Cardiac Sonography Training in District of Columbia - Washington, DC

By Eric Toupin, allied health world contributing writer
Published: December, 28 2010

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Cardiac sonographer training in the District of Columbia consists either of acquiring a two or four-year degree with a focus on medical imaging, or completing certifying courses offered through vocational training institutions or hospitals. In some cases, certification is possible with only one year of training. Shorter courses, however, often assume the student has some hands on experience in the health industry and thus aren't recommended for those who are brand new to the field.

Requirements for employment are entirely at the employer's discretion. While district licensing is not required and certification is not technically a prerequisite to employment, completing an accredited course or obtaining certification can both increase any student's employment opportunities. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the most trusted accrediting agency in the field, and recognizes more than 150 separate programs. Additionally, many students elect to pursue certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), an agency whose credentials are well respected in the field.

The District of Columbia houses only two public and sixteen private universities. Most professionals who aspire to work in the district complete their training in the nearby, more accessible colleges of Maryland and Virginia.