Echocardiography AAS Degree
This program is full time, starts in the Fall, and is a total of 21months/5 semesters. The first 2 semesters; courses are held at the Arvada Campus. Full time clinical internship is off campus and begins in the 3rd summer semester and continues full time into the Fall and Spring semesters.
Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to take national certification examinations from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), in the following areas:
- Ultrasound Physics (SPI)
- Adult Echo Echocardiography (RDCS)
A qualifying degree is required for entry into the program; A two-year allied health degree that is patient care related or a four-year bachelor’s degree in any major. A 2yr allied health degree is defined as 60 full semester credits or 84 quarterly credits with an externship/internship that translates as a credit hr on your transcripts. In addition to a qualifying degree, there are required general education courses and pre-requisites. The required general education and prerequisite courses must be complete or in-session when the student applies to the program.
Admission to the sonography program is through a competitive selection process. Applications are accepted once a year from January to the end of February for the fall semester start of the same year. Information sessions are held regularly throughout the year. Please contact an advisor or visit the website for details and the most up to date information: www.rrcc.edu/sonography.
Upon acceptance into the program, students can expect to spend 36-40 hours per week in the classroom or at clinical internship. Internships take place in healthcare facilities. Students can expect to rotate through a variety of clinical shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and overnights. Additional fees apply for some DMS courses.
Degree Requirements
Prerequisite Courses
| DMS 1001 | Introduction to Sonography | 2 |
| HPR 1040 | Comprehensive Medical Terminology | 3 |
| or equivalent 1+ credit | |
| RTE 2055 | Multiplanar Sectional Imaging | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 7 |
Prerequisite General Education Courses
| ENG 1021 | English Composition I: CO1 | 3 |
| or | |
| COM (1000 or higher) | |
| MAT 1340 | College Algebra: GT-MA1 | 4 |
| (or higher MAT course 3-4 credits) | |
| BIO 2101 | Human Anatomy & Phys I w/Lab: SC1 | 4 |
| BIO 2102 | Human Anatomy & Phys II w/Lab: SC1 | 4 |
| PSY/SOC | 1000 or higher | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Required Courses
Total Credit Hours: 79