Get a Professional Edge by Learning Cardiac Sonography and Vascular Sonography
Physicians rely on cardiac and vascular sonographers to help save lives. Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) use ultrasound imaging to determine, detect and diagnose diseases of the heart. Vascular sonographers have a deeper understanding of all the arteries and veins in the human body, which allow them to identify anatomical and physiological changes. Nova Southeastern University has integrated both specialties into one sonography degree program, so that you gain an advantage in the professional marketplace.
Cardiac sonography and vascular sonography are two of the most sought-after medical ultrasound specialties. Where many other programs only focus on one, NSU’s Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Sonography program gives you the education and training you need to succeed in both. At NSU, you’ll gain extensive, hands-on experience in high-tech laboratories, including the use of real-world ultrasound machines and a 3D echocardiography simulator (typically reserved for physician training). You’ll also develop your skills through an intensive 12-month clinical externship. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be more than prepared to excel in your career.
Hear from the Program Director:
What to Expect as an NSU Cardiovascular Sonography Student
On my second year of clinicals, I was hired right there on the spot. And then I progressed and now I’m working for one of the largest hospitals here in the U.S. And it’s all because of the education I received here at [NSU].
Maria E., Class of 2019
Why Should You Major in Cardiovascular Sonography at NSU?
Pursue a Career in Cardiovascular Sonography
An aging Baby Boomer population is contributing to the growing need for medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow at a much faster rate than the average for all other jobs, a 12 percent growth from 2019 to 2029. With your cardiovascular sonography degree from NSU, you can thrive in this in-demand profession.
According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers earned an average of $74,320.
You’ll find NSU cardiovascular sonography alumni at health care organizations like Tampa General Hospital, UF Health Shands Hospital, BayCare Health System, The Cleveland Clinic, Lee Health, UNC Health Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Health System, HCA Health System, Roper St. Francis Hospital, Baylor Healthcare, Johns Hopkins Bayview, Denver Health, The Pepin Heart Institute and many others.
Cardiovascular sonography majors enjoy clinical internships at affiliated organizations like UF Health Shands Hospital, BayCare Health System, The Cleveland Clinic, Lee Health, UNC Health Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Health System, HCA Health System, Roper St. Francis Hospital, Baylor Healthcare, The Pepin Heart Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Trinity Healthcare System, and many others.
Your NSU professors are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great academic experience. They regularly review the curriculum to make updates that give you an edge in today’s ever-changing world. As an NSU Cardiovascular Sonography major, some courses that you could take include Health Care and Aging, Ultrasound Physics, Venous Testing, and Correlative Imaging & Cross-sectional Anatomy.
Program Graduates, 3-year running statistics:*
- ARDMS SPI (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation) exam = 100%
- ARDMS RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) exam = 80%
- ARDMS RDCS - AE (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer - Adult Echocardiography) exam = 100%
- Employment rate = 100%
- Continuing education = 0%
- Continuing/returning to Military Service = 0%
- Retention rate = 80%
*Data is for the graduating classes of 2020, 2021, & 2022
Accreditation
The Cardiovascular Sonography program at NSU Tampa Bay 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). In their review meeting of January 16, 2019, CAAHEP granted continuing accreditation to the NSU Cardiovascular Sonography program in both Adult Echocardiography and Noninvasive Vascular Study through the year 2024. The Bachelor of Science - Cardiovascular Sonography Program at NSU Tampa Bay Regional Campus meets the educational degree completion requirements for licensure and/or professional registration in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US protectorates, as defined in 34 CFR §600.2.