Program Information
-
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus
- Pathway: Healthcare
- Program Code: 10-521-2
- Offering: In-class
- Degree Type: 2-Year Degree (Associate)
- Start Dates: January
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.
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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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
2023-24 Curriculum
| Course | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DMS-221 | Sonography Physics 1 ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-115 | Essentials of Cardiac Care 1 ‡ ^ | 4 |
| BIOSCI-177 | Gen Anatomy & Physiology ‡ ^ | 4 |
| DMS-200 | Introduction to DMS ‡ | 3 |
| ENG-195 | Written Communication ‡ (or) ENG-201 English 1 ‡ |
3 |
| PSYCH-199 | Psychology of Human Relations (or) Any 200-level PSYCH course |
3 |
| SOCSCI-172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies (or) Any 200-level SOCSCI course |
3 |
| CVTECH-102 | Introduction to CVT ‡ ^ | 2 |
| CVTECH-110 | EKG Analysis ‡ ^ | 2 |
| CVTECH-118 | Echocardiography Basics ‡ | 3 |
| ENG-197 | Technical Reporting ‡ (or) Any 200-level ENG or SPEECH course |
3 |
| CVTECH-121 | Echo Clinical Procedures ‡ | 2 |
| CVTECH-144 | Advanced Echo Practicum ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-145 | Echocardiography Fundamentals ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-149 | Echocardiography Clinical Experience 1 ‡ | 2 |
| DMS-222 | Sonography Physics 2 ‡ | 2 |
| CVTECH-142 | Echo Case Review ‡ | 3 |
| CVTECH-195 | Echocardiography Clinical Seminar ‡ | 2 |
| CVTECH-196 | Echocardiography Clinical Experience 2 ‡ | 4 |
| CVTECH-197 | Echocardiography Clinical Experience 3 ‡ | 4 |
| ELECTIVES | (Two credits) | 2 |
|
TOTAL CREDITS |
61 |
‡ Prerequisite required.
^ Counts toward earning the EKG Technician certificate.
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.
2023-24 Program Cards
Important Dates
Summer (June) Start: Petition for program in February (only one time a year)
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
Career Outlook
The continuing demand for echocardiography technologists indicates strong employment opportunities. The projected growth is attributed to an increase in cardiovascular disease and the aging population. Opportunities include hospital departments and with experience, physicians’ offices and sales.
Possible Careers
Echocardiographer
EKG Technician
Admission Requirements
This program admits students through a petition selection process.
Learn more about the petition process
The following are required for admission:
- HP-A2 pre-qualifying exam, minimum score of 80%
- C+ or higher: BIOSCI-177*
- June start: Petition for program in February
(only one time a year)
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 (JRC-CVT).
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QUESTIONS?
Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway
414-297-6263
262-238-2281
healthpathway@matc.edu