Cardiovascular Sonography, A.S.

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Cardiovascular Sonographers 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 Sonography 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, or plan to relocate outside of Florida, Santa Fe College has made the determination that this degree program or curriculum only meets educational requirements for professional licensure in the state of Florida. Please contact the Licensure Board in your state to determine whether this program or curriculum will meet any licensure requirements.

Requirements for Admission

Please note that program prerequisite courses have changed. Carefully review the following information to ensure your application to the Program satisfies the posted requirements.

The following prerequisite requirements must be completed in order to apply to the Cardiovascular Sonography Program that starts Spring 2023:

Possess overall college GPA of 2.50.
Complete the following prerequisite coursework with a grade of "C" or better:
- BSC 2085/L Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
- BSC 2086/L Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
- ENC 1101 College Composition
- Choose one of the following Math courses:
  - MAC 1105 College Algebra
  - MGF 1106 Topics in Math
  - MGF 1107 Contemporary Math
  - STA 2023 Statistics
- Choose one of the following Social/Behavioral Sciences courses:
  - AMH 2020 US History Since 1877
  - POS 2041 American National Government
- Choose one of the following Humanities/Fine Arts courses:
  - ARH 1000 Art Appreciation
  - HUM 2020 Introduction to Humanities
  - LIT 1000 Literature Appreciation
  - MUL 1010 Music Appreciation
  - PHI 2010 Introduction to Philosophy
  - THE 1000 Theater Appreciation

All transcripts and coursework must be evaluated and accepted by Santa Fe College prior to the application date in order to qualify for application.

See Application Dates and Deadlines and closely review other requirements Before You Apply.

Program Cost, Scholarships and Aid

All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice.

Program Costs Breakdown

Tuition for 77 Credit Hours

$8,221.29 Florida Residents
$29,483.30 Non-Florida Residents

Lab Fees: $924.33

Additional Expenses

$200.00 Uniforms/Shoes
$475 Required Textbooks
$550.00 Laptop computer with webcam
$880.00 Health Physical and Immunizations
$50.00 Flu Vaccinations (2)
$55.00 American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR
$216.50 Level 2 and Expanded National Background Screening; drug test
$300.00 Miscellaneous Clinical Requirements: tracking software, database, parking
$475.00 Board Exams
$135.00 Additional mid-program background checks, drug screen, physical update

Program Cost Totals

$11,557.79 Florida Residents
$32,819.80 Non-Florida Residents

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)

B.A./B.S. or higher (7 PTS)
A.A./A.S. (2 PTS)
Current Patient Care Certification (CNA, EMT, Medical Assistant, etc.) (2 PTS)

All-College GPA (Maximum Points = 20)

3.75 – 4.00 (20 PTS)
3.50 – 3.74 (15 PTS)
3.25 – 3.49 (10 PTS)
3.00 – 3.24 (5 PTS)
2.75 – 2.99 (3 PTS)
2.50 – 2.74 (1 PT)

Prerequisite Coursework GPA (Maximum Points = 20)

3.75 – 4.00 (20 PTS)
3.50 – 3.74 (15 PTS)
3.25 – 3.49 (10 PTS)
3.00 – 3.24 (5 PTS)
2.75 – 2.99 (3 PTS)
2.50 – 2.74 (1 PT)

Military Service (5 PTS)

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

Program Goals

To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for adult echocardiography.
To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for non- invasive vascular study.

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 vascular diagnostic 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 hospitals throughout the state of Florida.

