Cardiovascular Technologist Programs in Wisconsin
This is as exciting time for echocardiogram technologists due to the sophisticated equipment that has been developed, allowing cardiologists to diagnose and treat the patient with cardiac disease in a non-invasive fashion. Ultrasounds can assess the anatomy, function, contractility, coronary flow and heart valve function with just this test.
If you are interested in this exciting career, which can be obtained with an associate degree, contact the schools listed below to learn more!
Wisconsin has several associate degree programs for medical sonographers and Applied Science Radiography, including an Associate Degree for Cardiovascular Sonography and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree.
If you want to earn a cardiac sonography certificate, then you must have an associate degree in an applied healthcare area, and then complete the certificate program, which is typically 12 to 14 months long.
There are also hospital-based programs in Echocardiography/Vascular Sonography which allow you to earn a specialized certificate. If the program you choose is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, you should be eligible for certification through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in Wisconsin
The admission process for cardiac sonography programs typically includes submissions of all official transcripts and one of the following tests; Compass, ACT or the testing requirement may be waived if you have an associate or bachelor’s degree.
The general education courses in a vascular sonography program may include:
- Written Communication
- Physics
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
The Clinical Courses you may take in an echo technician program usually include:
- Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)/Vascular Technology
- DMS General Procedures I, II, III, IV
- DMS Clinical I, II, III, IV
- DMS Physics I, II with Instrumentation
- DMS Vascular Procedures I, II
- DMS Registry Review
- Pathophysiology
The total credits for this program approach 70 hours. After graduation you are eligible to take the credential exam by the American Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonography for Vascular Technology. The fee for the test is $500.
If you would like to advance your career, you may enroll for your Bachelor of Science degree in any of seven submajors of the biomedical sciences degree program, which includes cardiac sonography. If you are interested in advancing your education, you may acquire an advanced position at a higher income.
If you need help with tuition expenses, visit the Financial Aid Office at your university to complete a FAFSA application, which is a federal grant based on your income. Wisconsin also offers financial aid programs if you are a resident, have a high school diploma or GED, are involved in an undergraduate degree or certificate program and attending a nonprofit college or university in Wisconsin. Wisconsin also has a high achievers scholarship program in athletics and academic performance.
Echo Tech Careers in Wisconsin
In May 2014 the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated diagnostic sonographers earned an annual average income of $68,390. This field is rapidly expanding and is expected to grow an average of 22 percent more than other types of employment.
Most sonographers work in hospitals that have medical imaging department; however, jobs are available in physicians’ offices, clinics and in mobile imaging services.
If you choose to become an ultrasound technician you may enjoy a good degree of job security. This is a position where you will work closely with physicians and patients, which is very satisfying for most technicians. Contact the schools listed on our site to learn more about your options for study.