Program Description
Echocardiography is a specialized concentration within the field of diagnostic medical ultrasound. The Echo technologist learns to become adept at obtaining and interpreting diagnostic quality images of the heart and surrounding structures, evaluating heart anatomy, chamber size, wall thickness, valve morphology and overall heart function. The program coordinates academic study with clinical laboratory experience and a hospital or clinic. Upon completion of the Echocardiography Program students may take the national registry exam (ARDMS) after an additional year of clinical work experience.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of Echocardiography Technologists and technicians were $38,690 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,890 and $50,130. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,790, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,000. Median annual earnings of cardiovascular technologists and technicians in May 2004 were $36,890 in offices of physicians and $38,150 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Job Outlook
Employment of cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. Growth will occur as the population ages, because older people have a higher incidence of heart problems. Employment of vascular technologists and echocardiographers will grow as advances in vascular technology and sonography reduce the need for more costly and invasive procedures. However, fewer EKG technicians will be needed, as hospitals train nursing aides and others to perform basic EKG procedures. Individuals trained in Holter monitoring and stress testing is expected to have more favorable job prospects than are those who can perform only a basic EKG. Some job openings for cardiovascular technologists and technicians will arise from replacement needs, as individuals transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force. However, job growth and replacement needs will produce relatively few job openings because the occupation is small.
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