Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 10-521-2
- Offering: In-Person
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: June
About the Cardiovascular Technology - Echocardiography Degree
Description
Learn to perform echocardiograms, a widely used diagnostic test for heart disease. Echocardiography technologists perform the tests in hospitals and outpatient facilities, utilizing ultrasound equipment to gather data about the cardiac chambers, valves and vessels leading to and from the heart. Completing this program fulfills prerequisites to take the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS) exam.
You can earn the EKG Technician certificate on the way to completing this degree.
This program admits students via a waiting list process.
Additional program details: The continuing demand for echocardiography technologists indicates strong employment opportunities. The echocardiogram is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for heart disease. These tests are performed by an echocardiography technologist (Echo Tech). An echocardiogram is performed in a one-on-one setting in a hospital or outpatient facility.
To perform the test, the Echo Tech utilizes ultrasound equipment to gather data about the structure and function of the cardiac chambers, valves and vessels leading to and from the heart. There are multiple types of tests that can be performed by an Echo Tech. These include transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram and a stress echocardiogram. For more information regarding echocardiography, visit www.asecho.org.
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Career Outlook
Related Programs
EKG Technician
Learn the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the heart, and develop the skills needed to complete and interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs). This program prepares you to take the Certified Cardiographics Technician examination, leading to a Certified Cardiographics Technician (CCT) credential as administered by Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI).
Cardiovascular Technology - Invasive
Prepare for a rewarding career as a cardiac catheterization technologist, assisting cardiologists in cardiac catheterization labs with the care of heart patients and performing diagnostic and interventional procedures related to stent placements, pacemaker implants, and other heart or blood vessel conditions. Completing this program fulfills prerequisites to take the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) exam given by Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI).
Detailed Program Information
Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SEMESTER 1 | ||
| ENG-195 | Written Communication ‡ (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| BIOSCI-177 | General Anatomy and Physiology ‡ ^ | 4 |
| SOCSCI-172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
| SEMESTER 2 | ||
| ENG-197 | Technical Reporting ‡ (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| SUMMER | ||
| CVTECH-105 | Ultrasound Physics | 3 |
| SEMESTER 3 | ||
| CVTECH-104 | Introduction to Echocardiography ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-115 | Essentials of Cardiac Care 1 ‡ ^ | 4 |
| CVTECH-106 | Ultrasound Physics 2 ‡ | 3 |
| SEMESTER 4 | ||
| CVTECH-101 | Introduction to Cardiovascular Technology ‡ ^ |
3 |
| CVTECH-110 | EKG Analysis ‡ ^ | 2 |
| CVTECH-118 | Echocardiography Basics ‡ | 3 |
| SUMMER | ||
| CVTECH-123 | Echo Clinical Procedures ‡ | 3 |
| SEMESTER 5 | ||
| CVTECH-146 | Advanced Echo Practicum ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-145 | Echocardiography Fundamentals ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-147 | Echo Clinical 1 ‡ | 3 |
| SEMESTER 6 | ||
| CVTECH-142 | Echo Case Review ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-190 | Echo Clinical Seminar ‡ | 2 |
| CVTECH-196 | Echo Clinical Experience 2 ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-197 | Echo Clinical Experience 3 ‡ | 4 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
65 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
^ Counts toward earning the EKG Technician certificate.
Semester sequence based on a full-time course load and a Fall start date.
Program curriculum requirements are subject to change.
This Associate in Applied Science program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.
Current MATC students should consult their Academic Program Plan for specific curriculum requirements.
Search for available classes now (link) to see course descriptions, class times and locations.
Already a student? You can visit Self-Service (link) and choose Student Planning to register for classes.
Links & Resources
Cardiovascular Technology - Echocardiography - Course Map (pdf)
CastleBranch Requirements and Forms (pdf)
Important Dates
Fall start: Review Window in February
Spring start: Review Window in September
Deadlines and important dates can be found on:
Cost & Aid Deadlines
Also, you can find dates and deadlines on the MATC Events Calendar
Program Outcomes
- Exhibit patient care skills
- Model professional behaviors as a CVT
- Explain diagnostic and/or interventional procedures
- Apply principles of anatomy and pathophysiology to cardiovascular care
- Adhere to universal precautions
- Monitor patients for EKG, blood pressure, etc.
- Operate major diagnostic and support equipment
- Perform ultrasound of the heart
Joint Review Committee On Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Waiting List
This program admits students via a waiting list process. Students must complete all academic preparedness requirements before being placed into core program courses when seats are available.
- Program capacity is 10 students once a year in Spring.
- Waiting time upon completion of all academic preparedness requirements is five years.
Academic Preparedness Requirements
- GPA of 2.5 or higher at MATC
- Complete BIOSCI-177 (or BIOSCI-201 and BIOSCI-202) with a C+ or higher.
- Pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a score of 70% or higher (three lifetime attempts in person).
Scholarships
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 9355 - 113th Street N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775; 727-210-2350; caahep.org/Students/Program-Info/Cardiovascular-Technology.aspx.
Accreditation is based upon a recommendation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).
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QUESTIONS?
Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu