Cardiovascular Technician Programs in California

Overview of Cardiovascular Tech (Echocardiology) Programs in California

Job skills for Cardiac Ultrasound technicians, which are also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, are changing alongside recent advancements in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The American Society of Echocardiography recommends that to become a trained technician you should attend an accredited program that includes both didactic and clinical instruction.

California has a number of echocardiography diploma programs, which take about 18 months to complete. There are also Associate, Bachelor of Science and Master’s programs in sonography, allowing you to choose a program that can help you meet your career goals. Contact those schools you see below that offer echocardiogram technician programs in California to learn more.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers a certification examination in a variety of specialty areas, including Adult Echocardiography, Fetal Echocardiography and Vascular Technology. After graduation you can take the exam and register as a professional tech, which may lead to a more desirable job and higher income. California does not require echo techs to hold a state license, but employers often prefer to hire technicians with a professional certification.

Echo Tech/Cardiac Ultrasound Education in California

California admissions criteria usually includes an official high school diploma or GED, high school transcripts, and you may need to take and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.

The core curriculum in a cardiac ultrasound program in CA includes 88 units with didactic classes and clinical laboratory training with the focus on Vascular Sonography and Vascular Laboratory.

An Associate of Science (AS) program concentrates in Vascular Ultrasound and Echocardiography. It requires 13 units of general education, 20 units of general diagnostic sonography courses, 14 units of your concentration and 6 units of externships with certified advisors, which takes about two years.

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiology is a four year program, and has a similar curriculum with a greater number of units in each category. If you have chosen to become a Cardiac Sonographer, make sure you compare accredited programs, and consider the amount of education that will meet your career goals.

If you have a lower income, you can visit the Financial Aid Office for a FAFSA application, which is a federal grant program based on your income. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation offers a $2500 scholarships to itsmembers. There are grants and loans available from the federal government also.

Echo Tech Careers in California

The field of cardiac sonography is rapidly growing, which requires the technician to develop a deeper level of understanding of the human heart and disease treatment. Non-invasive procedures are utilized to visualize and diagnose heart abnormalities.

This career includes knowledge of the following techniques:

  • Echocardiography
  • Doppler Ultrasound
  • Electrocardiography
  • X-rays
  • Magnetic resonance imagery
  • Computed tomography (CT scans)

Typical job duties in CA for appropriately trained cardiac technicians include:

  • Operating specialized equipment
  • Performing various diagnostic procedures and tests
  • Recording and transmitting images and echoes
  • Have the ability to understand and interpret the results

California cardiac sonographers earned a mean annual income of $68,110 in 2017, according to O*Net (2018). Job openings may increase 12% between 2016 and 2026 (O*Net, 2018). Your job outlook and salary may depend on your level of education and registration as a professional.

Students are typically enthusiastic about this job, due to the advancements of the equipment and new career opportunities. If you are interested in learning how to become a cardiovascular ultrasound technician, contact the schools below that offer echo tech programs in California. Once you can compare information between schools, you can choose the one that best fits you.