Echocardiography

The Echocardiography and Vascular Technology Programs provide the training and skills needed to enter this in-demand field in the medical community. Both echocardiography and vascular technology are specialized skills that involve examining a patient’s heart through ultrasonography. By partnering with local hospitals, these programs provide hands-on training with small class sizes that offer students the one-on-one training they need to be successful.

Graduates will enter the field with the training needed to work with cardiac care teams by performing diagnostic examinations aiding in recognizing abnormalities in the heart, allowing physicians to provide the best care needed.

Contacts:

Darla Whitehead

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

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



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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.

Echocardiography Application Process & Requirements

Lab Science Courses

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)

Echocardiography
Associate of Applied Science
60 hours




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
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.


Program Location
Program Location:  Cleburne  
Next program entry:
Fall 2024
Application/document submission timeline: June 1 - July 27

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

Vascular Technology
Enhanced Skills Certificate
12 hours


Echocardiography CAAHEP Program Accreditation

Pass Rate on National Credentialing Exam
Year Pass Rate Retention Positive Placement
2018 100% 100% 90%
2019 *84% 91.67% 90.91%
2020 100% 85% 94.12%
2021 90.9% 92.31% 91.67%
2022 100% 100% 83.3%
 * COVID closures created testing difficulties for students.

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