ATU-Ozark receives initial accreditation of CVT program

The Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus cardiovascular technology adult echocardiography (CVT) program has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor in the health sciences field. The group reviews and accredits over 2,000 education programs in 28 health science occupations.

Echocardiography is a specialty area of cardiac imaging using ultrasound technology to evaluate the heart and acquire images of the cardiac chambers, walls, valves and blood flow. Echocardiographers generally work closely with cardiologists, who use the images to diagnose cardiac diseases.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) recommended ATU-Ozark be granted CAAHEP accreditation after a stringent onsite assessment and self-study. JRC-CVT will continue to monitor and assess program outcomes throughout the initial accreditation status.

Program Chair Kristen Wendling said the accreditation reflects the program and campus commitment to providing students with a quality education in preparation for a career in health care.

“Since the program began in 2013, it has been our goal to become a nationally recognized CAAHEP accredited program,” she said. “This achievement verifies we have complied with and meet the rigorous standards set forth by the JRC-CVT and CAAHEP.”

The CVT program is accepting applications for the fall 2015 class. Applications are available online at this link. The deadline is Monday, June 1. Applicants for CVT must attend one of the two information sessions and observation clinics at Chaffee Crossing Building 139, 12211 Ward Drive in Fort Smith. Sessions will be Thursday, April 2, and Thursday, June 4. Both will have a presentation and overview of the CVT program at 10 a.m. and observation clinic at 1 p.m. Seating is limited and applicants must sign-up by contacting Sharyl Moffit at [email protected]