Alvin Community College Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography (DCVS) Program

Program Highlights

Specialization Tracks: Students choose between Adult Echocardiography, Pediatric Echocardiography, and Vascular Sonography, preparing them for focused roles in heart and vascular diagnostics.
Credentialing Opportunities: The program offers early credentialing exams, such as the CCT (Certified Cardiographic Technician) and CRAT (Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician), allowing students to work in healthcare settings early in the program.
Hands-on Training: Includes supervised clinical placements across various healthcare facilities in the Houston-Galveston area, providing real-world experience in sonography.

The Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography (DCVS) program at Alvin Community College offers a path to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, focusing on Adult Echocardiography, Pediatric Echocardiography, or Vascular Sonography. This program combines classroom learning, lab training, and clinical experiences to equip students with essential skills for diagnostic imaging roles in healthcare.

Curriculum and Coursework

The DCVS program spans five semesters, offering a mix of core courses and specialized training based on the chosen track. Courses cover fundamentals like medical terminology, cardiovascular anatomy, electrocardiography, ultrasound physics, and techniques specific to each specialty. Clinical placements allow students to apply learned skills in real healthcare environments, which is a key component of the program’s approach to hands-on training.

Prerequisites

Before applying, students must complete the following prerequisites with a grade of C or better:

Anatomy and Physiology I & II
One Math Core Curriculum course (MATH 1314 or MATH 1332 recommended)
Physics (PHYS 1410 or PHYS 1401)

Admissions and Selection Process

Admission to the DCVS program is competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on:

Grades in prerequisite courses
Scores on the Pegasus Ultrasound Student Assessment (USA) Exam
Additional points are awarded for healthcare experience, previous college credits, and veteran status.

Applicants are also required to complete observation hours in each track they wish to pursue and attend an information session. The USA Exam is the primary assessment for entry, with only one attempt allowed per year.

Costs

In-District: $4,887
Out-of-District: $8,049
Non-Resident: $11,335

Additional estimated expenses for books, supplies, and other fees are approximately $3,856.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and physician’s offices, with additional roles in equipment sales and application support. Job settings vary, and graduates will have the qualifications to sit for credentialing exams, enhancing their employment prospects.

Why Choose Alvin Community College?

The DCVS program at Alvin Community College stands out for its specialization options, extensive hands-on training, and early credentialing opportunities, making it a strong choice for those looking to enter diagnostic cardiovascular sonography. However, with its competitive admission process and required prerequisites, prospective students should prepare early and ensure they meet all requirements. This program is ideal for students committed to gaining real-world experience in cardiovascular sonography.

Category	Description
Cost	In-District: $4,887; Out-of-District: $8,049; Non-Resident: $11,335; Additional: ~$3,856
Program Duration	5 semesters
Class Schedules	In-person classes, includes clinical hours
Classes Offered	Adult Echocardiography, Pediatric Echocardiography, Vascular Sonography
Admission Requirements	High school diploma or GED, prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Math, Physics), USA exam
Online Classes?	No
Job Placement?	Available
Financial Aid Options	Yes, financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify
Location	Building S, Room 108D, 3110 Mustang Road, Alvin, Texas 77511
Phone	281-756-5625
Email	[email protected]
Website	Alvin College DCVS Program