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 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
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
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
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
Next program entry: Spring 2024
Application/document submission timeline: June 1 - November 1, 2023
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
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
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.
- 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
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
| 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. | |||