*72 Approved Instructional Weeks
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable) | $0.00 |
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | $100.00 |
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) | $425.00 |
Tuition Fee | $51,360.00 |
TOTAL PROGRAM COST* *Program fees are subject to change. |
$51,885.00 |
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (Non-Refundable) | $0.00 |
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) | $100.00 |
Books (Non-Refundable, if accessed) | $425.00 |
Tuition Fee | $51,360.00 |
TOTAL PROGRAM COST* *Program fees are subject to change. |
$51,885.00 |
Hello and welcome. I want to start by saying that Gurnick Academy is a fantastic place to learn echocardiography, and I hope I have the opportunity to start this exciting career path with you. Let me tell you a little about myself:
In June 2019, I was brought on board to be the Program Director for Ultrasound at the Sacramento Campus and made Program Director of the Echocardiography program in 2023. I have been practicing ultrasound/Echocardiography for over ten years, emphasizing complex ultrasound cases within a teaching hospital (UC Davis).
I have prior managerial experience and teaching experience in the clinical setting of UC Davis. I have two papers published in the Ultrasound Journal of Medicine and published pediatric protocols adopted by all the hospitals in the surrounding areas. Also, my military experience has guided me to run the program more efficiently, allowing for excellent student and clinical site satisfaction.
I tell you all this to state that if you want the best education made by Sonographers for Sonographers, you have found the right place. We put patient care above all, and the best way we can help our patients is to ensure we are the highest educated echosonographers who can make the correct diagnosis every time.
I welcome you to take the challenge and help change lives forever. My staff and I will work with you every step of the way to ensure you are ready and confident when you graduate to help those who genuinely need it.
Hello, I am Larisa Rud Lein, the Ultrasound Programs Director of the San Jose Campus. I have been an ultrasound technologist since 1991. I worked in the Yale New Haven Health System in Connecticut for over 30 years.
I relocated to the Bay Area in 2019 and joined the Gurnick Academy Family. As the Program Director of the Ultrasound Programs, I am thrilled to contribute towards introducing this program to the next wave of ultrasound technologists.
I have been an ultrasound technologist for over 30 years and specialized in Cardiac Ultrasound. I have loved working with patients individually, and now I am excited to teach the next generation of ultrasound technologists.
Under my leadership, our program is now CAAHEP accredited in Vascular, Abdomen-extended, and OB/GYN. At Gurnick, we strive to teach the most up-to-date techniques and place our students in the best learning environment.
Our staff strives to provide the best learning environment for our students. We hope you choose Gurnick Academy to help you with your career path.
Program Mission
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to offer quality allied health and nursing programs that integrate professional skills, career-focused education, and hands-on practical experience by empowering students to develop and achieve their personal and career goals.
Program Description
The Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program prepares competent entry-level cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Graduates may work in hospitals, imaging centers, physicians’ offices, or clinics.
Train students to be professional and competent cardiac sonographers in the medical imaging community by developing their visual, oral, and written communication and critical thinking skills.
Develop interpersonal skills in communicating and interacting with patients of all generations, cultures, and medical conditions.
Develop interpersonal skills in communicating and interacting with medical and administrative personnel in the medical imaging setting so they will be effective team players.
Teach students knowledge and understanding of human physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology.
Teach students knowledge and understanding of ultrasound physical principles and instrumentation.
Teach students the knowledge of sonographic biological effects and proper application of sonographic instrumentation relative to imaging and image quality.
Teach students knowledge and understanding of human gross and sectional anatomy relative to normal and abnormal sonographic imaging.
Teach students how to produce quality diagnostic images of the heart with the required information contributing to the diagnostic process.
Teach students the necessary skills for proper patient care while utilizing ethical, professional, and HIPAA guidelines.
Provide students with the knowledge, clinical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills to practice in the sonography profession.
Emphasize the importance and need of becoming credentialed in the profession of cardiac sonography.
Prepare students to pass the ARDMS certification exam.
Emphasize the appropriate ergonomic scanning applications for the well-being of the cardiac sonographer.
*(72 Approved Instructional Weeks)
The program information, length, and schedule may change. Read the accompanying Addendum for changes and updates, and check in with an Admission Advisor for more details. The Cardiac Ultrasound Technology Program has a library and classrooms with audiovisual teaching aids, textbooks, journals, anatomical charts, models, and e-library resources. The scan laboratory is equipped with ultrasound machines and other cardiology equipment.
The Cardiac Ultrasound Technology Program is an Associate of Occupational Science Degree program. The student will receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical education focused on cardiac ultrasound, covering cardiac anatomy and physiology, 2D and M-Mode imaging, PW, CW, and color flow Doppler, cardiac pathology, and methods of interpretation, which will be combined with General Education courses. The Instructor-to-Student ratio is 1:25 during lectures, 1:10 in the laboratory, and 1:1 during clinical externships.
