Ultrasound Technology Degree Program NJ

Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography

Associate Degree

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201-989-1131

High job growth, salary potential in ultrasound careers

Study close to home at our campuses in Ramsey or Nutley
Learn how to analyze ultrasound imagery of the heart and blood vessels to help make accurate medical diagnoses
Eastwick College offers both associate and bachelor’s degree options to help you advance your career as you gain experience in the field

Cardiovascular sonographers use specialized equipment to create internal images of the heart and vascular system using sound waves, which bounce back and are translated into images by a computer.

Cardiovascular sonographers work with physicians to assist in the diagnosis and treatment a variety of cardiac and peripheral vascular ailments, care for testing equipment, explain test procedures, and analyze findings to identify problems. As a student in the cardiovascular sonography program, you will study in our specialized ultrasound labs and practice on the same equipment used by many employers in the area. You will learn to check the heart for subtle differences between healthy and diseased areas, determine if scanned images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, and record additional medical history.

Due to the prevalence of heart disease and an aging population, graduates of this program are expected to have excellent career opportunities and average projected growth when compared with all occupations¹.

1 National Center for O*NET Development. (2022). Summary report for: 29-2031.00 – cardiovascular technologists and technicians. Retrieved from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2031.00

CV Sonography Student Handbook

Program Accreditation

Eastwick College’s AAS in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). CAAHEP’s accreditation grant includes the programs offered at the Ramsey and Nutley campuses.

Track	Retention	Placement	Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI		American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
Track	Retention	Placement	Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)	Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS)	Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)	Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
Cardiovascular Technology	71.63%	81.82%	93%	—–	98%	—–
Noninvasive Vascular Study	74.59%	78.06%	—–	85%		100%

Program Outcomes 2022-2024

Track	Retention	Placement	Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)		American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
Track	Retention	Placement	Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)	Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS)	Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)	Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
Cardiovascular Technology	75.10%	81.56%	95%		97%
Noninvasive Vascular Study	73.20%	79.50%		93%		90%

FAQs: Cardiovascular Sonography

What is cardiovascular sonography and what does it involve?

It’s ultrasound focused on the heart and vessels. You’ll perform studies including echocardiograms, stress echo, and vascular exams to help clinicians see how the heart pumps and how blood moves. Clear image and, accurate measurements lead to smarter diagnoses.

Is certification required to work in this field?

Licensing rules can vary by state, but employers prefer a recognized credential. Most graduates sit for ARDMS or CCI pathways. Passing shows you meet the professional bar for cardiac or vascular imaging.

What types of facilities hire cardiovascular sonographers?

Hospitals are the big employer, but outpatient imaging centers, cardiology practices, and diagnostic clinics all hire. Some teams run mobile units that bring testing to rural areas or facilities without full imaging departments.

Are there federal guidelines that influence ultrasound practice?

Yes. The FDA sets safety guidelines for equipment use and output levels. CMS influences documentation and billing policy. Programs also teach clinical standards for image quality, patient safety, and protocol so your studies stand up to review.

What kind of financial support is available for students in this program?

Most students start with FAFSA to check Pell Grants and Direct Loans. Workforce funds sometimes target high-need allied health fields like cardiac imaging, and local grants can help with books, exams, or clinical costs. Students should work withthe school’s financial aid office to map every option you qualify for.