Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography

Certificate

Hours: 17 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography at Fort Hays State University provides a thorough, immersive experience in cardiac sonography's fundamentals and advanced techniques. This program is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their healthcare sector capabilities or those transitioning into this high-demand field.

Students engage in theoretical and practical learning, culminating in a robust clinical preceptorship that ensures they are knowledgeable and adept in applying their skills in real-world settings. The program's curriculum includes studies on cardiac care, the operation of diagnostic equipment, and patient management, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Why pursue a Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography at Fort Hays State University?

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program offers a unique blend of practical and theoretical education designed to produce proficient cardiac sonographers. Unlike many programs, FHSU provides an integrated approach with real-world application at its core, ensuring that graduates are ready to handle the challenges of the medical field.

The program's curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest advancements in technology and methodologies, preparing students to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. Our strong links with healthcare providers and equipment manufacturers also ensure that students have access to the newest tools and techniques in sonography.

Who is this program for?

The Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography is crafted for individuals aiming to specialize in cardiac sonography within the broader field of diagnostic medical sonography. Whether you are an established healthcare professional or a new sonography graduate seeking a career change, this program provides the specialized education and clinical training needed to thrive in allied health professions. Students must be certified in Ultrasound to complete this program. This program is ideal for:

Certified Sonographers looking to expand their knowledge of cardiac imaging
New sonography graduates looking to expand beyond general ultrasound

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program at Fort Hays State University is dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills essential to becoming proficient diagnostic cardiac sonographers. Below are the key learning outcomes that prepare our students to excel in medical ultrasound and sonography.

Mastery of Sonographic Technology and Techniques

Students will gain a deep understanding of high-frequency sound waves and their application in medical imaging. The curriculum focuses on the technical aspects of generating accurate diagnostic data through advanced imaging techniques. Upon successful completion, graduates can produce images that aid in cardiac diagnosis and treatment, making them valuable healthcare team members.

Clinical Proficiency in Diverse Health Care Settings

Through extensive clinical rotations at accredited clinical sites, program students will develop the ability to apply their sonographic skills in real-world settings. These experiences are designed to hone their competencies in handling various sonographic equipment and scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared for national registry examinations.

Comprehensive Patient Care and Education

Our program emphasizes the importance of patient education and ethical treatment in healthcare. Students learn to communicate effectively with patients, explaining procedures and answering questions to ease concerns. This outcome is pivotal in training graduates who empathize with patients and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Professional Development and Preparedness for Certification

The curriculum prepares students for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers’ Cardiac Sonography Exam. In addition to technical and clinical skills, the program also focuses on professional development areas such as case study reviews, job placement strategies, and preparation for information sessions that might be crucial for career advancement.

Real-World Applications

This program is intensely focused on practical application. Students learn about the latest techniques in cardiac sonography and apply these skills in clinical settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. This hands-on approach is augmented by a comprehensive preceptorship program, allowing students to experience the day-to-day responsibilities of a diagnostic cardiac sonographer.

The curriculum ensures that students can perform various diagnostic procedures, understand complex medical terminology and patient data, and effectively communicate findings to other healthcare professionals. This blend of skills prepares graduates for immediate entry into professional roles, equipped to contribute effectively to patient care and diagnosis.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

FHSU integrates the latest advancements in diagnostic medical technology and educational methods into the Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program. The curriculum includes training on the newest sonographic equipment and techniques, ensuring students are well-prepared for changes and innovations in the field.

The program also incorporates ongoing patient management and care technology developments, making it a forward-thinking choice for students looking to make an impact in healthcare. This commitment to innovation enhances learning and ensures that our graduates are sought-after professionals.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program emphasizes real-world experience through its extensive clinical preceptorship. Students spend significant time in healthcare settings, applying their knowledge and skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This direct exposure to the field is complemented by applied scanning labs on campus, simulations, and lab work on campus, which are designed to mimic real-life scenarios.

The program also offers workshops and seminars led by experts in sonography, providing additional practical insights and learning opportunities. These activities ensure that students learn and apply the techniques effectively, preparing them for immediate professional engagement upon graduation.

What You’ll Learn:

Fundamentals of sonography technology
Detailed cardiac anatomy and physiology
Techniques for obtaining diagnostic cardiac images
Ethical considerations in patient care
Preparation for certification examinations

How You’ll Learn:

Engage in real-world clinical settings
Direct instruction from experienced professionals
Interactive online and in-person classes
Access to the latest sonography research and techniques
Regular feedback and assessments to ensure competency

Courses

The Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography provides a comprehensive curriculum covering cardiac anatomy, physiology, and the principles of diagnostic cardiac sonography. Students gain foundational knowledge of cardiovascular structures and learn the basics of sonography technology and patient care.

