Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Rhode Island
With Rhode Island boasting one of the highest annual salaries for echocardiographers in the nation, earning your cardiac sonography degree can open many career opportunities at medical centers across the state.
Contact the cardiac ultrasound programs in Rhode Island that are listed below to get more information about getting started.
As a cardiac sonographer, you will assist surgeons and physicians with capturing images of patients’ hearts, utilizing ultrasound equipment for in-depth examination of the heart’s vessels, chambers, and valves. The field of echocardiography offers career stability as well as allows you to focus on providing direct care to terminally ill and disabled patients.
In order to be successful as a cardiac sonographer, you will need to be able to:
- Create images
- Conduct tests
- Record findings
- Prep patients
As an aspiring cardiac sonographer, you have various degree options to choose from, including a certificate and degree. When enrolling in one of Rhode Island’s medical programs, you should review the program’s accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is the main regulatory body that makes sure cardiac ultrasound programs meet the national medical standards. Attending an accredited college qualifies you for taking the licensing exam.
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in Rhode Island
If you wish to earn your cardiac imaging certificate by taking an intense, one-year program, then you will need to have an associate’s degree in a qualifying medical field, such as medical sonography or nursing. You may also enroll in a two-year associate’s program with a focus in diagnostic cardiac sonography.
Combining classroom work with a clinical practicum, most echocardiography courses focus on cardiac imaging, with the curriculum covering topics in:
- Medical terminology
- Patient care
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
Many colleges in Rhode Island are now offering general bachelor and master’s degrees in cardiovascular technology, but you can have a focus in cardiac imaging. Taking two to four years of classroom instruction, these programs help you gain a deeper understanding of cardiovascular principles and functions, pathophysiology, and advanced medical imaging. Coursework will include a management dimension to cardiac ultrasound, with classes covering topics like laboratory management and information technology.
If you wish to attend college full time, you may take advantage of medical scholarships and loans that may be offered by the college. You may qualify for additional financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education, but you need to apply for the FAFSA to see if you are eligible for a loan, grant, or federal aid.
Echo Tech Careers in Rhode Island
Employment outlook experts are expecting a 39 percent growth in cardiac technologist positions by 2022 (BLS, 2014). With Rhode Island currently employing 150 sonographers, this increase in demand may provide 59 additional employment opportunities over the next few years (BLS, 2014).
Even with this faster-than-average growth rate in the cardiovascular sector, most employers will only hire you if you have ascertained an echocardiography license. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers offers a credentialing exam that ensures you remain current with echocardiography techniques and standards.
With the average annual salary being $67,160 for echocardiographers in Rhode Island, you may further your career and increase your annual salary to around $92,670 by gaining work experience and earning a specialty certificate in adult, adolescent, or pediatric cardiac ultrasound. You can take a credentialing test offered by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists or the American College of Radiology (BLS, 2014).
Click on an accredited echocardiography program to start your career as a successful cardiac ultrasound tech in Rhode Island today.
Rhode Island
Community College of Rhode Island (Warwick, RI)
Programs Offered:
Associate in Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Associate in Applied Science in Radiography (XRAY)
Associates in Radiologic Technology
Certification in Radiologic Technology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate
Lincoln Technical Institute (Lincoln, RI)
Programs Offered:
Dental Assistant – Certificate
Medical Assisting – Certificate
Nursing (Practical)
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate
New England Institute of Technology (East Greenwhich, RI)
Programs Offered:
AS – Medical Laboratory Technology
AS – Nursing
AS – Occupational Therapy Assistant
AS – Paramedic Technology
AS – Physical Therapist Assistant
AS – Respiratory Care
AS – Surgical Technology
Rhode Island College (Providence, RI)
Programs Offered:
Bachelors in Medical Radiologic Technology