Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography — Certificate

The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Certificate Program is a 12-month curriculum leading to proficiency in diagnostic imaging of cardiac function and disease processes. Graduates are eligible to take the adult Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (RDCS) board examination. 

Admission is based on a selective process.  In addition to Loma Linda University and School of Allied Health Professions admissions requirements, the applicant must also complete the following requirements:

Fulfill one of the following three requirements:

• Any associate degree (science area preferred, but not required) 
• Any bachelor's degree (science are preferred, but not required) 
• Be a graduate of an accredited allied health program, including nursing (2 year, LVN, registered nurse)

 All applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses within the past five years: 

• Anatomy and physiology, complete sequence with laboratory
• Medical terminology 
• Introduction to physics (no lab required) 
• College algebra (can have a higher-level class such as pre-calculus) or statistics 
• Fundamentals of Health Care (taken before entering the program at LLU the summer prior to starting the program) 
• Eight (8) hours of observation in Cardiac Lab (preferably at LLUMC) prior to potentially interviewing. Observations for eligible applicants are scheduled after October  by the Program Director. 

Normal time to complete the program

47 weeks (four [4] academic quarters) — full-time enrollment required