Are you interested in working in healthcare, working closely with patients to help them be better informed about their cardiovascular health? If so, and if you don't want to spend years upon years in school to enter the healthcare field, then a career as a cardiovascular sonographer could be right for you.
With an Associate of Science degree in Cardiovascular Sonography from Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), you could be working in the field in less than two years.
So, what does it mean to work as a cardiovascular sonographer? Why are these professionals in such high demand, and what does it take to become one? We’ll be exploring just that throughout this blog.
Cardiovascular sonography refers to an area of medical imaging that uses sound waves to capture 2D (and, in some cases, 3D) images of the heart and its major components. Heart ultrasounds can look at the structure of the heart itself or, in the case of vascular sonography, the blood vessels and arteries that carry blood to and from the heart.
Cardiovascular sonographers are employed by medical facilities, ranging from cardiologists' offices to larger hospitals, to perform heart ultrasounds. On any given day, a professional in this role may carry out the following duties:
The work of cardiovascular sonographers is critical in capturing the images that can be used to diagnose any number of heart problems, including:
Compared to general medical sonography, performing a cardiovascular ultrasound requires an in-depth knowledge of the heart, its regular function, and its structures. Those working in this field need to understand how to spot signs of different heart conditions and capture quality images showing blood flow, valves, and different components of the heart.
Cardiovascular sonography and similar types of medical imaging can be used in a number of contexts to screen for heart problems and support cardiologists in creating effective treatment plans.
In many cases, heart ultrasounds can detect underlying heart problems that may otherwise be missed. For example, an echocardiogram lets doctors view detailed images of essential heart structures, including chambers and valves. These images can be used to diagnose (or rule out) such conditions as:
With early detection, many of these heart problems can be properly treated and monitored.
In some cases, cardiovascular sonography can also assess the heart's structures and function without the need for more invasive procedures, such as cardiac catheterization or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). As a result, patients can avoid the stress of more invasive screenings while getting the answers and insights they need about their health.
Cardiologists who have detailed images of the heart and can make the most accurate diagnoses can also create highly personalized treatment plans. Cardiologists can rely on heart imaging to optimize treatment and patient outcomes when used along with other medical information.
So, what does it take to thrive in the field of cardiovascular sonography? Let’s dive in to some of the skills needed for a cardiovascular sonographer:
Professionals in this field need to have extensive knowledge of different imaging equipment and how to manipulate it to obtain the highest quality images of the heart possible. This includes working with Doppler and other imaging techniques and general maintenance and operation of ultrasound machinery.
To capture the correct images in the highest possible quality, cardiovascular sonographers also need to have a proficient understanding of the heart's anatomy and physiology. This includes knowing the location and function of components like valves, arteries and chambers.
Besides technical knowledge, professionals in this field also need to maintain a strong attention to detail, especially when capturing highly specific heart images. Likewise, because this is a patient-facing role, cardiovascular sonographers also need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
If you're interested in a career as a cardiovascular sonographer, you should know a few things about education and training requirements.
Most employers prefer to hire those with an Associate degree in sonography or a related field, although shorter certificate and diploma programs may be available. Completing an accredited Associate degree program is often the best way to gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to enter the field with confidence.
Many employers also prefer to hire applicants with hands-on experience. The good news? A quality degree program should include plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience performing heart ultrasounds.
Just as employers may prefer cardiovascular sonographers with formal degrees and experience, many will also seek out candidates who have earned relevant credentials, such as professional certifications. In this field, sonographers can get certified through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Both of these options require candidates to pass an exam and meet other requirements, including continuing education and professional development.
With the right experience and credentials, cardiovascular sonographers can explore a number of different work environments and opportunities for specialization.
Many cardiovascular sonographers work in such medical facilities as hospitals, cardiology clinics, and even outpatient imaging centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 77 percent of professionals in this field worked in state, local, or private hospitals.
