University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center offers a cardiovascular sonography program in Iowa City, Iowa. This page outlines the program’s credential pathway and how it connects to work in diagnostic imaging.
Program at a glance
- Institution: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa
- Format: on campus
Program details
It runs a three-year track within the diagnostic medical sonography program; students typically apply during their first year of college. Students complete coursework in human pathology, patient care, medical ethics, quality assurance, equipment principles and instrumentation, and sonographic anatomy and pathology, combined with hands-on clinical education. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences with a diagnostic medical sonography major (cardiac and vascular track). Clinical training covers adult cardiac echocardiography, pediatric cardiac echocardiography, vascular, and fetal cardiac sonography. The cardiac and vascular track, with elective coursework available in fetal cardiac sonography. Completers are eligible to sit for the national sonography certification examinations in adult cardiac and vascular. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS). 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
- University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center school profile
- Sonography & Ultrasound Degree Guide
- Educational Pathways
Last verified: June 2026.