I already have a Bachelor's degree or experience in the healthcare field. Will this decrease the time it takes to complete the Cardiac Sonographer program?
While it may decrease the number of general education courses you would need to complete, the program is set up in sequenced courses by semester.
Regardless of previous degrees or experience, the Cardiac Sonography program still takes two years to complete.
What is the job market outlook for a Cardiac Sonographer?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of Cardiac Sonographers will grow 14 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.  
If I decide to continue my education, are there bachelor degree programs available in the field of Cardiac Sonographer?
Yes, there are bachelor degree opportunities offered at Bowling Green State University, Ohio University, Lourdes College, and Siena Heights University. 
What are the career opportunities for a Cardiac Sonographer?
Sonography is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past 20 years.
Cardiac Sonographers can choose to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization.
Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives, etc.
What are the progression/completion requirements for the Cardiac Sonography Program?
All students entering or enrolled in the Cardiac Sonography Program must achieve a “C” or better in all program and general education courses within the plan of study to progress through the program. 
A student who fails to achieve a grade of “C” or better in any course within the plan of study must see the Program Director.
The Cardiac Sonography Program must be completed within three years from the date enrollment in the first program technical course.  
All program courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed. General education courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed or prior, as many program courses have pre-requisites.
Do I have to take an exam after I graduate from the Cardiac Sonographer program?
Yes, to become credentialed and practice as a Cardiac Sonographer, graduates must take and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
To maintain this credential registrants must submit 30 hours of continuing education every three years.
Is there a waiting list for the Cardiac Sonography Program?
No, the Cardiac Sonography Program does not maintain a waiting list. Each year the top students are offered admission based on admissions points.
If a student is not accepted, they may apply in subsequent years. However, no preference is given to previous applicants. For further information about admissions points, please contact the Admissions Office at (567) 661-7777 to request an appointment with an Admission Representative.
Will I be able to work while attending the Cardiac Sonographer program? Is the Cardiac Sonographer program offered in the evenings or weekends?
Students in the program have found that having a part-time job is manageable, but does require excellent time management skills. The student must consider that during the second year of the program, clinical education consists of 32 hours per week.
Clinical Education is usually conducted on four weekdays, from approximately 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., so it is important to take this into consideration when making a decision about working. 
Courses are offered during the day. Evening hours may also be required in those courses that offer a laboratory component. There are no weekend course offerings. Sonography courses are sequenced to provide one annual offering of each course. 
What type of salary can a Cardiac Sonographer expect to receive?
In addition to excellent career opportunities, salaries for sonographers are competitive with or higher than other professionals with similar levels of education.
According to the SDMS Salary and Benefits Survey report, the median salary for cardiac sonographers is $73,133. This income includes hourly salary, overtime, and on-call pay.
The typical hourly pay rate is $35. The typical sonographer is on-call 15 hours per week with the on-call pay rate of $3.00 per hour and the call-in rate of pay of $50 per hour.
Salaries vary depending on years of experience, number of specialties practiced, as well geographic location. There are opportunities for full-time, part-time, and PRN employment. 
What scholarships or financial aid is available for Cardiac Sonographer students?
Student Financial Services is the place for you to ask questions related to financial aid.
How long is the associate degree for the Cardiac Sonographer program?
Full time students can complete the program in two years (six semesters). Students are required to complete the program in three years from when they enter the program.
The program begins in June of each calendar year. 
What does a Cardiac Sonographer do?
A cardiac sonographer, also known as an echocardiographer, is a highly-skilled professional who uses a transducer to image the heart. The transducer works like a loudspeaker and microphone because it can transmit sound and receive sound.
The transducer detects sound waves as they bounce off the internal structures. Different structures in the body reflect these sound waves differently and are used to make an image on a screen.
Cardiac sonographers assess the structure and function of a patient's heart using 2D or 3D imaging.
The images they obtain, called an echocardiogram, help physicians diagnose heart problems and develop appropriate treatment plans.
