Echocardiography, B.S.

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A student is giving an ultrasound

Department Chair: Ms. Andrea Gutmann

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Mount Aloysius College is designed to prepare students with the ability to perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations required of an entry-level general sonographer. Throughout the length of the program, students will have the opportunity to study the anatomy, physiology and pathology of scanned organ systems, recognize different sonographic patterns, and provide accurate and technical clinical presentations to an interpreting radiologist. Students may choose between two concentrations: General Sonography (Abdominal, OB/GYN, Small Parts) and Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography).

The Cardiac Sonography program is a four-year program in which graduates receive hands-on training on campus and out in the clinical environment to perform sonography evaluations of the heart and great vessels.

Upon completion of the Bachelor Degree in Echocardiography, the graduate will:

Have a solid grounding in liberal arts that includes arts, sciences and advanced imaging modalities;
Be able to effectively interact in the professional setting using various modes of communication;
Understand equipment operation and be able to employ basic interventional procedures to facilitate the production of high-quality images;
Possess advanced knowledge of imaging equipment and accessories, techniques, and procedures demonstrating expertise in several imaging modalities;
Be able to assess various imaging examination procedures and assist in attaining pertinent information in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient;
Understand the code of ethics for imaging specialists, be able to work collaboratively, and attend to patient needs; and
Have developed a commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of personal and professional growth through the participation in educational and professional activities.

Departmental Program Requirements

General Requirements Regardless of Specific Program of Study:

For applicants applying directly into any associate degree program:

Complete work equal to standard high school courses with satisfactory achievement (grade of “C” or better) in Algebra and Chemistry within the previous five years.
- If an incoming student does not have the algebra or chemistry completed within the previous five years, the student will be required to (a) complete courses through NursingABC.com, or (b) enter the program as a Pre-Echocardiography (ECHP) student and complete Math and Chemistry courses prior to matriculation into major.
All applicants must have a minimum of 2.7 GPA;
- 2.7 GPA is pulled from career high school GPA or if student has completed 18-24 credit hours of higher education, whichever is most recent
A student who is admitted as a pre-echocardiography student or coded as pre-echocardiography during a break in enrollment in the program directly must earn a grade of “C” or better in all core courses and courses outside the major. Once the student is matriculated fully into the program, grades of “D” or better are acceptable in all non-major courses and science courses.

It is important that students take the required science coursework, as prescribed by their academic advisor. Failure to do so may delay graduation.
Students that are attending a clinical have multiple requirements that need to be completed and submitted electronically. A clinical experience will not be permitted without a physical exam, titers to ensure immunity to Mumps, Rubella, Rubeola, and Varicella, immunization information for Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis, and Influenza, and a two- step Tuberculosis test. The Health Service Department assists students in creating an account and using a Certified Profile system to upload documentation for approval and tracking.
Students are required to have a current clear urine drug screen, submit to a criminal record check, an FBI fingerprint record check and have a child abuse history clearance.
Students in a Health Studies Division curriculum are assessed a one-time fee to cover incidental expenses connected with your program’s clinical education. One American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED), one urine drug screening, one criminal record check, one FBI fingerprint record check, and one child abuse clearance (if required) are included in the fee. If additional criminal record checks, child abuse clearances or urine drug screens are required, the student will be responsible for any additional costs associated with updating their requirements.
Students are required to have and maintain a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR Certification (Adult, Child, Infant and AED) for the duration of their clinical experience.
Students must provide their own transportation to clinical sites and are responsible for their own room and board during the course, if necessary. Students may be required to relocate due to clinical sites being at a distance.
Please note: Program requirements may be changed as changes in the national standards occur.

For acceptance at the Advanced Level:

Current Registered Technologist with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists OR Completion of an Associate of Science Degree in Radiography must provide documentation of certification through the American of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Specific Ultrasonography Program Requirements (Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, or 2+2 Program)

For entrance into the ultrasonography courses in the 2+2 Medical Imaging/Ultrasonography program, students must first complete the first two years of coursework in radiologic technology. Those students will be exempt from PHYS 103: Applied Physics and MATH 112: College Algebra.
- Radiographic Physics is completed during RAD 103, RAD 110, RAD 204, and RAD 211.
For Radiographers with a hospital diploma in Radiography and graduates of an Associate Degree in Radiography they must possess an Associate of Science Degree in Radiography or provide documentation of certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Students must maintain a 2.7 GPA throughout the program.
The bachelor ECHO degree program in the Ultrasonography department requires summer course work.
If all program prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science Echocardiography program are not completed prior to the start of the fall semester ultrasonography coursework, the student will be placed into the ECHP Track.
Students must attempt the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam during Summer I, the semester before the first clinical rotation.
It is recommended that graduating Ultrasound students in the Medical Imaging and Sciences department should sit for the American Registry of Radiologic (ARRT) for Ultrasound, Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) no later than four weeks after their May graduation date.
Students accepted into the Echocardiography program are contingent upon the number of available clinical sites. This number can fluctuate year to year due to the dynamic nature of the healthcare field. In the event that the volume of students exceeds the number of clinical sites, students will be placed based upon career GPA.
Students must provide their own transportation to clinical sites and are responsible for their own room and board during the course, if necessary. Students may be required to relocate due to clinical sites being at a distance.

Specialization

Students who have selected the Bachelor of Science degree in Echocardiography may choose to specialize in Vascular Ultrasonography. Courses selected for a specialization help to satisfy elective requirements in the major.