Program Details
Average starting salary is $68,750*
*Salary information provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Overview
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Technologists are often referred to as echocardiographers or vascular technologists. These technologists use ultrasound to create images of the cardiovascular system and Doppler technology to collect vital hemodynamic information from the heart and peripheral vascular system. Their work typically involves them working largely in a one-on-one capacity with patients, from neonates to the geriatric population. Knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, equipment optimization and patient care skills are essential in this line of work. Some imaging labs require technologists to be on call or work flexible schedules. Graduates of the Cardiovascular Ultrasound Technologist program are eligible to earn a nationally recognized credential in the field which is typically required for employment.
Accreditation:
The Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). Instruction is consistent with the curriculum frameworks as administered by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). Additional information about CAAHEP can be found at caahep.org. CAAHEP is located at 9355 113th Street N. #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Their phone number is 727-210-2350.
Licensure and Certification:
Successful completion of all degree requirements may provide you eligibility to take the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) and Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) certification exams offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International. You may also qualify to take the exam specializing in Sonography offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the multiple sonography specialty exams offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. If you are a student who resides outside of Florida, Santa Fe College has not made a determination that its degree program or curriculum meets educational requirements for professional licensure in your state. Please locate and contact the Licensure Board in your state in order to determine whether this degree program will meet their licensure requirements.
Requirements for Admission
The following prerequisite requirements must be completed in order to apply to the Cardiovascular Sonography program:
- Possess a 2.50 or higher overall college GPA
- Complete the following coursework with a grade of 'C' or higher:
- ENC1101 College Composition
- BSC2085/L Anatomy and Physiology 1 with lab
- BSC2086/L Anatomy and Physiology 2 with lab
- PHY1007/L Physics or CHM1030 Elements Chemistry with lab
- One Social/Behavioral Science course
- One Humanities/Fine Arts course
- Complete an interest essay at time of application (Essay must be 500 words or less. Criteria and submission instructions noted on the online application screen).
All transcripts and coursework must be evaluated and accepted by SF College prior to the application date in order to qualify for application.
Program Cost, Scholarships and Aid
All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice.
| Program Costs: | |
| In-state Tuition (77 credit hours) | $8,221.29 |
| Out-of-state Tuition (77 credit hours) | $29,483.30 |
| Lab Fees | $1208.54 |
| Uniforms | $120.00 |
| Books | $503.00 |
| Laptop computer with webcam | $550.00 |
| Health Physical and Immunizations | up to $450.00 |
| Flu Vaccinations (2) | $40 |
| American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR | $55 |
| Level 2 and Expanded National Background Screening; drug test; Student Requirements Tracking Database (Precheck) | $185.00 |
| Clinical Tracking Software | $100.00 |
| CCI Board Exams | $365.00 - $475.00 |
| Additional mid-program background checks/drug screen | $130.00 |
| Total In-State: | $12,037.83 |
| Total Out-of-State: | $33,299.84 |
| Scholarships: |
| There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply. |
| Financial Aid: |
| There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply. |
Selection Criteria / Points System
Selection criteria and points system is subject to change. It is the applicant's responsibility to check with the Health Sciences Advisement Office for up-to-date requirements and information.
| Prior Degree and/or Certification: Maximum Points = 9 Only one degree may be used for points. | Points Allotted: |
| B.A./B.S. or M.A./M.S. | 7 points |
| A.A. or A.S. | 2 points |
| Current Direct Patient Care Health-Related Certification or Licensure (CNA, EMT, Medical Assistant, etc) Must have a valid certification or licensure. | 2 points |
| Prerequisite Coursework GPA: courses required for application Maximum Points = 20 | Points Allotted: |
| 3.75 to 4.00 | 20 points |
| 3.50 to 3.74 | 16 points |
| 3.25 to 3.49 | 12 points |
| 3.00 to 3.24 | 8 points |
| 2.50 to 2.99 | 4 points |
| Additional Courses: Maximum Points = 13 These courses are not required for the program curriculum but will strengthen the applicant's background and readiness. | A | B+ | B | C+ |
| MAC1105 College Algebra or higher | 8 | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| ENC1102 College Composition 2 or higher | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Military Service: Maximum Points = 5 |
| Five points will be awarded to US Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans. Includes recent Reservist and National Guard combat deployments. DD-214 or proof of current service required. Minimum of 1 year active duty service required. Part-time Reservist or National Guard service must be documented separately and equal 365 active duty days (i.e., weekend service, annual 2-week assignment and deployment). Service dates may be combined with proper documentation. Veterans who receive a general discharge must be classified without misconduct. |
Program Goals and Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will identify appropriate indications for a cardiac or vascular ultrasound exam.
- Students will obtain pertinent patient histories and vital signs for the cardiovascular ultrasound patient.
- Students will identify and obtain standard views for echocardiography and carotid duplex ultrasound exams.
- Students will apply a working knowledge of cardiac and vascular pathology, as evidenced by producing complete, disease-specific tailored exams.
- Students will demonstrate appropriate patient care in the lab and clinical settings.
- Students will demonstrate a professionalism in the lab and clinical settings.
Program Length, Format, and Curriculum
The Cardiovascular Sonography program spans five semesters with courses meeting in a variety of formats to include: on-campus, online, and virtually. In addition, students will conduct clinical internships at local and regional hospitals.
