Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Colorado
Echo Tech/Cardiovascular Tech Education in Colorado
Cardiac Ultrasound Technicians and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers have careers that are rapidly growing due to the advancement of new equipment and the number of people with cardiovascular disease. The job growth in Colorado, as well as the salaries for echo technicians, exceeds most other states according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data (2014).
If you are interested in this field, there are a variety of universities in the larger Colorado cities, and there are also several online programs. A Cardiac Ultrasound Technician is typically enthusiastic about their career as it is a valuable cost-cutting way to diagnose heart problems. Flexibility is also important as you may be working alone at times.
Equipment you will be trained to use includes; Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, electrocardiography, magnetic resonance imagery, x-rays and computed tomography (CT scans).
Colorado does not require a state license for sonographers, but employers look at your education and if you have taken the ARDMS certification examination. To find schools in Colorado with Echo Tech programs, review our listing below and request information about programs you’d like to learn more about.
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound in Education in Colorado
There are several Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs in Colorado to choose from. Many are accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program, which is important if you plan to get certified. These are typically 12-month programs and are available for students that have completed their associate degree.
Admission requirements for cardiac sonography programs may include an associate degree or certificate from a two-year accredited program, such as Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy or Nursing. They also perform imaging research at the University of Colorado Hospital.
There are accredited associate degrees available on campus and online for the following fields:
- Diagnostic cardiac sonography
- Echocardiography sonography
- Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography
- Cardiovascular sonography
- Cardiovascular technology
Once you have your associate’s degree you may take a 12 month program to get a cardiac imaging certificate. Bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees are also available in this field.
A Sonography (Ultrasound) program can usually be completed in five semesters, and the Echocardiography track prepares you for the ARDMS exam.
The prerequisite courses include Introduction to Sonography and a Multiplanar Sectional Imaging or equivalent.
The curriculum includes:
- Cardiovascular Anatomy and Physiology
- Adult Echocardiography
- Adult Echocardiography Pathology
- Pediatric Echocardiography
- Vascular Sonography
- Ultrasound Physics I, II
- is Ultrasound Scan Lab
- Clinical Observation
- Clinical (I, II, III, IV)
- Practicum
- Ultrasound Capstone
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is a globally recognized organization where you may take the credentialing examination. They have testing for a variety of specialty areas. You can prepare for an exam with practice tests. The cost for the ARDMS SPI exam is $200, and the specialty exams cost $250. This credential is required by most employers.
There is financial aid available via Federal Pell Grants, Federal loans and the Colorado Student Grants. There is also a Colorado Work-Study Program.
Echo Tech Careers in Colorado
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2013 a Colorado Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonographer earned an annual average income of $67,170. This career is growing at a very fast pace.
Jobs are available at hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers and physicians’ offices. This is a challenging career that is expanding, so it does offer a good degree of job security. The independent role of the sonographer is very appealing to many, and if you choose to get higher education there are numerous opportunities. Contact those schools with cardiac ultrasound programs to learn more.