Do you want to help people with heart problems?
Do you see yourself working on a team making a significant contribution?
Are you searching for a school that supports your values and need for wholeness?

About the Certificate of Cardiac Sonography Program

The Certificate in Cardiac Sonography is a 12-month program. Coursework and clinical time in this program involves more in depth concentrated study of assessment of the heart. It includes extensive study of the heart hemodynamics, normal anatomy, disease processes, and patient treatment.  The Cardiac Sonography program begins each Fall. This program prepares students to sit for the board exam and RDCS credentialing exam.  All students are required to take and pass the ARDMS Standard Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before completion of the program.   This program does require a previous associate/bachelors degree in any field.

Our Mission

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Loma Linda University, School of Allied Health Professions, provides a quality educational experience focused on the whole person. The program prepares students to take the national board exam, become entry-level sonographers, and be equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors appropriate for providing excellent patient care and working on a health care team.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be known by our students, alumni, clinical instructors, faculty, professional community, and staff as the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program of choice. Additionally, we want the program experience to be known as "a close family" that is exciting, challenging, and transforming.

Our Values

We will accomplish our mission and vision by setting and achieving high standards of excellence in professional behavior, academic and clinical education, customer service, and collaborative success, while living by the Loma Linda University values of excellence, integrity, compassion, self-control, humility, freedom, and justice

Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

While in the Program, students will demonstrate clinical competence by performing ultrasound exams of diagnostic quality, and applying patient care and appropriate practices for all procedures. Students will communicate effectively by being able to clearly explain ultrasound procedures to patients and often family members, effectively communicate and work with the health care team, and demonstrate appropriate communication to diverse populations. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills so that they can appropriately adjust procedures, and critique images to determine diagnostic acceptability. Students will demonstrate the values and professional development, model professional behavior, and examine the core values and reflect on personal application. Students will also apply knowledge in interdisciplinary situations.

Applicant Checklist

Vew the Applicant Checklist PDF. 

______ Read all the information on the LLU Sonography WEB page (llu.edu/sonography).  Should you have any questions after reviewing the information on the WEB page, please contact us.

______ Have your transcripts reviewed and an academic plan established with an academic counselor or advisor from the regionally accredited institution you are attending or plan to attend to complete the program prerequisites and requirements.

______ Plan to complete all prerequisite courses by the end of May of the year you would like to begin the program and have your course plan verified by LLU personnel.

______ Submit an application to the Sonography program online (llu.edu/apply) during the application window. There is an application fee. 

______ Order all OFFICIAL transcripts to be sent directly from all institutions to Admissions Processing as soon as the application has been submitted, even if you have courses in progress.  

______ Register for and attend the required Ultrasound Information Session prior to scheduling the required observation.  Please note that after you have submitted an application, you will be sent a link to register for the Ultrasound Information Session once the dates have been determined.  Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged once it becomes available.  Once a date has been established for your attendance, the program director, Marie DeLange, or the clinical coordinator, Erin Marshall, will send you the specific details via email.  The session will take approximately 1-2 hours on that day.

______ Schedule and attend the required observation.  You will not be able to observe without first having attended the required Ultrasound Information Session.  Furthermore, to observe, your OFFICIAL transcripts should have been received and reviewed by Admissions for verification of your prerequisites at this point or at least an Enrollment Verification Letter submitted from institutions that will not release official transcripts with courses in progress.  A link will then be sent to you via email so that you can choose a date to observe.  Spaces are limited, so please try to set up an observation as soon as possible.  If we run out of dates for you to observe prior to interviews, you will need to reapply the following year.

______ Schedule and attend the interview.  In order to be eligible for the interview, you must have completed all the aforementioned steps—submitted an application, attended the required Ultrasound Information Session, submitted your OFFICIAL transcripts for review by LLU personnel, AND then completed the observation. 

Note:  If you live out of state or have extenuating circumstances, please contact us and we will try to make other arrangements.

LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION

Important Dates

  • Application Window: October 1 to February 1
  • Priority Deadline: December 31
  • Final Deadline: February 1

Attending the LLU Open House gives you eligibility to receive the $60 application fee waiver.

Program Resources

Program Accreditation

Loma Linda University’s Sonography programs have been fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in general sonography and vascular and echocardiography since October 7,1985. Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

9355 - 113th St. N, #7709

Seminole, FL 33775

Phone: 727-210-2350

Fax: 727-210-2354

Program Outcomes

Academic Calendar

The program, in general, follows the Loma Linda University Quarterly academic terms. The program begins each June.  Please refer to the Academic Calendar since the actual dates change yearly.

Program Expectations

The Certificate in Cardiac Sonography Program is rigorous.  Students should expect to give full-time attention to this demanding program.  Students in the past have needed to adjust their personal schedules to make this program a priority.  Students should also plan to drive to their clinical affiliates, which are assigned to each student after the program begins.  Students are expected to be responsible, accountable, and dependable as well as behave and communicate with high professional standards. Attendance in all classes and clinical rotations is expected.  Students are also expected to be able to perform the essential job functions throughout the program and on into the profession.

What Makes Us Unique

  • No waiting list. Every applicant is reviewed each year on an individual basis.
  • Comprehensive and compassionate instruction in the classroom and clinical setting.
  • Students gain valuable diversity in their experiences through multiple clinical rotations.
  • Students receive more hands on clinical experience than other comparable programs.
  • Graduates are competent in a broader range of exams than comparable programs.
  • Diligent students often obtain the ARDMS credentials prior to program completion.
  • Alumni are employed at the majority of our clinical sites, providing care and guidance.
  • Graduates are more prepared and requested for employment in all levels of health care.

Essential Job Functions

The essential job functions of a sonographer require certain physical, mental, & emotional attributes.  Physical demands include lifting; carrying; bending; manipulation of equipment; patient assistance; walking and prolonged standing; the ability to read; and the ability to communicate effectively.  Mental, emotional, and affective demands include: critical decision making, interaction with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintaining patient confidentiality, ability to work under pressure, ability to repeat previously learned information, and interacting appropriately.  Students must maintain essential job functions throughout the program.  A complete list of essential job functions will be made available during the interview process.

Eligibility for ARDMS Credential

Eligibility for the ARDMS credentialing exam may be affected if the applicant has a prior felony or misdemeanor conviction. Prior to applying to this program the applicant should contact the ARDMS at 800-862-7367 to determine if eligibility will be granted.

Other Requirements

Applicants are required to complete a background check and possess a current Health Care Provider CPR card offered by the American Heart Association. To remain in the program students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, pass three program milestones, pass a mock board exam, and adhere to the Program’s professional code of conduct. Students at some clinical sites may need a drug test.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

The following links will provide information regarding the cost of the certificate, financing available, median debt, normal time frame for completion, and job placement rates for students that have completed this program.

Contact Us

REQUEST INFORMATION

Erin Marshall
Program Director
studyradsci@llu.edu 
llu.edu/sonography
909-558-4931 Department Office
909-558-7965 Fax

* Please note: Information in the University catalog may differ from our online info. Our web info was updated after the catalog was published. In the catalog- Track 1 is in reference to the General Medical Sonography option and Track 2 is in reference to the Cardiac Sonography option.