Cardiac Sonography Selection Criteria & Application Process
Annual Application Deadline: July 15th
The Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Sonography add-on Advanced Technical Certificate is available to students who meet the minimum requirements for acceptance explained in the Selection Criteria below. The certificate curriculum can also be part of EFSC's Bachelor of Applied Science - Medical Imaging Specialization program, which does require a different application process so ask a Bachelor's advisor if interested in that option.
Because the Cardiac ATC program has limited enrollment, the application process is based on a point system. After the application deadline, files are sent to the Selection Committee, where they are reviewed and points are carefully tabulated. If you have questions, contact Health Sciences Advising at 321-433-7575 or via email at healthscience@easternflorida.edu.
Selection Criteria: Required & optional items
All applicants must:
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA or higher by the application deadline
- Be registered/credentialed in one or more of the following: American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and/or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
- Be a graduate of a 2-year CAAHEP accredited program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (General, Vascular, or Cardiac) plus successful completion of the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation Examination (SPI) board examination
- Be CPR certified
Please note that current EFSC Sonography students who are expected to graduate in the Spring Term (May), are eligible to submit an application to the Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Sonography ATC program by the application deadline. Program acceptance for current Sonography students is “contingent” based on Sonography Program completion, graduation AND proof of ARDMS certification received by July 15th. All applicants with current certification and licensure by the application deadline will be given priority acceptance.
Points will be awarded as follows:
| Objective | Points |
|---|---|
| Health Science Advising Session | 4 Points |
| Observation / Interview | 5 Points |
| Essay (1-page) "Why I am choosing Adult Cardiac Sonography as a Career" | 2 Points |
| Objective | Points |
|---|---|
| Two or more ARDMS Registrations | 10 Points |
| ARRT Sonography | 8 Points |
| One ARDMS Registration | 8 Points |
| CCI Registration | 8 Points |
Adult & Pediatric Cardiac Sonography Application Procedure
Eligible students must apply for general admission to EFSC or be current EFSC students in order to apply. For any questions as you work through the application steps in the accordion below, contact Health Sciences Advising at 321-433-7575 or healthscience@easternflorida.edu. Additionally, Post-Acceptance Requirements include a Level 2 background check and drug screening (cost paid by student).
This advising session is to ensure that you qualify for the Adult and Pediatric Cardiac ATC program. Health Science Advising is available on the Cocoa, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and Titusville Campuses. Students may walk in on the Cocoa and Melbourne Campuses or make an appointment.
Students with myEFSC access should schedule Health Sciences Advising using the link in the Student Services Appointments section of myEFSC. Future Students with no EFSC login, use the guest appointment button.
Proceed with this step based on whether you are a new, former, or current student
using the information below.
New Students: Apply for General Admission to EFSC using the online application system and pay the $30 application fee. Send all official college transcripts to an EFSC General Admissions Office. Complete the online New Student Orientation and submit residency documentation to EFSC's General Admissions Office. Learn more about the admissions process and general admissions contacts.
Returning (Readmit) Students: Students who have not attended EFSC in over a year must apply online to EFSC as a readmit student. Please note that if you are a returning or re-admit student who previously applied to EFSC before October 17, 2018, you will need to create a new account in the College's current online application system, which uses your email address and a password you create for easy login. Update all pages of the application. Submit any official transcripts earned since last attending EFSC (if applicable), and turn in residency documentation to General Admissions. Visit the admissions website to learn more about the readmit process.
Current Students can move on to step three.
Contact Instructor, Jaci Holderby at 321-433-7130 or holderbyj@easternflorida.edu to set up:
- A four-hour cardiac sonography observation/shadowing experience in the EFSC Diagnostic Medical Sonography lab, followed by an interview.
- A review of the program course plans that will cover these topics:
- Classroom assignments and testing procedures
- Hands-on scanning (Clinical site hours plus school laboratory hours)
- Hands-on scanning tracking with Trajecsys
- Scanning partner options within the Laboratory setting
Successful participation and completion of the Adult and Pediatric Cardiac Sonography program requires that applicants meet the demands of the program. Review the performance standards below:
- Lift more than 50 pounds
- Push and pull routinely
- Bend and stoop routinely
- Have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders
- Distinguish audible sounds
- Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
- Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
- Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
- Assist patient on and off examining tables
- Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
- Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in proper sequence
The program has a separate health sciences online application in addition to the general EFSC application. Once you've verified eligibility and verified your status as a general EFSC student you can complete the Adult & Pediatric Cardiac Sonography ATC application online and pay the $25 application fee. Please note you can submit the program application while working on submitting required documents.
The following documents must be submitted to Health Science Admissions, Melbourne Campus, Building 15, Room 101, (3865 North Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935) by the application deadline.
- Unofficial transcripts from EFSC and any other colleges attended
- Work Experience Form, if applicable
- CPR card
- At least two letters of recommendation
- One-Page Essay on the topic "Why Do You Want to Specialize in Cardiac Sonography?"
- Submit required proof of active sonography certification/registration
- Advising Point Sheet (if applicable)
Eastern Florida State College is dedicated to providing a nondiscriminatory environment which promotes equal access, equal educational opportunity, and equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, national origin, color, ethnicity, genetic information, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status, veteran status, ancestry, or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.
EFSC recognizes the rights of students and applicants with disabilities, including those with hepatitis B, under the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.