Sonography-Echocardiography Technology

Realize a rewarding, lucrative career in the high-demand field of cardiac sonography with this hands-on two-year degree program.

Make a meaningful difference in the world, and a great living for yourself, with a career in cardiac sonography, also known as echocardiography. Our 60-credit Associate of Applied Science degree program, offered on our Fergus Falls campus, incorporates coursework and real-world clinical experiences to fully prepare you for a successful career in this high-demand healthcare specialty.

Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) is a growing field of sonography, a noninvasive imaging technology that uses sound waves to visualize internal body tissue and organs to help diagnose and monitor disease. Echocardiographers work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat heart and vascular conditions in patients of all ages. They also collaborate with patients and families to promote patient health, safety and recovery.

Our Sonography-Echocardiography Technology program offers you:

Comprehensive, real-world training. Echocardiographers need specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of anatomy, physics, medical terminology, patient care and image interpretation. Our program provides a comprehensive education in all those areas. Clinical rotations complement classroom-based coursework to give you practical experience in a real-world setting, using state-of-the-art equipment and technology under the guidance of working healthcare professionals.
Job options. Due to advances in healthcare technology and the nation's aging population, demand for skilled echocardiographers is rising fast – by 12% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, much faster than the average for all occupations. This means there’ll be an abundance of job opportunities waiting for you, with competitive salaries and benefits.
Good pay. The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers, including echocardiographers, was $75,920 as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-paid professionals in the field earned more than $102,060 per year.
Emotional reward. Cardiac sonographers play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular conditions, making a big difference in patients’ lives. By providing accurate and timely diagnosis of conditions such as heart disease, valve disorders and congenital heart defects, you'll help improve patient outcomes and quality of life. You'll also have the opportunity to develop ongoing relationships with patients and their families, providing them with care and support throughout their treatment journeys.

To apply to our Sonography-Echocardiography Technology program: