you have graduated from college you are eligible to take the Sonographic Principles & Instrumentation and Adult Echo registry exam. The certification exam is offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or the exam by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International certifies you to become a registered cardiac sonographer (CCI). This may look good on your resume and help you get your desired job.
If you need financial assistance, complete the FAFSA application, which offers federal grants based on income. North Carolina has the CFNC organization, a grant program to help NC students who demonstrate financial need.
Echo Tech Careers in North Carolina
Cardiac sonographers in North Carolina earn an average of $65,230 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018).
Graduates may find positions in hospitals, doctor’s offices, mobile clinics, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and educational institutions. The number of cardiovascular technologists may increase by 15% between 2016 and 2026 in North Carolina, according to O*Net (2018). The rapid growth may translate to job security for skilled technologists.
This is a career that may satisfy you if you enjoy working with people and there are many opportunities for achievement with this career. Contact the schools in North Carolina with cardiac ultrasound programs today to learn more.
North Carolina
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (Asheville, NC)
Programs Offered:
Associate in Applied Science in Medical Sonography
Associate in Applied Science in Radiography
Computed Tomography & Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology Diploma
Computed Tomography Technology Certificate
Brightwood College (Charlotte, NC)
Programs Offered:
Medical Assistant – Diploma
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist – Diploma
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (Hudson, NC)
Programs Offered:
Associate in Applied Science in Cardiovascular Sonography
Associate in Applied Science in Medical Sonography
Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
Cardiovascular Sonography Certificate Program
Echocardiography Certificate Program
Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC)
Programs Offered:
Technical Certificate in Medical Sonography
Technical Certificate in Radiography
Carteret Community College (Morehead City, NC)
Programs Offered:
Associate in Applied Science in Radiography
Forsyth Technical Community College (Winston Salem, NC)
Programs Offered:
Advanced Placement Diploma Program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Associate in Applied Science in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Sonography
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Sonography
Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
Cardiovascular Sonography Diploma
Non-Clinical Certificate in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology
Traditional Clinical Certificate in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology
Traditional Non-Clinical Certificate in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology
Johnston Community College (Smithfield, NC)
Programs Offered:
Associate in Science in Cardiac and Vascular Sonography
Associate in Science in Medical Sonography
Associate in Science in Radiography
CT/MRI Technology Certificate
CT/MRI Technology Diploma Program
Miller-Motte College (Cary, NC / Fayetteville, NC / Jacksonville, NC / Raleigh, NC / Wilmington, NC)
Programs Offered:
Dental Assisting – Associate of Applied Science
Electronic Health Records – Associate of Applied Science
Medical Billing and Coding – Certificate
Medical Clinical Assistant – Diploma
Medical Clinical Assistant – Diploma
Surgical Technology – Associate of Applied Science
Pitt Community College (Winterville, NC)
Programs Offered:
Abdominal Sonography Certificate
Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diploma Program
Computed Tomography Certificate
Echocardiography Diploma Program
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate
OB/GYN Sonography Certificate
South College (Asheville, NC)
Programs Offered:
AAS Medical Assisting
AAS Physical Therapist Assistant
AAS Radiologic Technology
AS Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
AS Health Science
AS Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy)
AS Occupational Therapy Assistant
BS Health Science (Post PTA)
BS Health Science w/Con Diagnostic Medical Sonography
BS Radiological Sciences
CERT Computed Tomography
CERT Magnetic Resonance Imaging
CERT Medical Assisting
CERT Surgical Technology
South Piedmont Community College (Polkton, NC)
Programs Offered:
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Sonography
Southwestern Community College (Sylva, NC)
Programs Offered:
Associate in Applied Science in Medical Sonography
Associate in Applied Science in Radiography