With training in echocardiography, you can work with both patients and physicians to help diagnose heart problems. Online programs in this field are available and can provide flexibility in a busy schedule. Keep reading to find out what you can do with training and if licensing is required.
Is Training for Echocardiography Available Online?
Echocardiographers, or cardiovascular sonographers, work with physicians to identify and treat patients with heart problems using ultrasound technology. If you already have experience working as a sonographer and you're looking for specialized training, you can find online certificates in cardiovascular technology.
Associate's and bachelor's degree programs in sonography that offers specializations in cardiovascular technology are also available online. These undergraduate programs provide you with general education courses, as well as training in specialized vascular imaging and echocardiography techniques.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>Professionals with work experience can seek online certificates; associate's and bachelor's degrees are also available online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Sonography procedures, cardiac sonography, hemodynamics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure</b></td><td>Licensure is not required, though pursuing professional credentials through an organization may increase your employability</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$70,380* (<i>for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>12%* (<i>for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Courses in an online certificate program in cardiovascular sonography focus on topics relating to the cardiovascular system, while degree programs offer general education courses in addition to courses covering human health and sonography. Specific training courses may include sonography procedures, cardiac sonography and hemodynamics. In-person clinical work is usually required and can be completed at an agreed-upon facility.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedALicense">Do I Need a License?</h3><p>Currently, you don't need a license to work as a sonographer in any of the 50 states. However, you can choose to pursue credentials offered by professional organizations, which may demonstrate your proficiencies to potential employers. Credentials for cardiovascular sonography are offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Professional credentials may also require you to have completed a program that was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3><p>With training in sonography and echocardiography, you may pursue a career working with patients and physicians to diagnose health issues relating to the human heart. As the use of ultrasound replaces more invasive procedures, employment opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to grow at a rate of 12% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). These professionals collectively earned a median salary of $70,380 as of 2020, reports the BLS.</p>
