Overview

Overview

Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography)

Cardiac sonographers use sophisticated diagnostic ultrasound equipment to produce dynamic real-time imaging of the heart's chambers, walls, valves, and great vessels to assist the physician in diagnosing cardiovascular disease. Cardiac sonographers complete important tasks, such as:

  • Acquiring information related to the heart's anatomy and physiology
  • Evaluating acquired and congenital cardiac abnormalities and associated complications
  • Evaluating narrowed or leaking heart valves
  • Looking for causes of murmurs, chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Tracking and evaluating chronic heart conditions
  • Acquiring images during a stress echocardiogram
  • Assist with image acquisition in the operating room for valve or device implantation

Career outlook for a cardiac sonographer

Cardiac sonographers can expect a median salary of $77,740, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for cardiac sonographers in the U.S. is expected to grow faster than average.

Cardiac Sonographer | Cleveland Clinic Cardiac Sonographer | Cleveland Clinic
Program Description

Program Description

The School of Cardiac Ultrasound is an accelerated, full-time (Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.), 12-month certificate program offered through the Cleveland Clinic Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. Students successfully completing the program are eligible to sit for the national registry exam through either Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCS) or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDCS).

Classes start each year on the first Tuesday after Labor Day. All program classes are face-to-face.  These along with the clinical externship training are held at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus.

The core curriculum includes:

  • Adult Echocardiography I - III
  • Adult Echocardiography Lab I & II
  • Ultrasound Physics I
  • Clinical Externship I – III

Accreditation

The Cleveland Clinic School of Cardiac Ultrasound is approved by the Cleveland Clinic which is accredited by the Joint Commission (TJC).

The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Blvd,
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: 630.792.5800
www.jointcommission.org

The Cleveland Clinic School of Cardiac Ultrasound is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350
www.caahep.org

The Cleveland Clinic School of Cardiac Ultrasound Program is approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (School Registration No. 2165).

Program Outcomes

Outcomes for the Class of 2023:

7 students

86% Graduation rate

100% Registry exam pass rate

100% Job placement directly out of program

Resources

Application & Requirements

Application & Requirements

Application Form

Cleveland Clinic School of Cardiac Ultrasound online application

Application process includes:

  • Completed online application.
  • $25 application fee (non-refundable).
  • Post-secondary educational transcripts (must be official).
  • Upload the following documentation in application:
    • Completed, signed Shadowing Form.
    • Resume.
    • Application Essay (see guidelines here).
    • Two letters of reference (one work/professional, one personal).
    • Proof of American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
    • Proof of the following immunizations and TB test:
      • Negative two-step Mantoux TB test T-Spot or QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, MMR, Varicella, DT or DTaP booster within the last 10 years, Hepatitis B positive titer or signed waiver assuming the risk of exposure, Influenza vaccine within the last year.
      • The COVID-19 vaccine or booster is no longer a requirement as a condition to participate in Cleveland Clinic educational programs, however, it is strongly encouraged.

Application Deadline

The school begins accepting applications on March 1st each year for fall admission. Complete online application with all supporting documentation must be submitted by the application deadline of June 1.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Cleveland Clinic’s School of Cardiac Ultrasound is selective. The application process is open to applicants who meet all the following minimum criteria at the start of the program:

  1. 18 years of age
  2. Completion of either:
    • Two-year associate’s degree in any field (healthcare preferred)
    • Accredited allied health program
    • Bachelor’s degree (any field)
  3. Completion of the following prerequisite post-secondary coursework with a grade of C or better:
    • Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
    • College Algebra or higher
    • Communications (English, speech, composition course)
    • Physics (preferred but not required)
  4. Required 4-hour shadowing experience at Cleveland Clinic. Click here to schedule a job shadow.

Download shadowing experience form here.

International Students

International students are not eligible for admission. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Additional Information

Additional Information

Tuition

Tuition is $15,000 plus fees and may be paid in installments. Upon acceptance to the program, a $500 non-refundable deposit must be submitted to secure a position. This will be applied toward the initial installment due by the 1st day of school.

Tuition and Fees: $15,000

The tuition may be paid in a lump sum or in three installments of $5000 each. If paying in installments, the payments are due by the first day of each term.

1st day of fall term (September) $5,000
1st day of winter term (January) $5,000
1st day of summer term (May) $5,000

Tuition includes required textbooks (borrowed for year) and the reimbursement of the cost of the registry examination fee to the student upon passing the exam. Students are responsible for uniforms (navy top and bottoms).

Contact

For more program information, please contact:

Amy Dillenbeck, MS, ACS, RDCS, FASE
Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue/ J1-5
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone 216.444.1055 or 216.389.8721
Email: dillena@ccf.org
Fax: 216.442.4975

Forms