New Program
Echocardiography also known as Cardiac Sonography has proven to be safe and has generated cost-effective diagnostic breakthroughs in healthcare today. America's demographics are helping change medical care delivery. The average age of the American population will continue to increase through the year 2009, with the largest projected increases occurring in the 40-59 and 80+ age groups. Employment of Sonographers is expected to grow faster than the average through 2012 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology (U.S. Department of Labor).
The physicians ordering noninvasive cardiovascular ultrasound exams rely on the Cardiac Sonographers’ skill and knowledge to properly assist in the diagnosis of patients with life-threatening cardiac disease. A patient can be safely and accurately assessed with a well-educated, skilled cardiac sonographer using computer-based ultrasound imaging.
LIU's Cardiac Sonography Certificate Program
Long Island University offers a response to the changing demographics of today's world by providing highly-qualified professors and clinical-affiliate sites in this program dedicated to cardiac sonography. This is a full-time program. It combines classroom didactics, ultrasound lab practicum, and clinical rotations at the best cardiovascular laboratories in New York. Students are responsible to take their physical exams and are required to have immunizations. If a student does not have a CPR card, LIU will provide required CPR coursework; the student is responsible for the course fee.
Admission Requirements
The criteria for entry into LIU's Cardiac Sonography Certificate Program meet the minimum requirements for the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Students must have either a High School Diploma or the equivalent, and have satisfactorily completed a course in biological science, general physics, algebra, and communication skills. Transcripts are required.
Upon meeting the requirements above, the potential student must participate in an interview and receive a positive rating.
Tuition
Tuition is $22,500 for the entire program. A convenient deferred payment plan and private lender loans may be available for qualified applicants.
There is a $50 laboratory fee due within the first two weeks of the program; there is a $30 certificate fee, payable at the beginning of the last course in the program.
Program Schedule
The Cardiovascular Sonography Certificate Program will have a class starting in Spring 2009 (April 27, 2009).
Certificate Requirements
To be eligible to receive the certificate, you must successfully complete the program, with a grade of "C" or higher for each individual course:
DCS 100
DCS 095 Introduction to Healthcare and Cardiac Sonography
DCS 150 Anatomy & Physiology in Cardiovascular Health and Diagnosis
DCS 193 Cardiac Sonography I Principles
DCS 993 Cardiac Sonography I Procedures
DCS 215 Ultrasound Physics I
DCS 421 Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship I
DCS 101
(Prerequisite: DCS 100)
DCS 191 Cardiac Sonography II Principles
DCS 991 Cardiac Sonography II Procedures
DCS 192 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Principles
DCS 992 Cardiovascular Pharmacology Procedures
DCS 225 Ultrasound Physics II
DCS 422 Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship II
DCS 102
(Prerequisite: DCS 101)
DCS 194 Cardiac Sonography III Principles
DCS 994 Cardiac Sonography III Procedures
DCS 423 Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship III
DCS 103
(Prerequisite: DCS 102)
DCS 424 Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship IV
DCS 499 Case Review/Lab Management
For more information, please call (718) 488-1362 or (718) 488-1364
Cardiac Sonography Courses
DCS 100
Introduction to Healthcare and Cardiac Sonography (DCS 095)
Beginning students in the Cardiac Sonography Certificate Program gain basic entry-level knowledge and skills required for this occupation. The course includes: an introduction to healthcare systems and agencies; legal, personal, and ethical responsibilities; basic medical terminology; the promotion of safety; infection control; and vital signs (in addition, there is some simulated lab work). (45 hours)
DCS 095
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Applied Anatomy and Physiology in Cardiovascular Health and Diagnosis (DCS 150)
This course concentrates on the organization of the human body, cells, tissues and organs. It also covers the body systems, including: the integumentary system, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the sensory system, and the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system, the respiratory system, the digestive system, the urinary system, the reproductive system, and the endocrine system. (60 hours)
DCS 150
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Milorad Stricevic, M.D.