In some cases, cardiovascular sonographers may find work in mobile clinics, where they may travel around communities to offer heart screenings to local populations. Telehealth integration in sonography training is emerging, presenting an opportunity for those interested in educator roles.
As you gain experience in the field, you might find your niche in a more specialized area of cardiovascular sonography. Some sonographers, for example, may specialize in performing fetal or pediatric echocardiograms. Others may venture into diagnostic sonography for congenital heart defects. No matter where your interests lie, you can settle into the area of the field that calls to you.
Before committing to any career pathway, it's a good idea to understand not just the current demand, but future career projections and the factors that can affect them as well.
Compensation for cardiovascular sonographers varies across U.S. regions, reflecting differences in cost of living and demand:
The BLS states that the job outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists/technicians is projected to grow 11 percent between 2023 and 2033. That's much faster than the national average for all occupations, with an estimated 15,200 job openings expected by 2033. This increased demand for cardiovascular imaging professionals makes now a great time to pursue your formal education and training in the field.
What's driving increased demand for cardiovascular sonographers? Part of this is because the American population is aging. This, combined with an increase in rates of cardiovascular disease, has led to an increased need for experienced and skilled cardiovascular sonographers to perform diagnostic imaging. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but early screening and diagnosis can make a world of difference in patient outcomes.
Another factor contributing to the growing demand for cardiovascular sonographers is the simple fact that sonography is being used more often as a means of diagnostic screening for different heart problems. With recent advancements in cardiovascular sonography and echocardiography, more physicians are using these non-invasive procedures over invasive procedures of the past. As a result, there's a higher demand for skilled professionals who know how to use the equipment and capture the right diagnostic images.
Cardiovascular technology has come a long way in recent years, with new advancements improving the diagnosis and treatment/management of many heart conditions.
Rather than only being able to view heart images in 2D, recent advancements have made it possible to capture 3D and even 4D heart images. This additional level of precision and detail has made it possible for cardiologists to diagnose or rule out certain conditions with greater certainty.
Likewise, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being used to improve image analysis in the field of vascular sonography. For instance, when using AI, it may be possible for cardiologists to detect underlying problems that may have otherwise been overlooked. Similarly, AI can also be used for training purposes, helping sonography students learn how to improve their techniques and optimize probe positioning for the best image.
Recent advancements in technology have also enabled sonographers to integrate electronic health records (EHRs) into their work. This permits sonographers and cardiology teams to have the relevant information they need to make the most accurate diagnosis in the least amount of time. This can improve treatment and enhance patient outcomes.
Heart disease and other cardiovascular problems have become a serious problem in the United States. Over 702,000 Americans died from heart disease in 2022 alone. Meanwhile, somebody in the United States suffers from a heart attack every 40 seconds.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but it is often overlooked in women, where the general public mistakenly believes cancer poses the greatest risk. In fact, heart disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined. With proactive screening through cardiovascular sonography, it may be possible to diagnose and treat heart disease and other heart problems before they cause serious complications. In this sense, the work of medical sonographers is more crucial than ever. This urgency is reflected in the field’s projected job growth of 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the national average.
Working as a cardiovascular sonographer can be an excellent career choice for those who want to help others while filling a critical need in the healthcare field. Plus, with plenty of opportunities for specialization and advancement, this is a field where you can really find your niche.
Ready to take the next step to become a cardiovascular sonographer? If so, then NMC’s Associate of Science in Cardiovascular Sonography program may be right for you. This 21-month program can prepare you to sit for the ARDMS exam while offering practical, hands-on experience in such areas of the field as echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, EKG, and more.
Get in touch to request more information about our Cardiovascular Sonography program today, or get started with your online application for admission here.
Sources
https://www.methodistcollege.edu/allied-health/associate-degrees/cardiovascular-sonography
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/anatomy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7350824/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29201268/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21493-cardiovascular-disease
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
http://www.ardms.org/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html