To prepare competent entry-level Cardiac Sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

This degree plan is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (Echocardiographer) through classroom study and a supervised clinical experience. The Echocardiography technologist performs cardiovascular examinations to produce a picture of a heart and great vessels using high-frequency sound waves. These examinations are used to diagnose congenital heart disease, valvular disease, pericardial disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular disorders. Types of examinations include 2D and 3D Echo, M-mode and color flow Doppler, as well as Transesophageal and Stress Studies. The Echocardiographer may work in hospitals, clinics and physicians’ offices.

The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC/DMS).

Individuals interested in enrolling in the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program must apply to the program. Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography admission forms, criteria and admission procedures are available from the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program or by visiting www.lit.edu. Applications are online only.  The applications open the first business day in January until the last day in February.  Applications will be notified by May 15th if they have or have not been chosen for the program by the applications committee.  Selected applicants will begin the program in the Summer I semester.

A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all courses required for graduation listed on the degree plan. Students successfully completing the program will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography. Applicants may obtain additional information relating to the program by contacting the program director.

Upon completion of the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program, students will be eligible to take examinations for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification in the specialty area of Adult Echocardiography (AE).

The number of students accepted into the program is limited to space available in clinical agencies.
 

Student Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Summarize the basic principles and actions of sound

• Explain sound production and propagation

• Describe the interaction of ultrasound and human tissue

• Describe pulse-echo principles and actions

• Recognize transducer options

• Interpret methods of Doppler flow analysis

• Identify elements of quality assurance

• Recognize image artifacts

• Describe potential bio-effects

• Apply principles of ultrasound instrumentation and operation

• Utilize operator control options

• Summarize techniques for recording sonographic images

• Relate advances in equipment/transducer design

• Demonstrate knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy

• Identify sonographic cross-sectional anatomic images

• Recognize body planes

• Recognize pathologic processes in the cardiac structures

• Recognize the normal and abnormal sonographic appearance of cardiac structures

• Demonstrate appropriate transducer selection and scanning technique

• Evaluate patient history and lab data

• Demonstrate knowledge of patient confidentiality laws and abide by HIPAA Law guidelines

• Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards

• Demonstrate knowledge of patient’s rights

• Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and all members of the healthcare team

• Provide compassionate patient care and education to promote overall well-being

• Act in a professional manner within recognized ethical and legal standards

• Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient data to facilitate optimum diagnostic result

• Perform sonographic procedures appropriately and accurately recording all anatomic and physiologic information for interpretation by a physician

• Document and present complete and accurate sonographic findings to the interpreting physician in order to facilitate patient diagnosis

• Demonstrate the ability to think critically during the performance of sonographic procedures to provide optimum diagnostic services

• Maintain optimal function of the sonographic equipment

• Assist physician during invasive ultrasound guided procedures

• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning