Program Description
PROFESSIONThe 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 Length
Twelve (12) monthsPossible Careers
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2025 | Jun 1, 2024 | Oct 15, 2024 | Jan 10, 2025 |
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission, the applicant must fulfill ONE of the following three requirements.- Any Associate degree from an accredited college or university (science area preferred).
- Any Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university (science area preferred).
- 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.
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 2024-2025
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $16,691 | $4,272 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$2,900 | 0 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
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.