Cardiovascular Sonography (Diploma) is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by National Polytechnic College in Lakewood, CA. The program takes 94 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $42,000.
Program Overview
The Cardiovascular Sonography program prepares students for work as an entry-level cardiac sonographer (“echo” technician), through lecture, laboratory and clinical externship instruction in the theoretical knowledge, skills and responsibilities of the allied medical field.
The program starts with anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and patient care, legal and ethical issues. Core classes follow: cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, vascular ultrasound, ultrasound physics and instrumentation, and echocardiography. Students then complete 960 hours (6 months) of externship in clinics, diagnostic imaging centers or hospitals, working with a variety of patients, building strong scanning skills and learning to discover pathology.
The successful graduate can perform echocardiography examinations and procedures, record anatomic, pathologic and physiologic data for interpretation by a physician, and integrate patient history and clinical data to reach optimum diagnostic results.
What sets this Program apart
- Meets CCI and ARDMS requirements for graduates pursuing Cardiovascular Credentialing International and American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography registration.
- 960 hours of clinical externship in clinics, imaging centers or hospitals.
- Hands-on equipment: ultrasound machines with linear, curved linear, sector and vector transducers, ECG machines, thermal printers and gel warmers.
- Open to newcomers and to sonographers: the College describes the program as right for those already working in diagnostic medical sonography and for those with no imaging background.
Admission Requirements and Process
NPCollege certainly wants you to experience an easy application process. Applicants will have an opportunity to be interviewed by a school representative who can help you pave the way for your career decisions, and you will be given a tour of the campus and receive a catalog describing the course offerings and the school policies. Once your program interest has been determined, a standardized entrance assessment may be administered.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or EquivalentProvide proof of a high school diploma from an accredited high school or the recognized equivalent before being granted enrollment. Applicants must provide a copy of their high…
- Foreign Credential EvaluationHigh school documentation from a country other than the United States must be translated and evaluated to be at least the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma by an agency…
- Campus VisitVisit the College before enrollment to obtain a clear understanding of NPCollege, view the facilities and equipment, and meet with staff and instructors.
- Application and Admissions InterviewComplete an application form and engage in an interview with an Admissions Coordinator. NPCollege admission procedures require completion of admissions interview prior to…
- Signed Enrollment AgreementComplete and sign an Enrollment Agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18).
- Age RequirementApplicants enrolling in any of our programs under 18 years of age must reach their 18th birthday before the expected start date of their Externship.
- Registration FeePay a non-refundable registration fee upon enrollment.
- New Student Technology AssessmentBefore starting the program, a prospective student must complete a new student assessment covering access to technology (computer, webcam, microphone, internet access, email…
- Externship Physical and ImmunizationsStudents may be required to have a physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider; annual TB test and flu vaccine (or exemption letter); Tdap within 10 years; MMR (2…
- Background Check and Drug ScreenA Personal/Criminal Background Check, Drug Screening, and Health Insurance proof may be required and must be successfully completed prior to the student's estimated externship…
Application Process
- 1Schedule a Meeting with AdmissionsNPCollege requires you to schedule a meeting with the admissions office before any application is reviewed. You will be interviewed by a school representative who will review your academic background and goals and help you choose the right program.
- 2Tour the CampusVisit the College before enrollment to view the facilities and equipment and meet with staff and instructors. You will receive a catalog describing the course offerings and the school policies.
- 3Complete Your ApplicationComplete an application form with your Admissions Coordinator and provide proof of your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Contact admissions to get started.
- 4Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA)Meet with the Financial Aid Department to learn about your eligibility for federal funding and get answers to your questions. Complete the FAFSA using the NPCollege school code.FAFSA Code for Lakewood: 039104Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Sign Your Enrollment AgreementComplete and sign an Enrollment Agreement and pay the non-refundable registration fee. NPCollege recommends making financial arrangements to cover tuition and registration fees, since it is the last step before processing your application.
- 6Complete OrientationAll new students are required to complete an orientation prior to their program start date, covering institutional policies, academic expectations, student resources, technology requirements, and support services.
- 7Start Your ProgramNew students start their program following the completion of all admission requirements and procedures. Students must complete the entire admissions process before the first day of class.
Program Schedule
94 weeks (24 months on the College’s program page), 2,360 clock hours and 78.5 semester credits. Classes run in morning (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM), afternoon (1:00 to 5:00 PM) or evening (5:30 to 9:30 PM) sessions, Monday through Friday; general education classes run between 8:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Externship hours are scheduled Monday through Friday according to the clinical site’s availability.
The 2026 academic calendar lists AM and PM classes starting January 12, July 6 (AM) and August 17 (PM), 2026. Start dates may be added or removed.
All lectures are delivered in a blended format: traditional face-to-face classroom instruction combined with remote, live-streamed lectures, for flexibility for students with busy schedules or long commutes. Most of the remote learning comes from the lecture hours; skills are built in the on-campus labs before clinical rotations.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
This program: National Polytechnic College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). It is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Lakewood Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 3 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 99.4% rather than 100%.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $42,000 |
| Registration (non-refundable) | $75 |
| Textbooks & eBooks | $1,365 |
| Supplies | $3,810 |
| Total charges | $47,250 |
Supplies include CPR, SPI, simulator, CCI registration and exam, and a laptop. Background and drug testing apply to all programs if required.
