Cardiac Sonography
Start a high-demand career as a cardiac sonographer.
Rapidly growing healthcare field
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% annual growth for cardiac sonographers through the year 2030.
Classroom and hands-on training
Learn from experts and train in Geisinger’s state-of-the-art echocardiography labs
Competitive starting salary
Cardiac sonographers earn a median salary of $75,000+ annually.
A message from the program medical director
A cardiac sonographer — also known as an echocardiographer — is a vital member of the cardiovascular health team, helping patients with diseases of the heart. Geisinger’s Cardiac Sonography program prepares students to master the art and science of cardiac sonography. Students will learn from experienced faculty on state-of-the-art equipment in advanced echocardiography labs across the Geisinger system.
This is an exciting time! The field of cardiac imaging — including echocardiography — is advancing rapidly. Skilled cardiac sonographers are in increasing demand. Our student-centered environment will prepare learners to become successful in this competitive world.
A bright future awaits you in adult cardiac sonography! Enroll today.
Sindu Chandran, MD, FASE, FACC, FACP
About us
The Geisinger Adult Cardiac Sonography program is a 12-month certificate course focused on:
- Classroom didactics
- Hands-on laboratory training
- Clinical externship experience
Our mission
To prepare competent entry-level cardiac sonographers with exceptional knowledge and skills through comprehensive didactic instruction and extensive hands-on clinical experience. We’re committed to developing cardiac sonographers who demonstrate:
- Strong technical proficiency
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Ethical practice
- Clinical externship experience
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as adult cardiac sonographers to deliver accurate, patient-centered diagnostic care and to meet the demand of today’s evolving cardiovascular healthcare landscape.
Our goals
The program is designed to prepare competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program seeks to train our students to succeed in the field and to gain the competency needed to pass national registry exams.
Students will gain comprehensive knowledge in:
- Cardiac anatomy and physiology
- Hemodynamics
- Ultrasound physics
Students will develop:
- Technical expertise
- Professional competency
Students will learn what’s required to perform high-quality echocardiographic examinations.
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)
- Stress Echocardiography (SE)
- Demonstrate proficiency, performing diagnostic cardiac ultrasound imaging safely and effectively by applying adequate echocardiographic scanning techniques, including appropriate ultrasound physics and instrumentation principles.
- Analyze anatomic, pathologic and/or physiologic data as well as integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data for optimal diagnostic imaging results.
- Exercise judgment while performing echocardiography to further develop as an echo clinician.
- Engage in continuous self-assessment and professional development.
- Have competencies to pass national registry exams.
Display professional behavior including:
- Communicating clearly, compassionately and professionally with patients and families.
- Collaborating effectively with cardiologists, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Demonstrating ethical practice, accountability and respect for patient confidentiality.
- Displaying professionalism, reliability and cultural sensitivity in clinical and academic settings.
Admissions requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have proof of United States citizenship or permanent residency status (no visa sponsorships)
- Have completed 1 of the following:
- 2-year associate’s degree in any field (healthcare preferred)
- Accredited allied health program
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- Complete the prerequisite coursework
Academic prerequisites
Candidates must possess a post-secondary course grade of a “C” or higher from an accredited college or university in:
- Anatomy and physiology I (4 credits)
- Anatomy and physiology II (4 credits)
- College algebra or higher
- Communications (English, speech, composition course)
- Medical terminology
- Physics (preferred but not required)
All applicants must submit a transcript showing completion of courses by application deadline.