The program comprises six (6) modules of 12 weeks each. During the program’s first module (12 weeks), students will take General Education courses up to 24 hours per week via online delivery. During the second module (12 weeks), students will continue to take General Education courses online for up to 24 hours per week for the first 12 weeks.
The following two (2) modules (Modules 3 and 4) consist of didactic and lab sessions only, which include three (3) to five (5) days per week of up to eight (8) hours per day of didactic and lab instruction. After completing four (4) modules, students are generally expected to start attending externships four (4) days a week.
Registry Preparation Courses (RPC) are scheduled monthly on days to be announced on a separate schedule and in no particular order.
The student receives 992 didactic and laboratory instruction hours and 800 clinical education hours, allowing them to apply the lecture topics to practical use. The curriculum provides students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in this field. In addition, the program prepares students to take their RCDS examinations.
An Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology is awarded upon program completion. The normal completion time for this program is 72 weeks, excluding any holiday and vacation times. Class times can and may be rescheduled on an alternate day of the week (i.e., Sunday through Saturday) to ensure program completion is on time and the required program hours are fulfilled.
Voluntary and Prudent Use Statement for Ultrasound Technology
Instructions in the ultrasound training laboratory are made possible by the participation of students, both as the person scanning and the person being scanned (subject). All the exercises are developed to ensure prudent and safe use of the equipment and the subject. Participation is voluntary. Election not to participate will not affect grades. However, alternate training will need to be arranged.
Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.
Applicants must:
Please review the following requirements: General Performance Requirements for all programs.
Each program has specific physical and non-physical requirements to ensure the safety and welfare of students and patients.
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program, students must be in good health and able to:
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program students must have sufficient strength, motor coordination, and manual dexterity to:
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program students must also be capable of:
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program students must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:
The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:
Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.
Applicants must:
Please review the following requirements: General Performance Requirements for all programs.
Each program has specific physical and non-physical requirements to ensure the safety and welfare of students and patients.
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program, students must be in good health and able to:
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program students must have sufficient strength, motor coordination, and manual dexterity to:
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program students must also be capable of:
A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program students must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:
The following requirements must be met for a student to graduate from the Cardiac Ultrasound Technology program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts:
Applicants are deemed qualified on a point system. The highest-ranked (above a minimum) will be offered seats in the program. The following point system evaluates each applicant, showing the maximum achievable score.
Cardiac Ultrasound Technology Program | Possible Points |
---|---|
I. Admissions Exams | |
• Anatomy & Physiology Assessment Test (100-85) | 25 |
• Anatomy & Physiology Assessment Test (84-80) | 20 |
• Anatomy & Physiology Assessment Test (79-69) | 15 |
• Anatomy & Physiology Assessment Test (68-50) | 10 |
• Anatomy & Physiology Assessment Test (49 and lower) | 5 |
UCAT | |
• 35 or greater | 35 |
• 30-34 | 25 |
• 25-29 | 15 |
• 24 or less | 0 |
II. Post-Secondary Education | |
• Associate Degree | 10 |
• Baccalaureate Degree | 20 |
• Graduate/Master's Degree | 30 |
• Post-Graduate/Doctoral Degree | 45 |
III. Academic Achievement: College Level Courses & High School AP Courses | |
A. Overall GPA | |
• GPA 3.00 | 5 |
• GPA 3.50 | 10 |
• GPA 3.90 | 15 |
B. Math & Science GPA | |
• GPA 3.00 | 20 |
• GPA 3.50 | 30 |
• GPA 3.90 | 40 |
IV. One-Page Resume (Required) | 30 |
V. Healthcare Background | |
• One to three (1-3) Years | 10 |
More than three (3) years | 25 |
VI. Reapplication (having completed reapplication requirements) | 15 |
VII. Personal Interview | 150 |
• Interview Questions | |
• Maturity | |
• Communication Skills | |
• Appearance and Demeanor | |
VIII. Evaluation from the Office of Admissions | 50 |
Possible Total Points | 430 |
Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Quarter Credit Hours |
---|---|---|---|
GE 002 | Principles of Physics | 45.0 | 4.5 |
GE 021 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | 66.0 | 6.5 |
GE 110 | Critical Thinking | 45.0 | 4.5 |
GE 112 | Algebra I | 45.0 | 4.5 |
GE 230 | Written & Oral Communication | 45.0 | 4.5 |
CS 300 | Introduction to Cardiology 1 | 72.0 | 7.0 |
CS 300L | Laboratory Introduction to Cardiology 1 | 72.0 | 3.5 |
CS 301 | Adult Echocardiography 1 | 72.0 | 7.0 |
CS 301L | Laboratory Adult Echocardiography 1 | 72.0 | 3.5 |
CS 400 | Introduction to Cardiology 2 | 72.0 | 7.0 |
CS 400L | Laboratory Introduction to Cardiology 2 | 72.0 | 3.5 |
CS 401 | Adult Echocardiography 2 | 72.0 | 7.0 |
CS 401L | Laboratory Adult Echocardiography 2 | 72.0 | 3.5 |
CS 520A | Registry Preparation Course: Anatomy and Physiology | 8.0 | 0.5 |
CS 520B | Registry Preparation Course: Pathology 1 | 8.0 | 0.5 |
CS 520C | Registry Preparation Course: Pathology 2 | 8.0 | 0.5 |
CS 520D | Registry Preparation Course: Pathology 3 | 8.0 | 0.5 |
CS 520E | Registry Preparation Course: Measurement Techniques and Maneuvers | 8.0 | 0.5 |
CS 520F | Registry Preparation Course: Clinical Care and Safety, Instrumentation, Optimization, and Contrast | 8.0 | 0.5 |
CS X01 | Clinical 1 | 400.0 | 13.0 |
CS X02 | Clinical 2 | 400.0 | 13.0 |
UT 200 | Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation | 62.0 | 6.0 |
UT 201 | Sectional Anatomy | 48.0 | 4.5 |
UT 301 | Patient Care for Ultrasound Professional | 12.0 | 1.0 |
Total | 1,792.0 | 107.0 |
Read the A.O.S. in Cardiac Ultrasound Technology Program Course Descriptions.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts considers clinical experience one of the essential parts of medical education.
