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CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING | School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Welcome to the Providence School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Providence Heart Institute’s School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics is the only cardiovascular technology program in South Carolina accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students in the program are provided a comprehensive course of study in noninvasive cardiovascular diagnostic testing. The program combines clinical and didactic coursework to prepare students for national registration through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
The Providence School of Cardiovascular Technology is clinically affiliated with the University of South Carolina College of Science and Mathematics. Our program awards a certificate in echocardiography or vascular sonography. Our program offers the opportunity to work and become credentialed in both echocardiography and vascular technology.
Why should I consider a career as a cardiovascular sonographer?
Because the demand is great. In the United States, there are only 2,500 registered sonographers specializing in adult echocardiography and vascular technology. In South Carolina, there are fewer than 50. With the rising incidence of heart disease and our aging population, the demand for experienced sonographers is at an all-time high.
The industry is also growing. More and more physicians depend on noninvasive testing, and changes in technology bring new and exciting possibilities to the field. Starting salary range is about $35,000 per year, with the opportunity to earn overtime and callback pay. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers helpful insight into why and how to select an accredited educational program.
What is the duration of the program?
Providence Heart Institute’s School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics begins its 18-month program each July, with applications due by March 1. Competition is steep; currently only four candidates are accepted into each class.
Upon completion of the program, students receive a certificate from the School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics, and are well prepared to apply for and pass the ARDMS examinations in adult echocardiography and vascular technology. Upon completion of the ARDMS registry exam, students receive the title of Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) and Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS).
What are the requirements for entry?
To be considered for selection, students must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours of post-secondary school, including English Composition I, College Algebra, Medical Terminology and either Anatomy and Physiology I and II or Biology 415 (Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Lab) and Biology 460 (General Physiology and Lab). For an application or more information about admissions, click here.
What will I learn?
The program offers a comprehensive course of study accredited by the CAAHEP. Students learn to perform echocardiograms as well as cerebrovascular and extremity duplex ultrasound. In addition, students have the opportunity to work alongside Providence cardiologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists and vascular and cardiovascular surgeons while progressing through the clinical portion of the program. Numerous opportunities to observe open-heart surgery, carotid endartectomy procedures, balloon angioplasty, pericardial centesis and transesophageal echocardiography are offered during clinical rotations.
Providence Heart Institute uses the most current technology and equipment, offering students one of the most comprehensive training programs available in South Carolina.
Who is the medical director?
Dr. Claude Smith, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Providence, is the vascular medical director of the School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics. Dr. Robert Delphia, Jr., a cardiologist with the South Carolina Heart Center, is the echo medical director. They sit on the school’s advisory board and participate in didactic and clinical instruction.
Tell me about Providence Heart Institute
Providence Heart Institute is recognized statewide as a referral center for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Since the opening of the Heart Institute in 1974, the staff at Providence has performed more heart procedures than any other medical team in the state. Each year, the facility's skilled surgeons perform more than 1,000 open heart surgeries. The staff at the Heart Institute performs nearly 7,000 heart catheterizations annually in its six catheterization labs.
Providence Heart Institute is one of three entities that comprise Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, a not-for-profit 304-bed organization owned by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine (CSA) Health System. Our other facilities include Providence Hospital and Providence Hospital Northeast. Providence employs more than 1,500 caring individuals.
Where can I find out more about cardiovascular ultrasound?
Go to www.ultrasoundjobs.com for information about current salaries for sonographers. You may also wish to visit the following sites:
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Society of Echocardiography
Society for Vascular Ultrasound
CAAHEP
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook
How can I get more information about Providence’s School of Cardiovascular Diagnostics?
Contact Dan Chambers at (803) 256-5636 or at Daniel.Chambers@ProvidenceHospitals.com.
Providence Heart Institute
Dept. 7095
2435 Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-5636
www.provhosp.com
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Cammie Steele, B.A., MT(ASCP)
Associate Director, Cardiovascular Technology Program
College of Arts and Sciences
803-777-2505
Cammie@cosm.sc.edu
USC College of Arts and Sciences website
www.cosm.sc.edu
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