Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences - Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography)

Jefferson is one of the few academic health centers that awards a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, offering graduates many career options in the field of radiologic sciences, including opportunities for advancement.
BS graduates have boasted a 95-100% career placement rate since 1995, and they have an 85% average pass rate on certification exams for all imaging concentrations and less than a 10% attrition rate. Our students choose from various concentration options during their time in our BS Programs, studying one per year. Concentrations prepare our students for success in a specific area of technological practice in their future career.
The Department maintains affiliations with over 100 clinical sites in a variety of environments in the region, including major academic health centers, imaging centers, physician’s offices, and women’s imaging centers. All students in clinical based concentrations participate in clinical education for each of their chosen concentrations. All students are responsible for completing all competencies and other requirements as outlined in the clinical syllabi. The total number of students assigned to any clinical site shall be determined by the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences and approved by program accreditation bodies. For programs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI], Medical Dosimetry, Radiation Therapy, and Radiography) accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), review a list of approved clinical sites.
Cardiac sonographers, also known as echocardiographers, use sophisticated diagnostic ultrasound equipment to produce dynamic real-time imaging of the heart's chambers, walls, valves, and great vessels to assist the physician in diagnosing cardiovascular disease. Cardiac sonographers work directly with healthy and critically ill inpatients and outpatients of all ages. Most cardiac sonography procedures are noninvasive and are carried out in small, low-lit rooms. The sonographer can either stand or sit beside the patient, who is on a stretcher, exam talbe, or in a wheelchair. Sometimes the cardiac sonographer will transport a portable ultrasound to a patient's room, emergency department, and can perform echocardiograms in intensive care units.