Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Ohio
The duties of sonographers have evolved over the past few years, and this field is one of the fastest growing in the healthcare industry. The American Society of Echocardiography recommends attending a program that is accredited by the Condition on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs if you are interested in working in the field of Echocardiography or Cardiac Sonography.
To find accredited programs in Ohio, contact the schools listed on our site for program details and more information. Certificates, Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees are each available for this career. If a Cardiac Sonographer is your career goal, you will have to choose which accredited program best meets your needs.
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologist Ohio is one of the 31 states that is working to increase preventative health care, but they do not require a license for the technician.
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in Ohio
Ohio has twelve accredited programs throughout the state, in addition to several online programs. Cuyahoga Community College has a certification and an associate degree program for sonographers. Prior to entrance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program for an associate degree some prerequisites need to be met.
This includes submitting high school transcripts or GED scores from all previously attended schools. Take the English, Biology & Math Placement test, then make an appointment to meet with the counselor.
The standard general education requirements must be met, such English, algebra and two courses in arts and humanities. Other required courses that may need to be completed prior to the sonography program include:
- Collates Composition I
- Applied Algebra & Mathematical reasoning
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Concepts of Physics in Diagnostic Sonography
- Introduction to Sonography
- Patient Care Skills
These required courses total 20 credits, and a letter grade of C or better must be achieved. These courses must be completed prior to your admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in many cases.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program courses typically include:
- Initial Sonographic Scanning
- Echocardiography
- Doppler Principles and Instrumentation
- Medical Terminology I
- General Psychology or Honors General Psychology
- Field Experience I
- Intermediate Sonographic Scanning
- Echocardiography II
- Final Field Experience II
- Cross-Cultural Competency for Health
- A Graphic Case Studies
- Sonographic Principles, Performance and Safety
- Field Experience III
- Physics Review
- Sonography Capstone
By graduation you will have completed 71-72 credits, and you should be ready to take the certification exam offered by ARDMS. The Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) exam assesses your knowledge and skills. The cost of this exam is $250.
If you need financial assistance, visit the Financial Aid Office and complete a FAFSA application, which is a federal grant based on your income. The Ohio Higher Educate has state grants and scholarships available.
Echo Tech Careers in Ohio
Ohio is expecting a 22 percent growth for this job by 2022. According to O*Net Online the average annual income for 2013 was $67,530.
Sonographers typically work in hospitals, in clinics or in other healthcare facilities. Since Ohio has one of the highest employment rates for ultrasound technicians, this is a career that may offer a good degree of job security.
This career is ideal for the person that can be flexible, and one that also enjoys working with people. There are times that they will work independently, so having confidence in your skills as a sonographer is important. This is a very interesting career and it may be one that you can advance forward with an increase in your income.
Contact the cardiac ultrasound schools in Ohio that interest you to gather more information about how to proceed.