Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography (DCVS)
Frequently Asked Questions
The application period for the DCVS program is March 15th through May 15th each year
and the program begins fall semester.
The application packet includes a checklist with requirements and instructions for applying.
Applicants are ranked primarily on pre-requisite final grades and HESI A2 exam scores.
Pre-requisite classes must be in progress or completed by application deadline. Applicants
who have completed pre-requisite classes will be considered first. Acceptance will
be contingent upon passing grade of pre-requisite class with a C or better.
DCVS classes are offered Monday through Friday, during the day. We do not offer weekend
or evening classes. Classes and labs are on campus and clinicals are located at varying
sites in Houston and the surrounding area.
The DCVS program is very demanding in terms of time and effort. While some students
are employed during their enrollment, a full-time work schedule of 40 hours/week is
difficult to maintain. Work schedules must be planned around classroom and clinical
requirements and must also be flexible since lecture and clinical hours may change
from semester to semester.
Yes, clinical sites require students to have health insurance. The agencies do not
specify the types of coverage or the extent of coverage you should buy; they just
require you to be covered by a health insurance policy.
No, books may be purchased at the College Store.
Licensure- Currently there is no state required licensure in Texas, but that may change
in the future. Only four states require licensure in addition to credentials (New
Mexico, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Oregon).
Credentialling- Different from state licensure. Credentials are gained by passing
a board exam at the end of the program and is a requirement of most facilities before
hiring a graduate. Vascular sonography MUST be registered or credentialed in order
to perform exams and gain Medicare reimbursement. Students of our program are eligible
to take the registry exam with either the ARDMS or CCI in the last semester of the
program prior to graduation.
YES, registry is available through the ARDMS and CCI. The exam requirements are based
on the individuals level of education and experience.
Depends on training, education, experience, and registry. Average starting salary
for new graduates is at least $58,000. Experienced registered sonographers can expect
to make between $60,000 and $80,000 annually according to the department of labor.
Hospitals, diagnostic clinics, cardiovascular specialist offices, contract businesses,
agencies.
Career opportunities remain strong nationally and within the region. The Bureau of
Labor Statistics notes that sonography is a rapidly growing field expected to add
over 21,100 jobs between 2016-2026. It's data also indicates that the Houston Metro
region employs over 1,700 sonographers with an annual wage mean of $85,080. Starting
salary for a new graduate is generally around $55,000. Recruiters contact ACC regularly
about qualified graduates to fill job openings.
We let you know of openings, but it is up to you and the employer if you get the job.
Several agencies do market this program for employees.
Email sonography@alvincollege.edu or call 281-756-5625.
COLLEGE & CAREER PATHWAYS
Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography is part of our Health Career Pathway. Click the box below to see other Health programs that may interest you.