The Rise of Opportunities in Echocardiography

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities in echocardiography jobs are expected to increase by 24 percent by 2018. In 2008, 49,500 individuals were employed in the field of echocardiography, and this number is expected to jump to 61,400 within the next decade.

Echocardiographers

Specializing in noninvasive heart and vessel procedures, echocardiographers use ultrasound and sonograph technology to examine heart chambers, valves, and vessels. Echocardiographers are often referred to as cardiac sonographers.

Salaries

The average echocardiographer earns between $32,800 and $61,580 a year. Considering the initial investment into training and education, this seems to be a relatively high salary compared to other associates degree level jobs.

Echocardiography Schools and Programs

Most individuals pursuing a career in echocardiography attend a two-year college, in which the first year is dedicated to general education courses, and the second year provides instruction in noninvasive or invasive cardiovascular technology.

Individuals can also attend an accredited cardiovascular technology education program. There are currently over 30 programs approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professionals.

Top Echocardiography Schools:

• Mayo School of Health Services
• University of Kansas
• ATI College
• Hudson Valley Community College
• Georgia Northwestern Technical College
• John Hopkins Hospital School
• Ogeechee Technical College

Hot Spots for Echocardiography

Approximately 77 percent of echocardiography jobs are located in hospitals. However, positions do exist in physician offices, laboratories, and diagnostic imaging centers.

States with the Best Echocardiography Opportunities:

• Michigan
• Florida
• Texas
• California
• New York

For the latest information on echocardiography and echocardiographer opportunities, visit www.echocardiographer.net.

We have found this to be a better job search than others we have found and hope you agree!

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You can find the job search under the “Jobs” tab on the site or click here.

Many schools offer an associate’s program which lasts two years and involves general knowledge and clinical practice. The bachelor’s program is a four year program which offers more general courses, more in-depth knowledge about related topics, and also clinical practice. The more education you have, the more marketable you are to those looking to hire echocardiographers.

Here’s a Freebee

Finding schools in one’s area can be difficult. It is a narrow career field but does have a growing need for certified and skilled workers. Often times finding a way to get the proper credentials is harder than landing a job. Two websites I found to be helpful in finding schools that offer the echocardiographer program are

· www.educationportal.com

· www.collegeanduniversity.net

These two sites will help locate schools and accreditation institutes by area.

Persistence and Perseverance Pique Interest!

Many schools are unlisted, but calls to local community colleges, Tech Institutes, and university medical departments can direct you to places that may have that program. Perseverance is the name of the game. Calling and stirring the interest will generate results. That interest combined with the growing need for qualified echocardiographers may cause more certification and degree programs to become available.

Network!

Also, do not be afraid to network. Going on forums and posting questions will pique interest and attract someone who has been in the school hunting position and can personally reference and direct you to a school that would suit you.

Finding the school that is the right fit and getting through the program will take an unwavering determination. Keep focused, happy hunting, and good luck!

Our Reader writes:

Someone I know recently graduated and became certified as a
Cardiac Sonographer.  It seems that all employers want 2 to 3 years
experience.  How to you get experience if no one will hire a new grad?
Any suggestions I can pass along?

Our Response:

Thanks for writing.  Many schools have placement services and I am sorry
to hear your friend is not getting help in this way.  Also, many jobs
result from internships and clinical experience.

I understand, that whole ‘experience’ thing can be tricky sometimes.
Creativity is the name of the game when the standard tactics aren’t
working.

1.  Your friend should contact all the facilities that are most likely to
need Echo services in the region (or out of the area if she can relocate).  Sometimes
positions come available for the right candidate with some perseverance.

2.  Another posssiblity is to take a part-time unpaid internship—and
sell her abilities once in the door, or use that experience on the resume for another
employer.

3.  Here’s another idea: Taking a position as a cardiac tech or medical assistance just
to get started, so that she is in the right place to help out the Echo
professionals on staff and to move right into the position when it opens up.

4.  I also strongly recommend that your friend get in touch with the
American Society of echocardiography for their recommendations and
assistance as well.  http://www.asecho.org.

Good luck and also ask your friend to sign on for our Echo Forums for
continuing advice and info.

Regards,
Cheryl McLeod
Director
Echocardiographer.net

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