Gadsden State Echocardiography Certificate Program helps sonographers advance their careers

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Gadsden, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College is offering current sonographers an opportunity to expand their skills and career options through the Echocardiography Certificate Program at the Valley Street Campus.

The 21-credit-hour short-term certificate is designed for sonographers who want to gain specialized training in echocardiography, which uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the heart and assist healthcare providers in evaluating cardiovascular conditions. The program is offered exclusively at Gadsden State’s Valley Street Campus.

“Our program gives sonographers an opportunity to build on the skills and experience they already have while moving into a specialized area of diagnostic imaging,” said Kimberly Moss, RT(R), RVT, RDMS, RDCS, RCS, echocardiography instructor at Gadsden State. “Echocardiography combines technology, critical thinking and patient care, and it can be a very rewarding next step for someone looking to advance their career.”

The hybrid program combines online coursework and on-campus lab one night per week, providing flexibility for students who are already working in the field. Students also have access to experienced faculty, specialized equipment and hands-on training designed to develop the skills needed to work in echocardiography.

“Many of the students interested in this program are already working professionals, so flexibility is important,” Moss said. “The hybrid format allows them to continue working while developing a new skill set, and the hands-on component gives them an opportunity to apply what they are learning using the same types of technology they will encounter in the field.”

Echocardiographers, also known as cardiac sonographers, use specialized ultrasound equipment to capture images of the heart and provide physicians with information used to diagnose and monitor cardiovascular conditions. Career opportunities are available in settings including hospitals and physician offices.

The field also offers strong career potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics information included in Gadsden State’s program materials, the broader diagnostic medical sonography and cardiovascular technology field reported a 2023 median pay of $80,850 annually, or $38.87 per hour, with employment projected to grow 11% by 2033.

“There continues to be a need for skilled healthcare professionals who can combine technical knowledge with excellent patient care,” Moss said. “For a sonographer who enjoys working with patients, has strong attention to detail and wants to expand their capabilities, echocardiography can open the door to additional opportunities.”

A new class is admitted to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Echocardiography Certificate Program each spring. Selection is based on ranking, completion of admission requirements and the availability of space at clinical facilities.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria: be a graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program; be a vascular registered sonographer; or be a sonographer with more than five years of clinical scanning experience.

“This program is really about giving working sonographers another way to grow professionally,” Moss said. “If you’re ready to expand your knowledge, challenge yourself and add another specialized skill to your career, we encourage you to learn more about the program and apply.”

Applications are due December 1. Applicants must also be unconditionally admitted to Gadsden State and complete all program admission requirements by the deadline.

For more information or to apply, visit GadsdenState.edu/DMS; scroll to the Echocardiography section and select “Apply Here.”

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