You may not have heard of cardiac sonography, but it has an undeniably important role in improving quality of life for millions of people with heart-related conditions. Cardiac sonographers, also called echocardiographers, use advanced ultrasound imaging technology to help physicians diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. It is precise, patient-focused work that puts you at the center of life-saving care. Lake Michigan College’s Cardiac Sonography program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree that prepares you to enter one of the fastest-growing and well-paying allied health fields in the country. And, as the only associate degree program of its kind in Southwest Michigan, there’s no better place to start.
Cardiac Sonography Program Guide
This page will guide you through the prerequisites and application process for the Lake Michigan College Cardiac Sonography program. But if you still need help...
Lake Michigan College
Health Sciences Office, C-103
2755 E. Napier Avenue
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
(269) 927-8768
HealthSciences@lakemichigancollege.edu
After being admitted to LMC, you can also make an appointment with an academic advisor through your LMC Student Profile.
What is Cardiac Sonography?
A cardiac sonographer (echocardiographer) is an allied health professional trained to perform echocardiograms—ultrasound imaging of the heart. These professionals capture diagnostic images, measurements, and hemodynamic data used by physicians to diagnose heart conditions.
This role requires strong knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and advanced imaging techniques.
Primary Responsibilities
- Perform echocardiograms (TTE, TEE, Stress Echo)
- Record diagnostic findings and patient data
- Assess cardiac structure and function
- Prepare and educate patients
- Maintain diagnostic equipment
- Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams
Employment Outlook
- Employment expected to grow 14% through 2034
- Median salary: $89,340*
- Growing demand due to aging population
- Opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and mobile imaging
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 2026
Credentialing Information
Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Cardiac Sonography and are eligible to sit for certification exams:
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
3739 National Dr, Suite 202
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 861-4539
Visit the CCI website
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
51 Monroe St, Plaza East One
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 738-8401
Visit the ARDMS website
Prerequisites
Entrance Requirements Checklist
- Complete LMC application for admission
- Meet with an academic advisor
- Submit transcripts
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete prerequisite courses (C or higher)
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
Required Courses
- BIOL 110
- ENGL 101
- HEAL 103
- MATH 122 or 123
- PHSC 101
- PSYC 201
Application Requirements
- Attend pre-application meeting
- Complete prerequisites before May 12 deadline
- Submit application by May 12
- Be enrolled in ENGL 102 and HUMN 201
Course Sequence – Before Admission
| Course | Credit Hours | Contact Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHSC 101 | 4 | 5 |
| BIOL 110 | 4 | 5 |
| MATH 122/123 | 4 | 4 |
| ENGL 101 | 3 | 3 |
| PSYC 201 | 3 | 3 |
| HEAL 103 | 2 | 2 |
| ENGL 102 | 3 | 3 |
| HUMN 201 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 25 | 28 |
Application
Admission is competitive and based on a point system evaluating GPA and prerequisite performance.
Selection Criteria
Students are ranked based on GPA in prerequisite courses and cumulative GPA.
Course Sequence – Program
| Course | Credit | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (1st Year) | ||
| ECHO 100 | 3 | 4 |
| ECHO 101 | 3 | 3 |
| ECHO 102 | 3 | 3 |
| DMSO 203 | 3 | 3 |
| ECHO 103 | 4 | 4 |
| Spring (2nd Year) | ||
| ECHO 200 | 3 | 3 |
| ECHO 201 | 3 | 3 |
| ECHO 202 | 4 | 4 |
| DMSO 213 | 3 | 3 |
| Summer (2nd Year) | ||
| ECHO 203 | 3 | 3 |
| ECHO 204 | 4 | 4 |
| ECHO 205 | 3 | 3 |
| Fall (2nd Year) | ||
| ECHO 206 | 5 | 5 |
| Program Total | 70 | 73 |
Cost Estimates
- Books: ~$400
- Uniforms: $150–$250
- Background check & drug screen: ~$112
- ARDMS exams: $275–$300
- CCI exam: $365
Eligibility & Clinical Compliance
Students must complete:
- Background check and drug screening
- Immunizations and TB testing
- Physical exam
- BLS CPR certification
Technical Standards for Admission
Students must demonstrate abilities in observation, communication, psychomotor skills, critical thinking, and professional behavior.
