Program Overview
Ozarks Tech is developing an Echocardiography Sonography program, expected to begin in Fall 2026. The program will prepare students in the concentration of adult echocardiography.
Echocardiographers use ultrasound technology to create images of the heart, helping doctors assess heart structure and function. This page shares early information so interested students can review prerequisites and prepare ahead of time. Final program details will be available once the program receives approval and accreditation.
Program Information
Application Process
Any student whose first language is not English, must document their English language proficiency by completing a TOEFL test. This requires a minimum TOEFL iBT passing score of 81, with a minimum speaking score of 24.
Program will waive TOEFL requirement if student has already obtained a bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited University
-
The Echocardiography program accepts one cohort per year, beginning in August (Fall semester).
-
The application deadline is July 1 each year.
-
This is a selective admission program. There is no interview, but a candidate selection process is used to choose applicants.
-
Applicants must apply to Ozarks Tech and submit a separate Echocardiography program application.
-
Admissions decisions are based on completion of prerequisites, GPA, and other eligibility requirements.
-
The program does not keep a waiting list; students who are not admitted must reapply in the next cycle.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is July 1 each year.
Applications are not open at this time, as this program is still in the planning phase. This section is for reference only.
Michelle Masingill, M.Ed., BSRT(R), RDMS, RVT
Program Director
417-447-7620
Kaycie Haynes, MBA, CNMT, R.T.(R), B.S.
Clinical Coordinator
417-447-7621
Degree Requirement
Applicants must be registered sonographers holding an ARDMS, ARRT (S) (VS), or CCI credential.
Coursework
The following prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher:
-
BSC 165 Human Anatomy
-
BSC 205 Human Physiology
-
MTH 128 Contemporary Math (or higher)
-
PHY 105 Introduction to Physics
-
ENG 101 Composition I, or ENG 100 Composition I with Support, or COM 100 Introduction to Communication
Note: These courses should already be met through the applicant’s sonography program if they attended a formalized program.
Special Notes
-
If currently working in the profession of sonography, the 5-year science rule does not apply.
-
If not currently working in the profession of sonography, science courses must meet the 5-year rule.
Course Information
Echocardiography Sonography Certificate
Certificate: 30 Hours
Adult Cardiac Sonography is a specialized field within medical imaging that focuses on the use of ultrasound technology to examine the heart’s structure and function in adults. Roles and responsibilities include performing echocardiograms, analyzing heart function, assisting cardiologists in diagnosis, and providing preliminary reports and documenting findings to the cardiologist.
The echocardiography sonography program is a selective admission program for registered sonographers looking to advance their skills and credentials. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. Upon acceptance, the students may take the “program-specific courses.” Graduates receive a certificate designed to prepare them for the national certification exam of the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography in Adult Echocardiography.
A grade of “C” or better is required for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography-Echocardiography program required courses.
Echocardiography Sonography Program Requirements
Echocardiography Sonography Program Requirements
- ECH 210: Cardiovascular Physics
Cardiovascular Physics
This course is a study of cardiovascular physics and instrumentation. Includes principles related to blood flow hemodynamics and cardiovascular physiology as well as a review of general physics concepts.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program. - ECH 211: Anatomy & Pathophysiology I
Anatomy & Pathophysiology I
This course is an introduction to the study of the adult heart to include embryology, anatomy and physiologic function and various pathology and disease processes. Students will learn scanning techniques, evaluation methods, and hemodynamics. Additionally, medicolegal aspects of healthcare will be explored as well as the technologist’s role in assessing and providing patient care with safety considerations.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program. - ECH 212: Echocardiographic Procedures
Echocardiographic Procedures
This course is an in-depth study into the procedures performed in an echocardiography department to include protocols and views, indications, utility, limitations, and technical procedures related to each study.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program. - ECH 220: Anatomy & Pathophysiology II
Anatomy & Pathophysiology II
This course continues the study of the adult heart to include anatomy and physiologic function and the pathology and disease processes. Students will study mechanism of disease, pathophysiology, hemodynamics, sonographic technique, measurements, quantitative principles, and instrumentation used in assessment.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program. - ECH 261: Echocardiography Capstone
Echocardiography Capstone
This course is comprised of an intensive board preparation in which students will demonstrate advanced understanding of adult echocardiography concepts. Concepts include cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, procedures and protocols, instrumentation and technique, and quantitation. Students will complete comprehensive curricular review exams related to all topics. Upon completion of this course, students will apply critical thinking and advanced test-taking ability for successful completion of the ARDMS national board of adult echocardiography.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program. - ECH 281: Echocardiography Practicum I
Echocardiography Practicum I
This course is the introductory clinical application of adult echocardiography concepts in multiple clinical settings. Under direct supervision, students will gain introductory knowledge in the workings of the echocardiography department, protocols and procedures, imaging techniques, pharmaceuticals, and patient care through both observation and assisted means.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program. - ECH 282: Echocardiography Practicum II
Echocardiography Practicum II
This course consists of advanced application of adult echocardiography imaging through supervised clinical settings. Through indirect supervision, students will experience advanced practices of adult echocardiography scanning demonstrating advanced skills and knowledge of protocols and procedures, imaging techniques, pharmaceuticals, and patient care through performed means.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the program.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are not a current student, you will need to apply prior to registering for courses.
The program will be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The college intends to seek CAAHEP accreditation in the future.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.