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: 57.0 credit hours. Pre-requisite courses: 20 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 credit hours)

CVT1120 CVT Patient Care (2 credit hours)
CVT1120L CVT Patient Care Lab (1 credit hour)
CVT1270 Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)
CVT1261 CVT Anatomy and Physiology (2 credit hours)
CVT1500 EKG (2 credit hours)
CVT1610 Ultrasound Physics (2 credit hours)
CVT1616C Physics 2 with lab (2 credit hours)

Term 2 Summer (8 credit hours)

CVT2320 Vascular 1 (3 credit hours)
CVT2320L Vascular 1 Lab (1 credit hour)
CVT2620 Echo 1 (3 credit hours)
CVT2620L Echo 1 Lab (1 credit hour)

Term 3 Fall (13 credit hours)

CVT2321 Vascular 2 (4 credit hours)
CVT2321L Vascular 2 Lab (1 credit hour)
CVT2621 Echo 2 (4 credit hours)
CVT2621L Echo 2 Lab (1 credit hour)
CVT1200C Clinical Practice and Therapeutics (3 credit hours)

Term 4 Spring (12 credit hours)

CVT2840 CVT Practicum 1 (8 credit hours)
CVT2920 Cardio Tech as a Professional (2 credit hours)
CVT2930 Advanced CV Concepts (2 credit hours)

Term 5 Summer (10 credit hours)

CVT2841 CVT Practicum 2 (8 credit hours)
CVT2931 Critical Care/Imaging Modalities (2 credit hours)

Performance Standards

The Cardiovascular Sonography Program (CVS) 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 CVS 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 Disabilities 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.

Critical Thinking

Standard: Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment.
Example: 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

Standard: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
Example: 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

Standard: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form.
Example: 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

Standard: Physical abilities sufficient to move independently from room to room and through hallways; maneuver in small places.
Example: 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

Standard: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to safely and effectively perform cardiovascular technology skills.
Example: 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

Standard: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
Example: 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

Standard: Visual ability sufficient for physical observation.
Example: 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 Santa Fe College and the Cardiovascular Sonography 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. Clothing and footwear must comply with standards prescribed by the program. Facial hair should be kept neat and trimmed short.

Program Effectiveness

Class of 2022

16 Students admitted
14 Students graduated; 88% completion rate
14 Graduates passed credentialing; 100% pass rate
14 Graduates employed in the field; 100% employment rate

Class of 2021

11 Students admitted
11 Students graduated; 100% completion rate
11 Graduates passed credentialing; 100% pass rate
10 Graduates employed in the field; 91% employment rate

Class of 2020

12 Students admitted
12 Students graduated; 100% completion rate
12 Graduates passed credentialing; 100% pass rate
12 Graduates employed in the field; 100% employment rate

Class of 2019

19 Students admitted
14 Students graduated; 74% completion rate
14 Graduates passed credentialing; 100% pass rate
14 Graduates employed in the field; 100% employment rate

Class of 2018

7 Students admitted
6 Students graduated; 85.71% completion rate
6 Graduates passed credentialing; 100% pass rate
6 Graduates employed in the field; 100% employment rate

Cost of Attendance

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Undergraduate Lower Division Courses (A.A./A.S. Degree Courses)

	Off-Campus*	Off-Campus with Parent**
Tuition and Fees In-State: $106.77 per credit Out-Of-State: $382.90 per credit	In-State: $2,563 Out-Of-State: $9,190	In-State: $2,563 Out-Of-State: $9,190
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$783	$783
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)	$9,679	$2,619
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses	$4,228	$4,228
Transportation	$1,976	$3,062
Total	In-State: $19,229 Out-Of-State: $25,856	In-State: $13,255 Out-Of-State: $19,882

Undergraduate Upper Division Courses (Bachelor Degree Courses)

	Off-Campus*	Off-Campus with Parent**
Tuition and Fees In-State: $126.33 per credit Out-Of-State: $428.83 per credit	In-State: $3,032 Out-Of-State: $10,292	In-State: $3,032 Out-Of-State: $10,292
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment	$783	$783
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)	$9,679	$2,619
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses	$4,228	$4,228
Transportation	$1,976	$3,062
Total	In-State: $19,698 Out-Of-State: $26,958	In-State: $13,724 Out-Of-State: $20,984

*Off-Campus: you intend to live off campus, but not with your parent(s).

**Off-Campus with Parent: you intend to live with your parent(s).

Note: All costs and rates are subject to change for the upcoming year.

For more detailed information visit SF's Cost of Attendance page.

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Cardiovascular Sonography, A.S.

Program Overview