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Cardiovascular Sonography REVISED

Curriculum Description

The Cardiovascular Sonography curriculum provides the individual with the knowledge and skills necessary to acquire, process, and evaluate the human heart and vascular structures. A cardiovascular sonographer uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the heart and vascular structures.

Course work includes effective communication and patient care skills combined with a knowledge of physics, human anatomy, physiology, and pathology, all of which are essential to obtaining high quality sonographic images.

Graduates may be eligible to apply to the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers for examinations in physics, cardiovascular physics, vascular physics, and adult echocardiography. Graduates may find employment in hospitals, physicians’ offices, mobile services, and educational institutions.

The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Associate in Applied Science

A45160
NC CIP: 51.0999
Day
POS Approved: Fall 2025

Before MAR Application Deadline

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
BIO 163 Basic Anat & Physiology 4 2 0 5
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry 3 0 0 3
MAT 171 Precalculus Algebra 3 2 0 4
PHY 110 Conceptual Physics 3 0 0 3
PHY 110A Conceptual Physics Lab 0 2 0 1
Select one:
Public Speaking (Global) 3 0 0 3
  OR        
Oral Communication (3) (0) (0) (3)
Select one:
Interpersonal Psychology 3 0 0 3
  OR        
General Psychology (Global) (3) (0) (0) (3)
  Total: 19 6 0 22

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
CVS 160 CVS Clinical Ed I 0 4 9 5
CVS 163 Echo I 3 2 0 4
SON 111 Sonographic Physics 3 3 0 4
  Total: 6 9 9 13

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
CVS 161 CVS Clinical Ed II 0 0 24 8
CVS 164 Echo II 3 2 0 4
  Total: 3 2 24 12

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
CVS 162 CVS Clinical Ed III 0 0 15 5
  Total: 0 0 15 5

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
CVS 260 CVS Clinical Ed IV 0 0 24 8
SON 250 Vascular Sonography 1 3 0 2
  Total: 1 3 24 10

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
CVS 261 CVS Clinical Ed V 0 0 24 8
CVS 277 Cardiovascular Topics 2 0 0 2
  Total: 2 0 24 10

Total Credit Hours: 72

Additional Information

Humanities/Fine Arts Electives — Select one: ART 111, HUM 110, HUM 115, HUM 120, MUS 110, PHI 215, PHI 240, or REL 110. Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.

**Hours will vary depending on course selection.

Additional admissions requirements:

  1. Biology, algebra, and physics recommended.
  2. A grade of C or better in all required related and program specific courses is mandatory for admission and progression in the Cardiovascular Sonography program.
  3. Completion of the Forsyth Tech Student Medical Form.

Program Information
This program has limited enrollment. Students are chosen by a selective admissions process based on grades earned in required related courses (i.e. biology, English, psychology, etc.) and completion of any training such as certified nurse assistant I and II, emergency medical technician, paramedic, or any diploma or degree in a health or non-health field. The Admissions Office can provide additional information on the selection process. Readmission may be possible but requires reapplying and approval by the college.

The Cardiovascular Sonography Associates in Applied Science program is intended for students who have no previous degree.

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening
Clinical agencies require criminal background checks and/or drug screening for students assigned to their facility for clinical education. In addition, national and/or state registry and/or licensure boards may prohibit eligibility for registry or licensure based on criminal background records. Please refer to the Health Technologies section on www.forsythtech.edu.

Advisor Alert: Blanket course substitutions are not allowed for this Program of Study in the General Education, Required Subject Area: English. Students must take COM 231 or ENG 115 or have written permission from the program coordinator on file in the Records office with the Registrar to accept transfer-in credit for courses previously completed.

Advisor Alert: Blanket course substitutions are not allowed for this Program of Study in the General Education, Required Subject Area: Natural Science/Mathematics. Students must take MAT 171 or have written permission from the program coordinator on file in the Records office with the Registrar to accept transfer-in credit for courses previously completed.

A45160
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