Concorde Career College’s Cardiovascular Sonography Associate Degree Program in San Diego prepares students for a career in cardiovascular sonography through a blend of online and in-person classes and hands-on clinical experience. This 20-month program combines foundational health knowledge with specialized training in cardiac sonography.
Program Highlights
- Blended Learning Format: Courses are available in a mix of online, on-campus, and blended formats, offering flexibility for different learning needs.
- Extensive Clinical Experience: With 960 hours of clinical training, students gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings.
- Focused Career Preparation: This program emphasizes skill development in adult cardiac sonography, combining technical knowledge with professional growth.
Curriculum and Structure
The program spans eight terms and consists of 2,175 contact hours, equating to 89.5 semester credits. Students progress through courses in general education, health foundations, and advanced cardiovascular sonography. Each term builds on prior knowledge, with specific requirements for courses to be completed in sequence. Clinical rotations are dispersed geographically, requiring some travel for placements, which may extend beyond the local area.
Course Delivery and Clinicals
Courses in the Cardiovascular Sonography program include a combination of theory, lab, and clinical hours. Of the total program hours, approximately 35% of courses may be delivered online, primarily in general education subjects. Students should prepare for varied clinical times that may differ from regular class schedules.
Prerequisites
To gain admission into this program, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- HESI A2 Assessment: Minimum scores in core sections of the HESI A2 assessment.
- Program Director Interview: Includes an evaluation of academic performance, healthcare experience, and professionalism.
- Criminal Background Check: Must pass a background check as part of the admissions process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program’s total estimated cost is $50,372, which includes $49,225 for tuition and $1,147 for textbooks. Concorde Career College provides several financial aid options:
- Federal Pell Grant: Based on federal financial need guidelines.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded based on need and fund availability.
- Federal Student Loans: Includes subsidized and unsubsidized options.
- Cal Grant Programs (A, B, and C): State grants for California residents who meet financial need requirements.
- Alternative Financing: Payment plans and retail installment contracts are available, including interest-free options if completed before graduation.
Veterans may qualify for additional benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and are encouraged to contact Concorde’s financial aid office for more details.
Course Progression
- Foundations: The initial terms cover essential subjects like anatomy, communication, and basic health sciences, building a foundation for specialized cardiovascular coursework.
- Specialized Training: Later terms focus on sonography techniques, including echocardiography labs and pathology.
- Clinical Rotations: Terms six to eight feature extensive clinical training, with over 900 hours of hands-on practice under professional supervision.
Each phase requires completion of prerequisite courses, ensuring students have the necessary skills to succeed in advanced topics.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will acquire skills to:
- Perform Diagnostic Procedures: Students learn to record and interpret anatomical and physiological data.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Training includes decision-making skills essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Communication and Professionalism: Emphasis on clear patient interaction and professional conduct.
Why Concorde Career College?
Concorde Career College’s Cardiovascular Sonography program provides a structured path to enter the field of cardiac sonography with a focus on practical skills and real-world experience. Strengths include extensive clinical hours and a structured curriculum, though the program’s cost may be higher than alternatives in the area.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Cost | $50,372 (including textbooks) |
Program Duration | 20 months |
Class Schedules | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; clinical times vary |
Program Type | Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Sonography |
Admission Requirements | HESI A2 Assessment, Program Director Interview, Criminal Background Check |
Online Classes? | Partially, with up to 35.6% of courses online |
Financial Aid Options | Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Federal Loans, Cal Grants, Alternative Financing |
Location | 4393 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 |
Phone | (619) 908-1963 |
Website | Concorde Cardiovascular Sonography Program |
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