Training to Become a Cardiac Sonographer
A cardiac sonographer or echocardiogram tech (echo tech for short) is an allied health professional who runs echocardiogram tests and presents findings to the cardiologist. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound machine used to take moving pictures of the heart with the use of sound waves, enabling cardiologists to make proper diagnoses when it comes to heart disease.
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Instructions
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Apply to and get accepted into a cardiac sonography program. Most programs are two years in length and offered by community colleges which confer an associate's degree. Strength in physics, biology and math is necessary.
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Complete your program. All sonography programs will involve acquiring practical experience in area hospitals and health care facilities. Students are required to maintain CPR certification during their studies.
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Get certified. After completing your Associate's degree program in cardiac sonography you will need to take and pass the exams needed to get certified. There are two options for certification, each offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). The CCI offers Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) certification while the ARDMS offers the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification. There is a link below to CCI and ARDMS certification processes.
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Get licensed. In addition to certification most states require allied health care professionals to be licensed. Check your state health licensing board for specific requirements.
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Get a job. The best way to become great at your chosen profession is to start practicing. Cardiac sonographers are greatly in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for cardiac sonographers is expected to rise because of the aging population.
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