Program Overview
Sonographers specialized in Echocardiography and Vascular Sonography utilize sound waves to produce diagnostic images and guide invasive and non-invasive procedures of the body. Sonographers work collaboratively with cardiologists, radiologists, and vascular surgeons to diagnose a diverse range of conditions related to heart and circulatory system. A sonographer practicing in the field of Echocardiography and Vascular sonography must be well versed in sectional anatomy, clinical medicine, cardiovascular pathology, and ultrasound physics.
Program Goals
- To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for adult echocardiography
- To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for pediatric echocardiography
- To prepare competent entry-level cardiovascular technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for noninvasive vascular study
Admissions Process
Application Deadline: February 1st
Students spend two years completing the general education and prerequisite courses. After admission to the secondary competitive program, students complete two years of full-time professional coursework.
Why Study Cardiovascular Sonography at Grand Valley?
- Commitment to quality is demonstrated by achievement of programmatic accreditation. The GVSU Cardiovascular Sonography program 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.
- Students are qualified to sit for and are successful in passing the national board registrations PRIOR to graduation.
- Strong curriculum and knowledgeable, clinically practicing faculty prepare students for national certification exams.
- Students enjoy small class sizes, cohort educational experiences, and clinical rotations offered at multiple physician offices and hospital affiliates.
- Rotation of clinical site placements expose students to diverse experiences, allowing students to not only gain future references but also to prepare them for future employment.
- Laboratory facilities utilize state-of-the-art sonographic equipment to prepare students for current and emerging techniques and protocols.