Smith Chason College offers a 21-month program in Cardiovascular Sonography designed to train students for careers in heart and vascular imaging. This associate degree program combines online lectures, in-person labs, and six months of clinical externship to build both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience.
Program Highlights
- Hybrid Learning Format: The program includes online classes for lectures and on-campus labs, offering flexibility and practical training.
- Extensive Clinical Training: A six-month externship provides real-world experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- Certification Preparation: Graduates are eligible to sit for registry exams, such as the ARDMS and CCT, enhancing job opportunities in the field.
What You’ll Learn
The curriculum covers essential subjects for cardiovascular sonography, including anatomy, medical terminology, and the physics of ultrasound. Advanced courses in vascular and cardiac imaging, along with EKG studies, are designed to build proficiency in diagnostic techniques. Emphasis is also placed on patient care, ethics, and professionalism, which are critical for successful careers in medical imaging.
Externship and Clinicals
Smith Chason’s externship component integrates classroom knowledge with practical skills in real healthcare environments, allowing students to perform diagnostic procedures under supervision. Students may be placed in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers nationwide, gaining exposure to a range of clinical settings. Travel may be required, as placements could be over 75 miles from the campus.
Prerequisites
Wonderlic Entrance Exam: Minimum score of 21 required for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the program is $45,125 for weekday schedules and $51,380 for weekend classes. Smith Chason College offers financial aid options, including federal and state grants, private loans, and scholarships. Veterans’ benefits are also available, and students are encouraged to consult the Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Program Structure and Schedule
Classes are available on weekdays or weekends:
- Weekday Mornings: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Evenings: Monday through Friday, 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Weekends: Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., with occasional Fridays as needed.
Why Smith Chason College?
Smith Chason College provides a structured approach to cardiovascular sonography with a focus on hands-on learning and certification readiness. Strengths include flexible scheduling and an extensive externship component. However, students should be prepared for potential travel for clinical placements, which could add logistical challenges.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost | $45,125 (weekday) / $51,380 (weekend) |
| Program Duration | 21 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 | Academic Associate of Science in Cardiovascular Sonography |
| Admission Requirements | Wonderlic Entrance Exam with a minimum score of 21 |
| Online Classes? | Yes, hybrid format with online lectures |
| Financial Aid Options | Federal and state grants, private loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits |
| Location | 300 Rancheros Drive Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92069 |
| Phone | (760) 418-4200 |
| Website | Smith Chason College Cardiovascular Sonography Program |
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