Grossmont College offers a cardiovascular sonography program in El Cajon, California. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: Grossmont College, El Cajon, California
- Format: on campus
Program details
It runs two years, full time, beginning in the fall semester; four regular semesters plus a six-week summer session between the first and second years. Students complete on-campus lecture and laboratory courses with clinical experience at local hospitals; the first year is on-campus lecture and laboratory, and the second year combines coursework with clinical experience in a chosen subspecialty, including clinical experience in local hospitals during the second year. Graduates receive an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Cardiovascular Technology. Clinical training covers adult echocardiography, invasive cardiovascular technology, and vascular technology sonography. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); the college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). These details are drawn from the program’s website.
Credential pathway
Graduates can pursue professional certification such as the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) and Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). These credentials are offered by national registries, including the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Certification is separate from completing the program; each credential sets its own education, clinical-experience, and examination requirements. See Licensing and Certification for how the process works.
About this occupation
Diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to create images that physicians use to assess and diagnose medical conditions. National wage and employment-outlook figures are summarized on the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer page, with more context in Career Opportunities and Salary and Compensation.
Program details, requirements, and availability change. Verify current information directly with the program and with the relevant certification body or licensing board. Inclusion in this directory does not constitute endorsement.
Related pages
Last verified: June 2026.