Program Description

PROFESSION
The Certificate in Cardiac Sonography is a 12-month program. Coursework and clinical time in this program involves more in depth concentrated study of assessment of the heart. It includes extensive study of the heart hemodynamics, normal anatomy, disease processes, and patient treatment. The Cardiac Sonography program begins each Fall. This program prepares students to sit for the board exam and RDCS credentialing exam. All students are required to take and pass the ARDMS Standard Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before completion of the program. This program does require a previous associate/bachelors degree in any field.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALING
Upon completion of the certificate requirements, the student is eligible to sit for the national examination board of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and obtain their RDCS credential.

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

Twelve (12) months

Possible Careers

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)

Application Deadlines

There are currently no published application deadlines.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must fulfill ONE of the following three requirements.
  1. Any Associate degree from an accredited college or university (science area preferred).
  2. Any Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university (science area preferred).
  3. Be a graduate of an accredited Allied Health program, including nursing (2-year, LVN, registered nurse).

Prerequisites

All applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses within the past five years:

  • Anatomy and Physiology, two-part sequence with labs
  • Medical Terminology
  • Introduction to Physics
  • College Algebra, can have a higher level class, such as Calculus.
  • Fundamentals of Health Care (taken before entering the program at LLU the Summer prior to starting the program.)
  • Complete 8 hours of observation (volunteer/employee) in the LLUMC Sonography Department.

CPR Requirement Students are required to have a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association upon admission into the program. Students must maintain it for the entire length of the program.

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The University's medical sonography curricula in both general sonography and echocardiography have been accredited since 1983 by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2025-2026

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
3
Tuition & Fees $17,042 $4,389
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$2,900 $850

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
3
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $12,015 $4,005
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $19,800 $6,600
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $20,655 $6,885
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $7,290 $2,430
  • Off Campus
    		•  $19,800 $6,600
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $1,050
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,285 $1,095
    Federal Student Loan Fees $79 $29
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 $525
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request

    Notes

    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.