The California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment is currently $0.00.
Financial aid. NPCollege participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV programs, including Federal Pell Grants, FSEOG and federal loans, and in Cal Grants; private loans are also available. Applicants may qualify for help through the Veterans Administration, the California Department of Rehabilitation, the GAIN program, the EDD and Workforce Investment Act programs. The College is approved for the training of veterans under Title 38.
Paying tuition. Tuition for the first enrollment period is due at the first session of each module unless other arrangements are made with the Financial Aid and Fiscal Department. Tuition and charges are estimates and subject to change. Replacement student IDs are $15 and replacement uniform sets $40; returned checks carry a $40 fee. Veterans’ benefits do not cover the school-issued laptop, which the veteran pays directly.
Curriculum
The catalog’s course table for this diploma: 18 core courses, 2,360 clock hours including 960 externship hours, and 78.5 semester credits.
The required courses below are from National Polytechnic College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTBS 100 | Medical Terminology & Body Systems I | 60 | 20 | 80 | 3.5 | |
| MTBS 101 | Medical Terminology & Body Systems II | 60 | 20 | 80 | 3.5 | |
| DMS 100 | Patient Care, Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues | 60 | 20 | 80 | 3.5 | |
| DMS 200 | Ultrasound Anatomy & Physiology | 60 | 20 | 80 | 3.5 | |
| CRVS 200 | Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology | 60 | 20 | 80 | 3.5 | |
| DMS 230 | Introduction to Vascular Ultrasound Imaging I | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| DMS 231 | Introduction to Vascular Ultrasound Imaging II | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| DMS 240 | Physical Principles & Instrumentation of Ultrasound I | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| DMS 241 | Physical Principles & Instrumentation of Ultrasound II | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| CRVS 210 | Echocardiogram A Part I | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| CRVS 220 | Echocardiogram A Part II | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| CRVS 230 | Echocardiogram B Part I | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| CRVS 240 | Echocardiogram B Part II | 60 | 60 | 120 | 5 | |
| CRVS 245 | Clinical Externship Preparation | 40 | 40 | 1 | ||
| CRVS 250 | Clinical Practicum I | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| CRVS 255 | Clinical Practicum II | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| CRVS 260 | Clinical Practicum III | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| CRVS 265 | Clinical Practicum IV | 240 | 240 | 5 | ||
| Totals | 780 | 620 | 960 | 2,360 | 78.5 |
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTBS 100 | Medical Terminology & Body Systems I | 3.5 |
| MTBS 101 | Medical Terminology & Body Systems II | 3.5 |
| DMS 100 | Patient Care, Legal, Ethical, and Safety Issues | 3.5 |
| DMS 200 | Ultrasound Anatomy & Physiology | 3.5 |
| CRVS 200 | Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology | 3.5 |
| DMS 230 | Introduction to Vascular Ultrasound Imaging I | 5 |
| DMS 231 | Introduction to Vascular Ultrasound Imaging II | 5 |
| DMS 240 | Physical Principles & Instrumentation of Ultrasound I | 5 |
| DMS 241 | Physical Principles & Instrumentation of Ultrasound II | 5 |
| CRVS 210 | Echocardiogram A Part I | 5 |
| CRVS 220 | Echocardiogram A Part II | 5 |
| CRVS 230 | Echocardiogram B Part I | 5 |
| CRVS 240 | Echocardiogram B Part II | 5 |
| CRVS 245 | Clinical Externship Preparation | 1 |
| CRVS 250 | Clinical Practicum I | 5 |
| CRVS 255 | Clinical Practicum II | 5 |
| CRVS 260 | Clinical Practicum III | 5 |
| CRVS 265 | Clinical Practicum IV | 5 |
| Totals | 78.5 |
Career Outcomes
Graduates can pursue an entry-level position as a cardiovascular sonographer (SOC 29-2031). Typical areas of employment include clinics, hospitals, private physician offices, imaging centers and laboratories, with advancement opportunities in education, research or as technical advisors.
California does not issue a state license for cardiovascular sonographers, but employers require national certification such as Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). NPCollege does not publish a placement rate on these pages.
What to expect as a National Polytechnic College student
National Polytechnic College was founded in 1996 and has trained students for allied health careers ever since. Formerly Montebello Career College, it took its current name in March 1999, was accredited by ACCSC in November 2003 and was approved for Title IV financial aid in September 2005.
The main campus is at 4105 South Street in Lakewood, California, with an extension facility at 4102 South Street within walking distance. Classrooms include laboratory areas equipped as in private industry, with instructor computers and overhead projectors. Typical lecture and lab settings range from about 10 to 20 students. In 2025 the College opened a branch campus in Henderson, Nevada, which shares faculty with Lakewood and upholds the same accreditation, academic standards and policies.
Externships are completed under the supervision of a qualified preceptor at participating clinical sites; students record externship attendance through a mobile app. Graduates may take skill refresher courses, often at no additional charge, and Career Services supports students from day one. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with virtual meetings available.