Smith Chason College offers a 36-month Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography aimed at training students for careers in echocardiography and vascular sonography. This program combines online lectures with on-campus labs and externships to equip students with essential diagnostic skills.
Program Highlights
- Flexible, Hybrid Format: Students complete online lectures combined with on-campus labs for practical skills development.
- Extensive Clinical Experience: The program includes a six-month externship in real healthcare settings, ensuring students gain practical experience.
- Certification Readiness: Graduates are prepared to sit for certification exams like the SPI, CCT, and ARDMS, making them competitive in the job market.
Curriculum and Training Focus
Students in this program study core subjects such as anatomy, sonography instrumentation, and cardiovascular imaging techniques. Through online lectures and in-person lab work, they learn how to operate ultrasound equipment, interpret imaging results, and assist with patient care. Coursework covers topics like advanced vascular sonography, EKG use, and imaging for congenital heart defects, providing a comprehensive foundation for a diagnostic sonography career.
Hands-On Externship
A standout component of the program is its six-month externship, where students work under supervision in clinical settings such as hospitals and outpatient clinics. This experience allows students to put their classroom knowledge to use in real-world scenarios, preparing them for the demands of a professional sonography role. Externship sites may require travel, sometimes over 75 miles from campus, and students are responsible for transportation.
Prerequisites
Wonderlic Entrance Exam: Minimum scores required are 325 (Verbal) and 275 (Quantitative).
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program costs $75,237. Financial aid options include federal and state grants, scholarships, and private loans, as well as veterans’ benefits for eligible students. Interested applicants should contact the Financial Aid Office for tailored assistance.
Program Format and Class Schedules
To accommodate different student schedules, the program offers:
- Weekday Classes: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Evening Classes: Monday to Friday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend Classes: Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., with occasional Fridays if required.
Why Consider Smith Chason College?
Smith Chason College offers a focused program for students aiming to enter cardiovascular sonography with practical, in-depth training and extensive clinical exposure. Advantages include the flexibility of hybrid classes and a substantial externship, although the cost and potential travel for clinical placements are factors to consider. Overall, it’s a strong choice for those looking to gain thorough preparation for a career in cardiovascular imaging.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $75,237 |
| Program Duration | 36 months |
| Class Schedules | Weekdays: Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Weekends: Sat-Sun, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. |
| Program Type | Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography |
| Admission Requirements | Wonderlic Entrance Exam: Minimum scores of 325 (Verbal) and 275 (Quantitative) |
| Online Classes? | Yes, hybrid format with online lectures |
| Financial Aid Options | Federal and state grants, scholarships, private loans, veterans’ benefits |
| Location | 300 Rancheros Drive Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92069 |
| Phone | (760) 418-4200 |
| Website | Smith Chason College Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography Program |
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