* * * * *
Cardiac Sonography I Principles (DCS 193)
Students learn normal anatomy and function of the heart. They also study the common pathologies of the heart and learn about the most common medications for the treatment of heart disease. Students learn to perform and interpret EKG’s and sonographic studies of the heart. Scanning protocols are explained in the classroom and practiced in our state of the art labs. (45 hours)
DCS 193
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Donna MacMillan Marotti, BS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
* * * * *
Cardiac Sonography I Procedures (DCS 993)
This lab is required with DCS 193. Complete testing protocols are practiced in the lab while reviewing the physical principles related to common pathologies at the heart. (45 hours)
DCS 993
Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
Instructor: Donna MacMillan Marotti, BS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
* * * * *
Ultrasound Physics I (DCS 215)
Ultrasound Physics I focuses on the fundamental principles of sound, ultrasound and the properties of ultrasound physics. Students learn the definition of sound and ultrasound, and how it is created and propagates through tissue. They also learn how to measure the frequency and velocity of sound through various mediums and how ultrasound is reflected and absorbed in tissue. (45 hours)
DCS 215
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Rick Dubin, RVT, RDMS
* * * * *
Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship I (DCS 421)
This course begins the process of applying the knowledge and skills the student learns in the classroom to an actual clinical setting, such as a hospital or doctor's office.
DCS 421
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Mark Weis, MBA, RVT
DCS 101
(Prerequisite: DCS 100)
Cardiac Sonography II Principles (DCS 191)
This course is an in-depth study of Coronary Artery Disease, Prosthetic Valves, Cardiac Masses, Congenital Disorders and Diseases of the adult and pediatric heart, Aortic Stenosis, as well as treatments including the use of cardiac catheterization. This course also discusses the use of Stress Echo, Transesophogeal Echo (TEE), Contrast Agents and the implementation of Doppler and advanced 2D measurements. Discussions are complemented with textbook readings, video presentations, and lab practice in which students pair up and scan each other as they hone their skills. (45 hours)
DCS 191
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Donna MacMillan Marotti, BS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
* * * * *
Cardiac Sonography II Procedures (DCS 991)
This lab is required with DCS 191. Complete testing protocols are practiced in the lab while reviewing the physical principles related to coronary artery disease, prosthetic valves, cardiac masses, and congenital disorders of the heart. (45 hours)
DCS 991
Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
Instructor: Donna MacMillan Marotti, BS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
* * * *
Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Pediatric Echocardiography (DCS 192)
This course is designed to review common laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease as well as to introduce the student to medications used in the treatment and diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders. Contrast agents used in ultrasound and other imaging modalities will also be discussed. Plus a review of embryological development, echocardiographic presentation of various congenital anomalies and examination of various repairs for congenital anomalies. (45 hours)
DCS 192
Tuesdays, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Cardiovascular Pharmacology Procedures (DCS 992)
This lab is required with DCS 192. Complete testing protocols are practiced in the lab while reviewing the physical principles related to cardiovascular pharmacology. (45 hours)
DCS 992
Tuesdays, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Instructor: Staff
* * * * *
Ultrasound Physics II (DCS 225)
Ultrasound Physics II prepares the student for the new Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam given by the ARDMS, which will be one of the requirements toward acquiring the RDCS credential in order to become a registered cardiac sonographer. (45 hours)
DCS 225
Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Instructor: Rick Dubin, RVT, RDMS
* * * * *
Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship II (DCS 422)
Students continue to build their clinical experiences by taking on additional and more responsible sonographic technical duties in an actual setting.