Students must be rotated throughout our affiliated medical facilities while attending our Adult Echocardiography Technologist school.
View the O*Net Online 29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer job profile for general information about the profession. Find information about the salary data in California and the major cities near the campus where the program is offered.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.
ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852
ABHES Phone: (301) 291-7550
ABHES Email: Info
ABHES Website: abhes.org/
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370-7589, option #5, or visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.
BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834
BPPE Phone: (888) 370-7589
BPPE Email: General
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov/
The law does not require ultrasonographers to be registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) to work. However, such credentials may increase hiring chances.
Graduates accepted to the program with an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in an allied health field directed at human patient care are eligible to sit for the ARDMS examination immediately after completing the program under ARDMS prerequisite 1. Meanwhile, graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree are eligible to sit for the ARDMS examination immediately after completing the program under ARDMS prerequisite 3A or for the CCI examination.
Graduates accepted to the program with an Associate Degree in any field or High School Diploma (HSD) or GED are eligible to sit for the CCI (RCS) examination immediately after completing the program. Upon obtaining the CCI (RCS) certification, graduates may sit for the ARDMS (RDCS) examination under ARDMS prerequisite 5.
For more information about the ARDMS registry and examination, please visit www.ardms.org or contact them at The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One, Rockville, MD 20850; Telephone: (301) 738-8401; Toll-Free: (800) 541-9754; Fax: (301) 738-0312 or (301) 738-0313.
For more information about CCI certification and examination, please visit https://cci-online.org/ or contact them at Cardiovascular Credentialing International, 3739 National Drive, Suite 202, Raleigh, NC 27601; Telephone: (919) 861-4539.
*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has not determined if any programs fulfill the educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification required for employment outside California unless identified by the program below. It is recommended that students in or planning to relocate to a state apart from where the program’s physical campus is located research any certification or employment requirements for their intended state.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to help every student obtain Financial Aid* to attend their chosen program. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.
The financial aid programs are designed to assist students with inadequate financial resources to meet their education’s total cost. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor who can help students with any financial aid questions.
For more information, please visit our Financial Aid page.
*for those who qualify
Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs
You can fill out our online contact form to have information mailed to you or have a school representative contact you. Or you can call us at 1-877-GURNICK.
Please connect with the Admissions Team here.
Click on the link for more info about Admission Requirements.
Please find more info about the Foreign Transcript and Diploma Evaluations process.
Please click on the link for more info about start dates and application deadlines.
The Universal Cognitive Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an aptitude test that measures an individual’s aptitude or ability to solve problems. Please click on the link for more info about the UCAT exam.
There is no minimum nor cut score for the UCAT exam. Applicants receive points based on scores.
Click on the link for more info about the UCAT exam.
Yes. Regardless of degree or background, all applicants must pass the entrance exam before admission into the program.
No. You don’t need to take any prerequisite courses.
Check the Program Length and Schedule section.
Click on the link to learn more about Accreditation.
Yes, this is a full-time program.
No, we currently do not offer night classes.
View the Addendum to learn about breaks during the school year.
Please find more info about Remediation in our Catalog and Addendum.
More information can be provided by contacting the Admissions Department.
An externship will be provided for all of our students.
The externships are not paid positions.
For a cost breakdown, please see the Program Fees section.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.
Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.
The A.O.S. in CUT program is an Associate of Occupational Science degree program.
Please find more info about Licensure, Certification, and Registry Disclaimer policy in our Catalog and Addendum.
One of the program goals is to prepare students to pass the ARDMS® and RVT certification exams upon graduation. ARDMS® test preparation is emphasized throughout the curriculum.
We may assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.
If you are a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-disabled, please Dial 711 to place a call through California Relay.
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