Advanced courses focus on detailed imaging techniques for diagnosing cardiovascular conditions. The program includes a clinical preceptorship, offering students hands-on experience in healthcare settings, ensuring they are prepared for immediate entry into the workforce.

DMS 450: Echocardiography I

The course is designed to emphasize the fundamental principles of diagnostic cardiac sonography. The student will learn basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology along with the general protocol for transthoracic echocardiograms. Components of the cardiac cycle will be defined along with an understanding of the different modes of echocardiography, including M-mode, 2-dimensional echocardiography, color flow Doppler, and spectral Doppler.

DMS 451: ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY II

The course is designed to emphasize additional cardiac imaging modalities and understanding the fundamentals of transesophageal echocardiography, stress echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. The student will gain an understanding of the basic embryology of the heart through the 7th week of fetal development and understand the components of fetal circulation. Congenital heart defects and the hemodynamic effects on the cardiovascular system will be defined.

DMS 452: CARDIAC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY I

The course is designed to emphasize cardiac pathologies involving valvular disease, myocarditis, pericarditis, and prosthetic valves. The student will gain an understanding of the hemodynamic effects these pathologies place on the heart and the associated sonographic findings. They can also differentiate between mechanical and bioprosthetic heart valves and understand the associated complications.

Discover the full Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (RDCS) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Admission Requirements

The Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography at Fort Hays State University is designed to prepare students for successful careers as diagnostic cardiac medical sonographers. Admission to this program is competitive, and we seek candidates who demonstrate the potential to contribute significantly to medical imaging. Below are the detailed requirements for admission into the program:

Academic Prerequisites

Applicants must have completed relevant prerequisite courses to have the necessary foundational knowledge. These courses include human anatomy, physiology, and basic sonography principles. Official transcripts must be submitted to verify the completion of these courses, and a minimum GPA may be required to demonstrate academic competence. Additionally, candidates are expected to have a certification in ultrasound. This requirement ensures that students understand medical terminology, patient interaction, and clinical environments, which are crucial for advanced studies in diagnostic medical sonography.

Personal Statement

A well-crafted personal statement is required in which applicants discuss their motivation for pursuing a career in diagnostic cardiac sonography. This statement should reflect a clear understanding of the sonography profession and articulate the applicant's career goals. It should also highlight relevant experiences that have prepared the applicant for this rigorous program.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required. One should come from an academic advisor or faculty member who can attest to the applicant's academic ability and potential for success in a demanding educational setting. The other should be from a healthcare professional who can vouch for the applicant's clinical skills and professional demeanor in healthcare settings.

Completion of Health and Immunization Requirements

Due to the clinical nature of the program, applicants must meet specific health and immunization requirements to ensure safety in clinical settings. This includes vaccinations, tuberculosis testing, and other health screenings mandated by clinical sites and the program.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Applying to the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (DCS) program requires you to complete two applications, one for FHSU and one for the program.

Applicants must be accepted to Fort Hays State University before official admittance to the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (DCS) program.

Apply

Please submit your Certificate in Medical Diagnostic Imaging Application Form

Related Programs

In addition to the Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program, Fort Hays State University offers other related programs in diagnostic imaging and health professions. Exploring these programs can further broaden your expertise and career opportunities in healthcare. Related programs include:

FAQ

How to become a diagnostic cardiac sonographer?

First, enroll in an accredited sonography program or certificate. Then, pass national registry exams to become a registered sonographer. Finally, participate in clinical preceptorships or internships.

How much does a diagnostic cardiac sonographer make?

The median salary is around $75,000 per year, depending on location and experience.

How long is the Certificate in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program?

The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Certificate Program takes six months to complete.

What are the prerequisites for the program?

Anatomy, physiology, sonography fundamentals, and a certification in ultrasound are required for this program.

Information about the Department of Allied Health

The Allied Health Department at FHSU merges health care and technology to provide contemporary on-campus and online programs that prepare students for successful careers in the medical field. Our programs equip you with the skills to operate advanced imaging technologies, enabling you to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating a wide range of health issues. Whether studying on-campus or online, you will benefit from hands-on experience and a curriculum designed to prepare you for in-demand careers in various medical imaging environments.

Our nearly 100% pass rate on national certification exams demonstrates the effectiveness of our curriculum, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for the job market. Faculty members offer personalized academic and career mentoring, helping you secure ideal job opportunities.

Student Organizations

Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (RDCS)

Certificate

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FHSU Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (RDCS)

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