Echocardiology demonstration

Echocardiography Program Summary

The Hill College Echocardiography Program is a two-year course of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Echocardiography Technology. It prepares a student to enter the workforce as an echocardiography technician producing echocardiograms.

An echocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive procedure using ultrasound waves to create pictures and take measurements of the inside of a person’s heart.

The Hill College program is comprehensive through the teaching of scanning skills, pathophysiology, cardiovascular pharmacology, and all the skills and knowledge necessary to become a registered cardiac sonographer.

The program also includes more than 900 hours of clinical work performed at hospitals and clinics.

Contact

Darla WhiteheadDarla Whitehead, MS, BS, RCS
Program Coordinator
dwhitehead@hillcollege.edu
817.760.5933

 


Vascular Technology Program Summary

The Hill College Vascular Technology Enhanced Skills Certificate is an upward educational mobility option for candidates who have an AAS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Echocardiography and meet all the selection criteria as defined by the Hill College Vascular Technology Program. It prepares a student to enter the workforce as a vascular technician producing vascular studies.

The Vascular Technology program is an enhancement of the skills of the sonographer and or the Echocardiographer by adding teaching of principles of vascular technology, vascular technology applications, advanced non-invasive vascular technology, and all the skills and knowledge to become a registered vascular technician. The program also includes 320 hours of clinical work performed at hospitals and clinics which may require extensive travel.

The student needs to be aware that the Vascular Technology Program is a specialized enrollment program that requires the student to complete an application process for selection. All candidates need to contact the Health and Public Services Department for information to apply for the Vascular Technology Program.

Contact

Darla Whitehead, MS, BS, RCS
Program Coordinator
dwhitehead@hillcollege.edu
817.760.5933

Rhonda Bradshaw, RVS, RCS
Curriculum Coordinator 
rbradshaw@hillcollege.edu




Echocardiography Student Handbook

Essential Technical Standards


Program Cost


 Echocardiography Program Application

All Prospective students must complete the Echocardiography online application and supporting documents by the posted deadline date.

Lab Science Courses

Application requirements

Professional Reference Form
Applicants must submit 2 professional references (Academic preferred)


As part of the application all students need to submit the following immunizations:

       2 MMR’s or positive serological titer
       2 Varicella injection series or positive serological titer
       3 HEP B injection series or positive serological titer
       Tetanus (within last 10 years)
       Tdap (once as an adult)
       Seasonal Influenza


CPR – American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider.  No other CPR card accepted.  No exceptions. 


Criminal Background requirement
Applicants need to complete the Verified Credentials background check by the posted deadline date using the following link:  www.verifiedcredentials.com. Program Code: BBKPC 26727

For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair.  You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.


AFTER selection the student will be required to submit a physical (on the Health and Community Services approved form) and a negative 2 step TB results. 

Candidates must be aware that clinical facilities may have other requirements than those listed above.


Program Location and Deadline Date
Program Location:  Cleburne  
Next program entry:
Spring 2024
Application/document submission timeline:  June 1 - November 1, 2023


HESI Testing

HESI testing deadline for completion:  
November 1, 2023
HESI test fee:  
$50.00
HESI minimum passing:  Composite (Cumulative) 60%; Math 55%; Reading 65%

Candidates will have two (2) attempts during a testing period. The candidate must contact the Hill College Testing Center to schedule the HESI test. The candidate will be given 4 hours to complete the test.  

Prior to scheduling the HESI A2 test the candidate must create a student account with Evolve/Elsevier at https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/. 

EDUCATION PLAN(S)
DEGREE/CERTIFICATE OPTION(S)

Echoardiography Education Plan

Echocardiography
Associate of Applied Science
60 hours




Professional Reference Form
Applicants must submit 2 professional references (Academic preferred)


As part of the application all students need to submit the following immunizations:

       2 MMR’s or positive serological titer
       2 Varicella injection series or positive serological titer
       3 HEP B injection series or positive serological titer
       Tetanus (within last 10 years)
       Tdap (once as an adult)
       Seasonal Influenza


CPR – American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider.  No other CPR card accepted.  No exceptions. 


Criminal Background requirement
Applicants need to complete the Verified Credentials background check by the posted deadline date using the following link:  www.verifiedcredentials.com. Program Code: BBKPC 26727

For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair.  You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.


AFTER selection the student will be required to submit a physical (on the Health and Community Services approved form) and a negative 2 step TB results. 

Candidates must be aware that clinical facilities may have other requirements than those listed above.

Lab science courses- Lab science courses must be within 5 years of the posted deadline date. No exceptions.


Vascular Application Requirements
  • Must be registered in Echocardiography and/or Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Must have an Associate of Applied Science Degree
  • Evidence of TSI completion
  • Criminal Background Check from Verified Credentials
  • CPR-American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider
  • Drug Screen
  • Complete Physical Exam
  • Documentation of the following immunizations: current and up to date
    2 MMR'S, 2 Varicella(chicken pox), Tdap, Seasonal influenza, Tetanus within the last 10 years, Hep B series, Covid 19
  • 2 Professional References
  • Vascular Technology Essay Questionnaire
  • Veteran status - extra points

Program Location
Program Location:  Cleburne  
Next program entry:
Fall 2023
Application/document submission timeline: June 1 - July 27

EDUCATION PLAN(S)
DEGREE/CERTIFICATE OPTION(S)


Vascular Technology Education Plan

Vascular Technology
Enhanced Skills Certificate
12 hours


Echocardiography CAAHEP Program Accreditation

Pass Rate on National Credentialing Exam
Year Pass Rate Retention Positive Placement
2017 100% 100% 89%
2018 100% 100% 90%
2019 *84% 91.67% 90.91%
2020 100% 85% 94.12%
2021 90.9% 92.31% 91.67%
 * COVID closures created testing difficulties for students.

Schedule your advising appointment today! Contact the Academic Advising and Success Center.