DCS 422
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Mark Weis, MBA, RVT
DCS 102
(Prerequisite: DCS 101)
Cardiac Sonography III Principles (DCS 194)
This course is designed to be an overview of items that may be presented on the ARDMS/CCI adult echo exams. Emphasis will be placed on normal anatomy and physiology of the adult heart. Physiology/Hemodynamics of the heart chambers and muscles are emphasized. Doppler flow patterns and cardiac measurements are included. The matrix of the ARDMS exam for Adult Echocardiography will be followed. Seventy percent of the Echocardiography matrix will be reviewed. Scanning methods and case studies will be reviewed during the laboratory section of this course. (45 hours)
DCS 194
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Instructor: Donna MacMillan Marotti, BS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
* * * * *
Cardiac Sonography III Procedures (DCS 994)
This lab is required with DCS 194. Complete testing protocols are practiced in the lab while reviewing the physical principles related to physiology/hemodynamic of the heart. (45 hours)
DCS 994
Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Instructor: Donna MacMillan Marotti, BS, RDCS, RVT, FASE
* * * * *
Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship III (DCS 423)
Students continue to build their clinical experiences by taking on additional and more responsible sonographic technical duties in an actual setting. Students undertake intensive clinical training utilizing the advanced skills that they have mastered for their careers.
DCS 423
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Mark Weis, MBA, RVT
DCS 103
(Prerequisite: DCS 102)
Cardiac Clinical Preceptorship IV (DCS 424)
Students continue to build their clinical experiences by taking on additional and more responsible sonographic technical duties in an actual setting. Students undertake intensive clinical training utilizing the advanced skills that they have mastered for their careers.
DCS 424
Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Mark Weis, MBA, RVT
* * * * *
Case Review/Lab Management (DCS 499)
Prepare for a nationally recognized cardiac sonography credential. This 45-hour review course prepares you to sit for the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) Examination. (45 hours)
DCS 499
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Staff
Cardiac Sonography Program
FAQ's
What do cardiac sonographers do?
Cardiac Sonographers assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders affecting the cardiac system. Using ultrasound machines, cardiac sonographers non-invasively acquire and record information related to the heart. These skilled sonographers are employed by hospitals and clinics; there are approximately 15,000 cardiac sonographers in the United States.
What are the admission requirements?
The criteria for entry into LIU's Cardiac Sonography Certificate Program meet the minimum requirements for the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). Students must have either a High School diploma or the equivalent, and have satisfactorily completed a college course in biological science, general physics, algebra, and communication skills. Transcripts are required. Upon meeting the requirements above, the potential student must participate in an interview and receive a positive rating.
Is the program accredited?
The program is in the process of getting accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Joint Review Committee on Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).
What is the length of the program?
The Cardiac Sonography Program is a full-time (day), 12-month certificate program.
What are the start dates?
Classes starts in September.
What does training consist of?
It combines classroom lecture, laboratory sessions, and clinical rotations.
How much is the tuition?
The tuition cost for the Cardiac Sonography Program is $22,500.
Where are the classes held?
Classes are held at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus, School of Continuing Studies which is located at 9 Hanover Place (2nd floor) Brooklyn, New York 11201.
Where are the clinicals held?
The clinicals are held at various hospitals throughout New York City and Long Island.
What are the career opportunities?
Echocardiography has proven to be safe and has generated cost-effective diagnostic breakthroughs in healthcare today. America's demographics are helping change medical care delivery. The average age of the American population will continue to increase through the year 2008, with the largest projected increases occurring in the 40-59 and 80+ age groups. Employment of cardiac sonographers is expected to grow faster than the average through 2012 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology (U.S. Department of Labor).
What is the salary range of cardiac sonographers?
Median salary = $66,768 (this income includes hourly salary, overtime and on-call pay).
Resource: Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers' Salary and Benefits Survey (released March, 2008). Salaries vary depending upon years of experience, number of specialties practiced, and geographic location. There are opportunities for full-time and part-time employment.
National web sites?
www.asecho.org - American Society of Echocardiography
www.ardms.org - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
LIU web sites?
The Long Island University web site for the Brooklyn Campus is www.brooklyn.liu.edu.
Who can I talk to about the program at LIU?
To learn more about the Vascular Technology Certificate Program, please call (718) 488-1362.
All information on this web-site is up-to-date; it supersedes information contained in earlier written materials.
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