Note: Accommodations may be requested but are not guaranteed.
Application Process
Lake Michigan College has transitioned to an online portal for Health Science program applications. Paper applications submitted in person or by e-mail are no longer accepted. You can access the application web form below, under “Application Link and Helpful Documents”. Please take note of the application dates listed in the next section.
You will be required to log in with your LMC student username and password when you open the application web form. The application will close after the deadline, and late applications will not be accepted. All communication regarding program applications will be sent to your LMC student e-mail address.
You are strongly encouraged to review the Cardiac Sonography Program Guide before submitting your program application. You can find links to both documents below.
Please note: This is a competitive program which uses a points-based admission process. All prerequisites must be completed by the application deadline. Admission is not guaranteed to any applicant, and we do not use a wait list. Additional information about our admissions processes can be found in the Application Criteria and Advising Guide documents.
Important Application Dates
- Applications for the 2026 Cardiac Sonography program open on Wednesday, April 1
- Applications for the 2026 Cardiac Sonography program are due by 11:59 pm Eastern time on Tuesday, May 12
- Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application (program acceptance or denial) by end-of-day Saturday, June 20
Application Link and Helpful Documents
Contact Us
If you need assistance or have questions about the application form or program admission criteria, please contact the LMC Health Sciences Office by e-mail at HealthSciences@lakemichigancollege.edu or visit us in C-103 at the Benton Harbor Campus. You may also contact your Academic Advisor for general academic assistance and pathway planning.
Application Process
Upon completion of the 70-credit Cardiac Sonography program, graduates may apply for an Associate in Applied Science degree.
| General Education Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Biology 110, Human Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| English 101, English Composition | 3 |
| English 102, English Composition | 3 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts elective* | 3 |
| Mathematics 122, Intermediate Algebra, or Mathematics 123, Quantitative Reasoning | 4 |
| Psychology 201, Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Physical Science 101: Chemistry & Physics | 4 |
| Health 103, Medical Terminology | 2 |
*Includes any course of 3+ credit hours in one of the following subject areas: Art, Communications, Drama/Theatre, Foreign Language, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, or 200-level English.
| Major Requirements - Fall (1st Year) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ECHO 100 Foundations of Echocardiography | 3 |
| ECHO 101 Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology | 3 |
| ECHO 102 Cardiac Sonography I - Transthoracic Echocardiogram | 3 |
| DMSO 203 Sonographic Physics I | 3 |
| ECHO 103 Cardiac Sonography Lab I | 4 |
| Major Requirements - Spring (1st Year) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ECHO 200 Cardiac Sonography II - Valvular Heart Disease | 3 |
| ECHO 201 Cardiac Sonography III - Pathology | 3 |
| ECHO 202 Cardiac Sonography Lab II | 4 |
| DMSO 213 Sonographic Physics II | 3 |
| Major Requirements - Summer (2nd Year) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ECHO 203 Cardiac Sonography IV - Congenital Heart Disease | 3 |
| ECHO 204 Cardiac Sonography Lab III - Adult Echocardiogram Complete | 4 |
| ECHO 205 Cardiac Sonography Clinical I | 3 |
| Major Requirements - Fall (2nd Year) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ECHO 206 Cardiac Sonography Clinical II | 5 |
Upon successful completion of the 12-month Cardiac Sonography program, graduates will receive the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Cardiac Sonography degree. Students will be eligible to sit for the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) exam, and/or the ARDMS adult echocardiography exam within 60 days of program completion.
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
3739 National Dr, Suite 202
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 861-4539
Visit the CCI website
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
51 Monroe St, Plaza East One
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 738-8401
Visit the ARDMS website
Pamela Coyer James
Lecturer, Sonography
Kenneth Kettler
Academic Advisor
Erin McGuire
Administrative Coordinator, Health Sciences
Elizabeth Zak
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Chair and Faculty
How to Apply
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