The program is academically rigorous and requires students to be available Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The program is a total of 77.0 credit hours, including pre-requisite requirements. Program core courses: 56.0 credit hours. Pre-requisite courses: 21.0 credit hours.
The Technical courses must be taken as a cohort in the order indicated below. The prerequisite requirements listed in "Requirements for Admission" may be taken in any order based on course offerings.
| Term 1 Spring (14.0 credit hours) | ||
| CVT1120C | CVT Patient Care with Lab | 3.0 |
| CVT1270 | Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| CVT1261 | CVT Anatomy and Physiology | 2.0 |
| CVT1500 | EKG | 2.0 |
| CVT1610 | Ultrasound Physics | 2.0 |
| CVT1616C | Physics 2 with lab | 2.0 |
| Term 2 Summer (8.0 credit hours) | ||
| CVT2320 | Vascular 1 | 3.0 |
| CVT2320L | Vascular 1 Lab | 1.0 |
| CVT2620 | Echo 1 | 3.0 |
| CVT2620L | Echo 1 Lab | 1.0 |
| Term 3 Fall (12.0 credit hours) | ||
| CVT2321 | Vascular 2 | 4.0 |
| CVT2321L | Vascular 2 Lab | 1.0 |
| CVT2621 | Echo 2 | 4.0 |
| CVT2621L | Echo 2 Lab | 1.0 |
| CVT1200C | Pharmacology and ACLS | 2.0 |
| Term 4 Spring (12.0 credit hours) | ||
| CVT2840 | CVT Practicum 1 | 8.0 |
| CVT2920 | Cardio Tech as a Professional | 2.0 |
| CVT2930 | Advanced CV Concepts | 2.0 |
| Term 5 Summer (10.0 credit hours) | ||
| CVT2841 | CVT Practicum 2 | 8.0 |
| CVT2931 | Critical Care/Imaging Modalities | 2.0 |
Performance Standards
The Cardiovascular Sonography Program (CVT) is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on these requirements, the following list of Program Performance Standards has been developed. Each standard has an example of activities which a student will be required to perform, with or without an accommodation, while enrolled in the CVT program. The Program Performance Standards should be used as a guide to assist applicants in determining whether or not accommodations or modifications are necessary in order to meet program participation requirements. Applicants who identify potential difficulties with meeting the Program Performance Standards should communicate their concerns to the Academic Chair for Allied Health Programs. If the concern is related to a documented disability, applicants are responsible for contacting the Disabilities Resource Center. Determination of reasonable and appropriate accommodation will be made on an individual basis in consultation with the Disability Resource Center. Additionally, applicants should assess their aptitude and ability to perform professional duties by reviewing the Program Performance Standards below and discussing them with their healthcare provider.
Issue | Standard | Examples |
Critical Thinking | Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment. | Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations. Make accurate independent decisions. Concentrate and focus attention for prolonged periods of time to attain precise testing results. Ability to work alone as well as a member of a team. Apply reasoning and evaluation skills necessary in the safe technical performance of cardiovascular procedures. |
Interpersonal | Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. | Display patience, empathy and concern for others. Deal with fear and hostility in a calm manner. Demonstrate a high degree of patience. Work with other health care providers in stressful life/death situations. |
Communication | Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. | Communicate needs in a sensitive, prompt, clear and concise manner to a diverse population. Accurately document pertinent information. Follow verbal and/or written instructions. Interact with patients and other health care providers in a professional manner. |
Mobility | Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; maneuver in small places. | Walk to and from departments. Maneuver nimbly in small spaces. Respond swiftly to patient's needs, manipulate equipment, lift a minimum of 30lbs, exert a sustained force of 20lbs, push/pull mobile equipment weighing up to 300lbs; participate as a team member of four in moving an incapacitated patient; ensure patient safety; stand for prolonged periods of time (sometimes wearing a 12-20lb lead apron underneath gown); walking equivalent of 5 miles per day; sit for periods of 1 hour. |
Tactile and Motor Skills | Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform cardiovascular technology skills. | Ability to grasp, hold, grip, seize, turn or otherwise manipulate work with hands. Work with fingers to manipulate switches, dials and other computer equipment. Input data into computer. Perform palpations. |
Hearing | Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. | Communicate verbally with patients and other health care providers. Detect and evaluate the sounds of cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, Doppler, IV pumps, fire alarms, etc.. |
Visual | Visual ability sufficient for physical observation. | Observe and monitor patients. Manipulate equipment and evaluate image quality in conditions of low ambient lighting. Detect color on image display. |
Professional Appearance | As a representative of SF College and the Cardiovascular Technology Program, students must abide by specific professional appearance guidelines required by our clinical affiliates. Hair must be maintained within the range of natural color and must be conservative in length and style. Completely shaved or bald styles are acceptable; however, no partially shaved or one-sided haircuts are permitted. Visible tattoos must be covered by garments at all times. Visible body piercings are not allowed and earlobe gauges must be covered. Earrings are limited to one stud-style pair per ear. Clothing and footwear must comply with standards prescribed by the program. Facial hair should be kept neat and trimmed short. Artificial nails, nail polish, jewelry, watches and perfume are not permitted. | |
Program Effectiveness
To view the program's effectiveness data, please go to the Health Sciences Program Effectiveness page.
Take the Next Step!
Please note that Santa Fe College will never sell or share your personal information.