Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sonography is an in-demand healthcare field that offers challenges and rewards. Jackson College Global offers three sonography programs – general sonography, cardiac sonography and vascular sonography.
- General Sonography – general sonographers are often associated with obstetric and gynecological ultrasound, they do scan other areas throughout the body as well, such as abdomen and breast.
- Cardiac Sonography – also called echocardiographers, these healthcare professionals who use ultrasound technology to obtain images of the heart, called an echocardiogram. They may go into the operating room during open-heart surgery to assist. They may also learn other procedures, such as EKG, stress testing, or perform Holter monitor procedures to test the heart.
- Vascular Sonography — vascular sonographers are skilled professionals who use ultrasound equipment to evaluate a patient’s veins and arteries for any abnormalities.

Cardiac Sonography – Associate in Applied Science
A cardiac sonographer (echocardiographer) is the allied health professional who, after an extensive and comprehensive educational process, is qualified to perform an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). The primary role of the cardiac sonographer is to obtain diagnostic recordings and measurements from the ultrasound image of the heart, including hemodynamic information. This individual assumes great responsibility for the performance of this exam. The techniques for obtaining the required images and recordings require great skill. A thorough understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology, hemodynamics and pathophysiology is required.
The cardiac sonography program is an online program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum consists of integrated didactic and clinical coursework with a minimum of 1,136 supervised clinical hours with an approved clinical education affiliate. This program is designed to prepare the student for employment as a cardiac sonographer with positions located in hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging facilities. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply to the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) for board examinations that will award them the RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) credential.
Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.
Sample Courses
cost
Jackson County
If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.
$21,764
In Michigan
If you reside in the state of Michigan.
$23,696
Out of Michigan
If you reside outside the state of Michigan.
$29,156
Estimated program costs include tuition, fees and digital textbooks based on 2022-2023 tuition rates. Please note that these costs are only estimates and an individualized financial plan will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.
General Sonography – Associate in Applied Science
A sonographer is the allied health professional who, for diagnostic purposes, uses high frequency sound waves to create cross sectional images of the patient’s anatomy. Sonographers work in professional harmony with both the radiologist and the clinical physician. Sonographers are required to demonstrate a great deal of independent judgment.
The general sonography program is an online program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum consists of integrated educational and clinical course work with a minimum of 1,350 supervised clinical hours in an approved clinical education affiliate. The program prepares the students for employment in two specialties (abdomen/superficial structures and obstetrics/ gynecology) within the field of general sonography; positions are located within hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging institutions. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams in Physics and Instrumentation, Abdomen and Obstetrics/Gynecology.
Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.
Sample Courses
general sonography – Associate in applied science
Jackson County
If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.
$24,324
In Michigan
If you reside in the state of Michigan.
$26,486
Out of Michigan
If you reside outside the state of Michigan.
$32,596
Estimated program costs include tuition, fees and digital textbooks based on 2022-2023 tuition rates. Please note that these costs are only estimates and an individualized financial plan will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.
Vascular Sonography – Associate in Applied Science
A highly skilled allied health professional, a vascular sonographer performs arterial and venous diagnostic procedures using high-frequency sound waves. A vascular sonographer operates a variety of complex diagnostic and monitoring equipment and numerous ancillary devices.
The vascular sonographer performs carotid duplex scanning, lower and upper extremity Doppler examinations, venous duplex scans, abdominal vascular exams, evaluates test results, monitors physiological states of the patient, conducts patient education, and maintains accurate records and protocols during and after procedures. A thorough understanding of hemodynamics and pathophysiology is required.
The vascular sonography program is an online program accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the United States. It is a program leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is outcome-based, and the curriculum consists of integrated educational and clinical coursework with a maximum of 1,000 supervised clinical hours with an approved clinical education affiliate. The mastery and performance proficiency level are assessed in the final clinical semester. Learners will be eligible for early completion during the last clinical semester.
The program is designed to prepare the student for employment in vascular sonography. Vascular positions are located within hospitals, medical clinics, and other diagnostic imaging health institutions. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for certification exams through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography and, if successful, use the credentials RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist).
Note: This program includes a ground-based component, such as an internship or clinical experience. Your student success navigator can help you better understand the requirements.
Sample Courses
vascular sonography – Associate in applied science
Jackson County
If you reside in Jackson county, Michigan.
$23,038
In Michigan
If you reside in the state of Michigan.
$25,062
Out of Michigan
If you reside outside the state of Michigan.
$30,782
Estimated program costs include tuition, fees and digital textbooks based on 2022-2023 tuition rates. Please note that these costs are only estimates and an individualized financial plan will be created when a student meets with their Student Success Navigator.
Earnings
Starting wages average between $23 and $26 an hour. Median earnings for all sonographers is $62,620 annually.
Outlook
Sonographers are in demand in today’s job market, with 19 percent job growth through 2026.
The Cardiac, General and Vascular Sonography Programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (www.jrcdms.org).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: 9355 – 113th St. N, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775. Phone: 727.210.2350. Fax: 727.210.2354 www.caahep.org
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