Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Arkansas
Diagnosis of heart conditions using non-invasive cardiac imaging is rapidly advancing, and brings the opportunity for a specialty career in healthcare. This field, which is expanding, can also be referred to as cardiac sonography or vascular sonography.
To learn more about how to become an echocardiography technician in Arkansas, contact the schools you see listed below for program details.
Ultrasound technicians play a critical role in delivering medical services to rural areas in Arkansas, as well as heavily populated areas like Little Rock. Qualified echocardiogram technicians are becoming more necessary as baby boomers age, and the demand for healthcare continues to expand.
Some of the most common equipment used by sonographers includes:
- Electrocardiography
- Echocardiography
- Doppler Ultrasound
- Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT Scans)
- X-rays
Cardiac Echo Tech/Cardiac Education in Arkansas
Arkansas has a variety of accredited programs on campuses and online that offer a certificate, an associate, bachelor or master’s degree. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certificate examination once education is completed. ARDMS is a non-profit organization that is globally recognized for their standard of excellence.
The associate programs for Cardiovascular Technicians may be found under a variety of program names which include diagnostic cardiac sonography, echocardiography, diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, cardiovascular sonography and cardiovascular technology.
It is possible to earn a one year certification, which is an intensive program that is available if you have earned an associate degree. If you are enrolled in an online ultrasound program, you will likely complete your clinical hours at a medical facility with a qualified teacher.
Typically, the positions with higher incomes are those that require more education and the certification. Arkansas does not require a license for echo techs, but employers usually require the ARDMS certificate.
A Bachelors of Science degree in Medical Sonography typically requires 48 credit hours of prerequisite courses and 72 credits of specific curriculum including one full-time summer clinical course. There is also a program to become a certified diagnostic medical sonography program that requires 50 credit hours.
Some of the required courses may include:
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
- Doppler Physics
- Current Issues in Health Care
- Introductory Cardiac ad Vascular Sonography
- Advanced Vascular Sonography
- Clinical Practicums
The ARDMS organization offers several types of credentials, including Vascular Technology (VT). There are tips and practice exams on their website, which you may take advantage of prior to taking your credential exam.
In addition, the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) also offers a pilot program for qualified graduates for their pilot version of an Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) credential.
Echo/Ultrasound Careers in Arkansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas Cardiac Ultrasound Technologists earn an average annual income of $60,350. Income will always depend on your education, your experience and your credentialing.
The job market is expected to grow by 39 percent, which us higher than average. Job positions may be found in hospitals, medical centers and the offices of cardiologists. As the number of positions increase, the advancement of equipment is also advancing rapidly.
Reach out to the Arkansas echo tech programs listed on our page to learn more about how to get started in this career today.