Competitive applicants
Competitive candidates will have:
- A GPA of at least 3.0
- Previous experience in patient care
- Previous experience in cardiology
Fall semester 2026
- Start of semester: Tuesday, Sept. 1
- Labor Day/No classes: Monday, Sept. 7
- Clinical Internship I begins: Sept. 18 (Fridays only)
- Clinical Internship I begins: Thursday, Oct. 15 (Thursdays & Fridays)
- Thanksgiving break/No class or clinical: Thursday, Nov. 26 – Friday, Nov. 27
- Fall semester final exam: Monday, Dec. 14 – Thursday, Dec. 17
- Winter break/No class or clinical: Monday, Dec. 21 – Friday, Jan. 1, 2027
Spring semester 2027
- Start of semester: Monday, Jan. 4
- Clinical Internship II begins: Wednesday, Jan. 6 (Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays)
- Spring break/No class or clinical: Monday, March 29 – Friday, April 2
- Spring semester final exam: Monday, April 26 – Thursday, April 29
Summer semester 2027
- Start of semester: Monday, May 3
- Clinical Internship III begins: Monday, May 4 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays)
- Memorial Day/ No class or clinical: Monday, May 31
- Independence Day (observed)/ No class or clinical: Monday, July 5
- Summer semester final exam/CCI exam: Monday, Aug. 16 – Friday Aug. 27
- Graduation: Tuesday, Aug. 31
Classroom and scan lab
Geisinger Northeast Training Center at Glenmaura
5 Lakeview Commons, Moosic, PA 18507
Clinical sites
- Geisinger Community Medical Center
- Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre
- Geisinger Medical Center, Danville
Fall semester – 16 weeks
- Adult Echocardiography I – 161 hours
- Adult Echocardiography Lab I – 192 hours
- Clinical Internship I – 168 hours
- Ultrasound Physics – 39 hours
- Total contact hours – 560
Spring semester – 17 weeks
- Adult Echocardiography II – 120 hours
- Adult Echocardiography Lab II – 120 hours
- Clinical Internship II – 368 hours
- Total contact hours – 608
Summer semester – 17 weeks
- Adult Echocardiography III – 112 hours
- Clinical Internship III – 512 hours
- Total contact hours – 624
Fall semester I
Adult Echocardiography I (AE-101)
This course provides an integrated foundation in adult transthoracic echocardiography, including patient care principles, normal cardiac anatomy and physiology, and introductory echocardiographic pathology. Emphasis is placed on professional practice, patient interaction, and correlation of normal and abnormal cardiac structure and function with echocardiographic imaging concepts.
This course prepares students for laboratory instruction, clinical education, and progressive echocardiographic interpretation coursework.
- Prerequisite: Admission to the program
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue program.
- Contact hours: 161
Adult Echocardiography Lab I (AE-101 L)
This course provides supervised hands-on instruction on foundational transthoracic echocardiography scanning principles and techniques. This laboratory based course emphasizes the development of psychomotor skills, image orientation, and proper use of ultrasound equipment necessary for entry level adult echocardiographic examinations. Students practice patient positioning, transducer manipulation, and acquisition of standard echocardiographic views under faculty supervision. Emphasis is placed on normal cardiac anatomy identification, image optimization, basic Doppler application, and adherence to professional standards, patient safety, and infection control practices as well as correlation between ECG and the cardiac cycle. Proper ergonomics techniques will also be covered. Laboratory activities are designed to reinforce concurrent didactic instruction and prepare students for progressive participation in clinical education.
Adult Echocardiography Lab I supports the student’s transition from theoretical understanding to practical skill development in a controlled educational setting.
- Prerequisite: Admission to the program
- Corequisite: AE-101
- Course Requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue the Program.
- Contact hours: 192
Ultrasound Physics (DMS-122)
This course explores the physical principles of acoustics, Doppler ultrasound, hemodynamics, and sonographic instrumentation, with a focus on clinical applications in diagnostic medical sonography. Students will learn proper techniques for producing quality diagnostic images through theoretical and laboratory instruction. Key topics include sound energy and its characteristics, the piezoelectric effect, properties of ultrasound waves, speed of sound and propagation, pulsed Doppler, color flow Doppler, and hemodynamics equations, display modes, bioeffects, the ALARA principle, and quality assurance. Coursework is designed to prepare students for national registry examinations in sonography, physics and instrumentation.
- Prerequisite: Admission to the program
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue the program
- Contact hours: 39
Clinical Internship I (AE-103)
This course provides students with their initial supervised clinical experience in adult echocardiography. This course introduces students to the clinical environment and the professional role of the cardiac sonographer while reinforcing foundational knowledge and skills acquired through concurrent didactic and laboratory instruction.
Under the supervision of qualified clinical preceptors, students observe and assist with transthoracic echocardiographic examinations, patient preparation, and departmental workflow. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, infection control, professional communication, HIPAA compliance, and adherence to ethical and legal standards of practice. Students begin developing basic image acquisition skills, appropriate patient interaction, and professional behavior.
The course is an introductory experience that supports the transition from the academic setting to progressive participation in clinical education.
- Prerequisite: Admission to the program
- Corequisite: AE-101, AE-101 L
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue the program.
- Contact hours: 168
Spring – Semester II
Adult Echocardiography II (AE-201)
Adult Echocardiography II advances the student’s understanding and application of adult transthoracic echocardiography through integrated evaluation of cardiac structure, function, and pathology. Building upon the foundational knowledge established in Adult Echocardiography I, this course emphasizes the application of echocardiographic findings to complete examination protocols and progressive interpretive decision-making.
Instruction focuses on systematic assessment of systolic and diastolic function, correlation of echocardiographic patterns with common adult cardiac pathologies, and appropriate use of Doppler principles in clinical context. Pathologic conditions previously introduced are revisited through case based learning and applied imaging strategies, reinforcing how disease processes influence image acquisition priorities, protocol selection, and preliminary interpretation.
