B.S. Cardiovascular Sonography
Nova Southeastern University Undergraduate Programs
Key Information
Campus location
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 33,510
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
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 allows 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.
Why Should You Major in Cardiovascular Sonography at NSU?
- NSU’s program is CAAHEP accredited in both Adult Echocardiography and Non-invasive Vascular sonography specializations through 2024;
- Graduates of NSU’s B.S. in Cardiovascular Sonography have an extremely high passing rate on registry exams, up to 96%, and enjoy a 91% employment rate;
- Get hands-on experience on state-of-the-art machines that are just like the ones used in hospitals and laboratories;
- NSU was the first school of allied health in the U.S. to use the high-fidelity HeartWorks echocardiography simulator in its labs;
- Small class sizes allow you to work one-on-one with your professors;
- You’ll be eligible to apply for both the Adult Echocardiography and the non-invasive Vascular Technology professional registry exams offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and/or the corresponding credentials offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI);
- The program is 24 months: 12 months of instruction and 12 months of clinical externship (this program is only offered at NSU’s Tampa Bay Regional Campus).
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
- Improving of Healthcare through Interprofessional Collaboration
- Principles in Leadership
- Health Services Management
- Cultural Competency in Health Care
- Academic and Professional Writing
- Health Care and Aging
- Introduction to Cardiovascular Sonography Instruments
- Correlative Imaging & Cross-sectional Anatomy
- Echocardiography I/Lab
- Echocardiography II/Lab
- Ultrasound Physics I/Lab
- Ultrasound Physics Review
- Cerebrovascular Testing/Lab
- Peripheral Vascular Testing/Lab
- Peripheral Vascular Testing/Lab
- Abdominal Vascular Testing/Lab
- Clinical Externship I
- Clinical Externship II
- Clinical Externship III
Experiential Learning/Internships
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.
Career Opportunities
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.
Average Starting Salary
According to a 2019 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers earned an average of $74,320.
Shark Destinations
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.