Echocardiography Program

Echocardiography Program header art


Echocardiography or cardiac sonography, is a medical test that uses sound waves of high frequencies (ultrasonic) to create moving and still images of the heart. These pictures show the size and shape of the heart. They also show how well the heart’s chambers and valves and other structures are working. Echocardiography has become an important tool in diagnosing or helping diagnose and so many heart diseases and conditions.


To prepare competent entry-level cardiac sonographers both in diagnostic echocardiographic knowledge and scanning skills.

  • recognize abnormal echocardiographic findings.
  • demonstrate appropriate ergonomics when imaging.
  • communicate with patients effectively.
  • communicate effectively with doctors and health care staff.
  • maintain a safe environment for themselves and patients.
  • demonstrate appropriate critical thinking and clinical judgment.
  • demonstrate professionalism and willingness to abide by the rules and policies of their workplace.
  • South Suburban College’s Echocardiography Program will provide students with an opportunity to become entry level skilled technicians in Echocardiography. Technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating cardiac and peripheral vascular ailments. Graduates will be prepared for licensure and work as an entry level cardiac technician. Graduates of SSC Echocardiography Program will be able to:

    • perform thorough echocardiographic studies with all modalities e.g. two-dimensional, color/Doppler.
    • apply concepts of ultrasound physics when performing echocardiographic imaging.
    • obtain quality images with high efficiency.

    The applicant must meet the following requirements:

    1. High school diploma (or GDP) and completion of the following prerequisites with a grade of C or higher:
      • ENG 101 Composition and Rhetoric
      • BIO 185 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
      • FAD 205 Emergency Care and Safety or CPR BLS
      • Math placement exam
      • PHY 115 Topics in Applied Physics
      • HIT 102 Medical Terminology
      • PHL 102 Humanities requirement
      • SPE 108 Oral Communication
      • PSY 101 Introduction to psychology
      • BIO 186 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
      • National League for Nursing (NLN) exam grade. See .pdf document below to self-register and pay.
        NLN On-Site Student Guide
    2. Submit an SSC application and forward all official high school or HSE/GED® transcripts as well as other college transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions.
    3. Admissions to the Echocardiography Program will be determined by a ranking of the grade point averages (GPA) of the program prerequisite courses. Students will be considered for admissions who have received at least a grade of “C” or better in all program prerequisites and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher (A = 4.0). All final course grades will be validated prior to the start of the program.
    4. Submit an to the program by mail or in person (Room 4457) no later than June 15th prior to the fall semester anticipating admissions.
      Echocardiography Program Application
    5. You will be notified in writing of your admission status no later than July 15th.
    6. A photocopy of the student’s current health care insurance must be submitted to each respective program coordinator in order to participate at any clinical education site. Failure to maintain comprehensive health care insurance will result in the student being immediately withdrawn from the clinical site and thereby receiving a failing grade in the clinical education class. Furthermore, the student will be financially responsible to pay all medical bills and co-payments as a result of injuries or health issues that arise from participation of clinical education programs.

    Be advised that Biology must be completed within the last 5 years to satisfy the program requirements.

    Students must finish all prerequisite courses by December prior to the fall semester of the year you are seeking admission. Students must complete all Echocardiography program courses and general education courses with a “C” or better.

    Once admitted into the Echocardiography Program, students will be asked to complete a criminal background check and a possible drug screening, Students are responsible for these fees. Eligibility of internship sites might be dependent on results of the criminal background and drug screening results.


    A.A.S. Degree

    This degree is for those desiring employment with, or upgrading of their skills in the field of Echocardiography.

    TAKE A LOOK

    Certificate Program

    This certificate is for those desiring employment with, or upgrading of their skills in the field of Echocardiography.

    TAKE A LOOK


    The Echocardiography Program Accreditation and Approval

    Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) logo

    The Echocardiography Program is accredited by CAAHEP:

    Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
    25400 US Highway 19 North Suite 158
    Clearwater, FL 33763
    Telephone: (727) 210-2350
    FAX: (727) 210-2354
    Website: https://www.caahep.org/

    The Echocardiography AAS Degree from South Suburban College is approved by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).



    SSC Echocardiography Program Effectiveness Statistics for 2018-2021

    Retention Job Placement Credentialing Exam
    Passing Rate
    2021 Graduates 77.7% 100% Data to be provided in
    May 2022.
    2020 Graduates 77.7% 88.8% 88.8%
    2019 Graduates 78.75% 81.82% 81.82%
    2018 Graduates 63.64% 85.71% 85.71%
    Updated on 2/18/2022. Next update is scheduled in May 2022.


    24%

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts a growth of the medical sonography industry of 24% above average from 2014 to 2024.

    $30/hour

    Employment growth for sonographers is also growing faster than average. Mean annual salaries is roughly $63,000 or $30 per hour.


    Health Requirements

    Complete immunization record and TB testing as required by clinical sites should be provided before starting clinical internship. Drug screening will be performed before starting clinical rotation.


    Criminal Background Check

    A background check is required upon starting clinical training. It is the student responsibility to meet the requirements of the clinical site and potential employer with respect to criminal background.


    Questions About the Program?

    If you have questions about the Echocardiography Program at SSC that weren’t answered above, fill out this form or contact the Allied Health & Career Programs Department at (708) 596-2000, ext. 2204.

    To make an appointment concerning Allied Health Careers, please contact the CAREER & COLLEGE SUCCESS CENTER at (708) 210-5724.

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