Program Objectives

The objectives of the program are to prepare the students for employment as entry level in the field of non-invasive cardiovascular medicine. In order to ensure that students are well prepared and qualified for employment in this field, our curriculum has been developed to meet the accreditation guidelines of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Overview of the program

Magnolia School offers the two following programs:

Non-Invasive Cardiac Sonography - 24 months

The non-invasive cardiac sonography is a highly valuable diagnostic modality for the evaluation of cardiac anatomy, function and hemodynamics. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure using high-frequency sound wave to diagnose heart disease. A cardiac sonographer also referred to as an echocardiographer, is a highly skilled professional qualified by education and clinical practice plays an integral role in this diagnostic process, applying independent judgment, problem-solving skills, and ability to obtain accurate diagnostic information during the cardiac ultrasound examination.

Non-Invasive Vascular Technology - 24 months

Vascular Technology uses non-invasive ultrasound and related diagnostic technologies to assess blood flow, ultimately resulting in the treatment of various conditions that can lead to stroke or other severe disabilities. Vascular technologists is a highly skilled professional qualified by education and clinical practice to perform these highly specialized studies using independent judgment and systematic problem solving methods to produce high quality diagnostic information.

Program format

Program is 24 months in length and students are required to rotate through several clinical sites to obtain maximum exposure to desired specialties. Sites involved with the clinical aspect include hospitals, out-patient medical diagnostic imaging centers, radiology centers, and private clinics. Didactic instruction is delivered at the school facility and in the form of lecture presentations, hands-on labs and demonstrations, image review, journal article discussions and case presentations.

1. Didactic Instruction: The didactic instruction begins with the basic and normal aspects of ultrasound specialties, gradually progressing to coverage of the more advances and pathological aspects involved per specialty.
   
   
2. Clinical Instruction: The practical experience gained by scanning in all specialties begins in the second month and continues through to the last month of the program. The student will gradually gain proficiency and will be rotated through the specialty areas regularly. Students will incorporate the didactic and clinical portions of the program. Students are assessed for clinical competency according to the CSDMS guidelines.

Career Opportunity

Most vascular technologists (approximately two thirds) work in a hospital setting while the remainder may be employed in clinics, research faculties, doctors' offices, free standing cardiovascular laboratories, or mobile services, wherein the technologist and/or the instrument is transported to the patient or remote office.