Students develop increased proficiency in correlating imaging findings with clinical presentation while maintaining an appropriate scope of practice and supervision. Adult Echocardiography II supports expanded clinical participation and prepares students for advanced echocardiography coursework, increased clinical responsibility, and registry level critical thinking.
- Prerequisite: AE-101
- Corequisite: AE-201L
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue the program.
- Contact hours: 120
Adult Echocardiography Lab II (AE-201L)
Adult Echocardiography Lab II provides supervised hands on instruction designed to advance the student’s technical proficiency in adult transthoracic echocardiography. Building upon foundational scanning skills developed in Adult Echocardiography Lab I, this laboratory course emphasizes refinement of image acquisition, protocol completion, and application of echocardiographic techniques in increasingly complex clinical scenarios.
Students practice acquisition of complete transthoracic echocardiographic examinations, with emphasis on image optimization, efficient workflow, and appropriate application of 2-dimensional and introductory Doppler techniques. Laboratory activities reinforce concurrent didactic instruction in systolic and diastolic function assessment and common adult cardiac pathology. Emphasis is placed on professional scanning behavior, critical thinking, and preparation for expanded participation in clinical education.
Adult Echocardiography Lab II supports the student’s progression toward supervised independent scanning and readiness for advanced echocardiography coursework.
- Prerequisite: AE-101L
- Corequisite: AE-201
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue the program.
- Contact hours: 120
Clinical Internship II (AE-203)
Clinical Internship II expands the student’s supervised clinical experience in adult echocardiography with increased participation in transthoracic echocardiographic examinations. Building upon foundational clinical skills, students assume a more active role in patient care, image acquisition, and examination workflow while continuing to work under the supervision of qualified clinical preceptors.
Students perform increasing portions of standard adult echocardiographic studies, including acquisition of routine views and application of introductory Doppler techniques. Emphasis is placed on effective patient communication, professional behavior, image quality improvement, basic documentation, and correlation of clinical findings with didactic instruction. Students continue to develop technical competence, time management skills, and professional judgment consistent with progressive clinical education.
Clinical Internship II supports advancement toward supervised independent performance while maintaining appropriate instructional oversight.
- Prerequisite: AE-101, AE-101L, AE-103
- Corequisite: AE-201, AE-201L
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to progress to the next semester and continue the program.
- Contact hours: 368
Summer – Semester III
Adult Echocardiography III (AE-301)
Adult Echocardiography III is an advanced course focused on specialized and interventional applications of adult echocardiography to support the student’s transition to entry level professional practice. Delivered concurrently with Clinical Internship III, this course emphasizes advanced clinical reasoning, protocol selection, and exposure to specialized and evolving echocardiographic applications.
Instruction includes stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), 3-dimensional echocardiography, adult congenital heart disease, advanced imaging of repaired and prosthetic valves, ultrasound contrast agents, and cardiac interventions. Emphasis is placed on understanding indications, procedural workflows, sonographer responsibilities, image interpretation concepts, and clinical limitations of interventional and specialty studies. Content is presented at a didactic and observational level when appropriate and reinforced through advanced case based learning and clinical correlation.
Adult Echocardiography III supports registry preparation, professional readiness, and scope appropriate participation in advanced echocardiographic applications under appropriate supervision.
- Prerequisite: AE-201
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to pass this semester.
- Contact hours: 112
Clinical Internship III (AE-303)
Clinical Internship III provides advanced clinical experience designed to support the student’s transition to entry level professional practice in adult echocardiography. Through extensive supervised participation, students perform comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic examinations with increased independence while maintaining appropriate clinical oversight.
Emphasis is placed on complete examination workflow, advanced image acquisition, Doppler assessment, and incorporation of measurements appropriate to adult echocardiographic evaluation. Students refine critical thinking skills, efficiency, and clinical decision making, while demonstrating professional behavior, communication, and adherence to institutional policies and ethical standards. Exposure to specialized echocardiographic procedures, such as stress, transesophageal, or 3-dimensional echocardiography, may occur when available at clinical sites.
Clinical Internship III prepares students for successful entry into the workforce and eligibility for national credentialing examinations.
- Prerequisite: AE-103, AE-203
- Corequisite: AE-301
- Course requirements: Students must earn a minimum grade of 77% to pass this semester.
- Contact hours: 512
- Complete all coursework +required hours of the program.
- Maintain a passing grade ≥77% for all coursework.
- Eligible to pass registry exam in Cardiac Sonography offered by Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Ready to apply?
Your new career in cardiac sonography begins today.