CVT-Cardiac Sonography: Career Associate

The CVT-Cardiac Sonography: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the field of cardiac imaging. This comprehensive program offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the proficient use of ultrasound technology in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions. Throughout the program, students will learn about the cardiovascular system’s anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, and the principles of echocardiography. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training using state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to perform diagnostic cardiac ultrasound examinations with accuracy and confidence.

Students will explore various imaging modalities related to cardiac health, including transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and stress echocardiography, among others. The program also covers important topics such as pathology identification, interpretation of imaging results, and effective communication with healthcare teams. Additionally, students are trained in proper patient preparation and positioning, infection control, and safety protocols to ensure high standards of patient care.

Harrisburg Area Community College’s CVT-Cardiac Sonography program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical externships to provide a well-rounded educational experience. The clinical components are conducted at medical facilities affiliated with the college, allowing students to gain real-world experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. Graduates of this program will be prepared to sit for certification exams and pursue employment as cardiac sonographers in hospitals, clinics, and outpatient imaging centers.

This program is ideal for individuals interested in healthcare, technology, and patient interaction, offering a pathway to a specialized and in-demand career. The training emphasizes both technical proficiency and compassionate patient care, positioning graduates for success in the dynamic field of cardiac imaging. With a focus on contemporary practices and emerging technologies, the CVT-Cardiac Sonography: Career Associate program aims to produce competent practitioners who can contribute meaningfully to cardiac diagnosis and treatment.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3)
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
CVT 100 Foundations of Cardiovascular Medicine  3 
CVT 101 Introduction to Cardiovascular Tech  3 
CVT 102 Cardiovascular Tech. Lab  1 
CVT 103 Cardiovascular Clinical Experience  2 
CVT 200 Cardiac Pathophysiology  6 
CVT 219 Intro to Ultrasound Imaging Systems  1 
CVT 220 Intro to Cardiac Sonography  4 
CVT 222 Cardiac Sonography Phys & Instrumentation  3 
CVT 223 Concepts in Cardiac Physiological Assessment  3 
CVT 224 Cardiac Sonography Clinical I  4 
CVT 226 Doppler Physics & Cardiac Hemodynamics  3 
CVT 228 Cardiac Sonography Clinical II  5 
CVT 230 Introduction to Pediatric Echocardiography    2 

Other Required Courses   
BIOL 121 Anatomy & Physiology I  4
BIOL 122 Anatomy & Physiology II  4
MATH 103 College Algebra (Core C)  3

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Function effectively as a member of the healthcare team

Understand how specialized training fits into the healthcare delivery system

Demonstrate the entry-level competencies prescribed by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS)

Take national entry-level credentialling examinations for cardiovascular principles and instrumentation, physics, and adult cardiography administered by the ARDMS

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The CVT-Cardiac Sonography: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a specialized career in cardiac sonography, focusing on the use of ultrasonic imaging to diagnose and monitor heart and vascular conditions. This program provides comprehensive training in echocardiography, including the physics of ultrasound, cardiac anatomy and physiology, patient care, and the technical skills necessary to operate ultrasound equipment effectively. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in real-world settings to develop their practical skills and confidence. The curriculum emphasizes both the technical and clinical aspects of cardiac imaging, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for employment in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare facilities.

The program typically spans approximately two years, with coursework conducted both in classrooms and supervised clinical environments. Students are usually required to complete multiple clinical externships to gain practical experience. Certification is an important credential for employment; graduates often pursue the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) exam or similar certification to verify their competencies. The program's goal is not only to provide technical training but also to develop patient communication skills and understanding of healthcare protocols, preparing students to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Graduates of this program are eligible for entry-level positions as cardiac sonographers, where they perform diagnostic procedures under the supervision of physicians. The demand for cardiac sonographers is generally high due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and advancements in diagnostic techniques. With the completion of this associate degree, students improve their employment prospects significantly and can pursue further specialization or continuing education opportunities in cardiac diagnostics or related fields. Harrisburg Area Community College’s program is accredited by relevant bodies, ensuring that the education meets industry standards and prepares graduates for successful careers in cardiac sonography.