Clark State College introduces new echocardiography certificate for sonographers
The Ohio Department of Education has approved the college’s offering of a new technical certificate that will provide advanced training for registered sonographers.
Clark State College is offering a new echocardiography certificate for registered sonographers who are seeking advanced training to move forward in their careers. The Ohio Department of Education has approved the certificate program, which is enrolling now. Classes will begin on January 12, 2026.
According to an article on Clark State College’s website, Megan Platfoot, an assistant professor at the college, was quoted as saying of the new certificate, “Echocardiography is a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. These images help clinicians assess how well the heart is functioning, evaluate valve concerns, identify past heart damage and detect blood clots or abnormal growths. Cardiac ultrasound is a critical tool in diagnosing and treating a wide range of heart conditions. This new credential reflects Clark State’s ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages in sonography by offering opportunities for professional cross-training in echocardiography. Employment demand for cardiac sonographers remains strong across Ohio. Health systems in the Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati regions regularly advertise openings for echo technologists and cardiac sonographers, reflecting the ongoing need for trained professionals.”
The certificate program can be completed in less than one year and gives registered sonographers an additional professional credential that will teach them specialized skills and may help them advance in their careers. The program is available online with in-person laboratory work. Students who currently perform echocardiography in a clinical setting at their workplace may be able to receive prior learning credit for a portion of the course requirements.
According to the webpage for the Echocardiography Short-Term Technical Certificate program, “Echocardiographers, also known as cardiac sonographers, are healthcare professionals specially trained to use imaging technology to help physicians diagnose issues within the cardiac system.”
In order to be eligible to apply for the Echocardiography Short-Term Technical Certificate program, students must have a degree in diagnostic medical sonography, be actively working in the field, and must have an active credential with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
For more information about Clark State College, visit the school’s website.