10 Reasons To Train for a Career in Cardiovascular Sonography

Cardiovascular sonography is an area of health care that uses digital equipment to capture images of the human heart, known as echocardiograms. A trained cardiovascular sonographer, also known as an echocardiographer, performs exams on patients to help physicians diagnose and treat heart disease, defects, and other medical conditions.

With higher-than-average job growth and the opportunity to help save lives, cardiovascular sonography can be a rewarding career choice for many people. These health care professionals enjoy working with the latest ultrasound imaging equipment and continue learning throughout their careers. With so many reasons to become a cardiovascular sonographer, there's never been a better time to consider pursuing this career. In as little as 21 months, you can earn an associate degree in cardiovascular sonography from Concorde and be prepared to begin working in this health care field. Here are 10 reasons to start a career in cardiovascular sonography.
 

10 Reasons To Train for a Career in Cardiovascular Sonography

1. Help save lives

Cardiovascular sonographers have an important role in helping to diagnose and treat patients with heart conditions. They operate state-of-the-heart ultrasound equipment to capture precise, comprehensive images of a patient's heart. Physicians use those images to identify abnormalities and prescribe treatment to help patients improve their health. In many cases, echocardiograms can help physicians make early diagnoses and give patients a better chance of success with proper treatments. By performing accurate echocardiograms, cardiovascular sonographers can help save lives.

2. Perform diverse responsibilities

Most cardiovascular sonographers have a range of diverse responsibilities in their job descriptions. In addition to performing exams, they communicate with patients about procedures, obtain consent forms, and consult with physicians about the results of echocardiograms. They clean and prepare exam areas between patients and check ultrasound equipment to make sure it's working properly. In smaller offices, some cardiovascular sonographers may have administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments. No day is ever the same for these health care professionals.

3. Work as part of a team

Cardiovascular sonographers work as part of a health care team. Many other health care professionals, including nurses, physicians, and even surgeons, rely on cardiovascular sonographers to take clear images of a patient's heart. These sonographers often collaborate with physicians to offer their input on the patient's

diagnosis by reviewing the valves, chambers, and blood flow shown in the echocardiogram. Knowing their contributions to a health care team can help many cardiovascular sonographers find satisfaction in their work.

4. Positive job outlook

There's a positive job outlook for cardiovascular sonographers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (1) predicts employment for medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians to grow 14% by 2030. That's faster than the average rate of all occupations in the workforce. With an expected 12,000 job openings projected each year, many hospitals and imaging centers are likely to continue hiring cardiovascular sonographers. As the baby-boom population continues to age, these sonographers will be necessary to help diagnose heart disease and other medical conditions.

5. Where to find employment

In addition to employment growth, cardiovascular sonographers have many options for where they choose to work. Many sonographers work in hospitals, while others find employment at doctor's offices, medical clinics, or diagnostic imaging centers. Many states employ a high number of cardiovascular sonographers (2), with the top states being Texas, Florida, and California, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With so many employment options, these health care professionals can find job opportunities in a variety of locations.

6. Choose a work schedule

Because cardiovascular sonographers have many employment options, they can often choose the work schedule that fits their needs. Those who want to work a traditional schedule during the week often apply to outpatient clinics or imaging centers. Sonographers who prefer to work alternate schedules, such as early mornings, overnights, or weekends, can apply to work at hospitals, which require a sonographer on duty at all times. Cardiovascular sonographers typically have full-time positions with consistent work hours each week.

7. Use the latest technology

Cardiovascular sonographers use the latest technology to perform echocardiograms. This industry-current ultrasound equipment provides an advanced alternative to other imaging techniques by using sound waves to take pictures of the heart. Cardiovascular sonographers receive training and instruction to help them become experts on operating and maintaining the equipment. Using this technology, they capture moving images of the heart, including its chambers, valves, and blood vessels.

8. Continue learning

Cardiovascular sonography is an area of health care that continues to progress, with new technology emerging every day. Medical innovations and advancements allow these sonographers to keep learning throughout their careers. They stay updated on breakthroughs in their field, such as new 4D ultrasound equipment, to ensure they're providing top-level care to patients. Even after they earn a cardiovascular sonography degree, many choose to pursue additional certifications to advance in their careers. This continued learning can help cardiovascular sonographers feel challenged in their jobs.

9. Interact with patients

In their day-to-day responsibilities, cardiovascular sonographers frequently interact with patients. Compassion and patient care are two qualities that can help these professionals excel in their positions. They explain exam procedures and answer patients' questions. Many patients may feel scared or nervous about the exam or the results of their echocardiogram, and sonographers can offer them support and reassurance on their health journeys. These positive interactions can give many sonographers a sense of fulfillment in their careers.

10. Start working sooner

Students will be prepared to begin pursuing career opportunities after completing an associate degree program in cardiovascular sonography.(3) At Concorde, you can have the opportunity to complete a cardiovascular sonography associate degree program in less than two years.(4) This degree provides you with instruction regarding the technical skills and knowledge to conduct ultrasound images, record data, and prepare reports for physicians.

Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in cardiovascular sonography? Explore our cardiovascular sonography associate degree program to learn more about the curriculum and program objectives. Concorde can provide information about a variety of financial aid options, for those who qualify, to help you finance your degree. Contact us to learn more, schedule a tour, or apply online today.
 

Footnotes

1. "Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-6

2. "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm#st

3. Professional certification, while not required, may be preferred by potential employers.

4. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.