Students in Fletcher’s Cardiovascular Sonography program gain hands-on experience using industry-standard ultrasound equipment while preparing for careers in adult cardiac and noninvasive vascular sonography.
Schriever, La. - Fletcher Technical Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Sonography program has earned initial accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), marking a significant milestone for one of the college's newest healthcare programs
The accreditation, effective July 15, 2026, was granted upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). Fletcher's program received accreditation with no areas of non-compliance identified and is scheduled for its next comprehensive evaluation in 2031.
The accredited program includes concentrations in Adult Cardiac Sonography and Noninvasive Vascular Sonography.
The achievement comes just days before Fletcher celebrated the graduation of its inaugural Cardiovascular Sonography cohort, underscoring the program's rapid success in preparing students for high-demand healthcare careers while meeting rigorous national quality standards.
"Achieving initial accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment, especially for a new program," said Dr.Danielle Vauclin, dean of nursing and allied health at Fletcher. "As an educator, there is nothing more rewarding than watching a vision become a reality. This accreditation is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and countless hours invested by our faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners. Seeing our first graduates begin their careers while achieving this milestone reminds us why we do this work, to change lives and strengthen healthcare in our communities."
CAAHEP is the largest programmatic accreditor of the health sciences professions in the United States. Accreditation signifies that a program has demonstrated compliance with nationally established standards for educational quality and prepares graduates to enter the workforce with the knowledge and clinical skills expected by employers and the profession.
"This recognition reflects Fletcher's commitment to providing students with exceptional educational opportunities while helping address critical healthcare workforce needs throughout our region," said Dr. Kristine Strickland, chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College. "Our students, faculty, and clinical partners have built something truly special, and this accreditation affirms the quality of the program they have worked so hard to establish."
Fletcher launched the Cardiovascular Sonography program to address the growing demand for highly trained sonographers who perform specialized ultrasound imaging of the heart and vascular system. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical education to prepare graduates for careers in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers.
CAAHEP accreditation remains in effect until a new accreditation decision is made by the CAAHEP Board of Directors following ongoing program review.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 9355 113th St., N, #7709 Seminole, FL 33775 727-210-2350 www.caahep.org
For more information about Fletcher's Cardiovascular Sonography program and other Nursing & Allied Health offerings, visit www.fletcher.edu.
About Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College, a member of Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges is a vital educational resource serving the Bayou Region. The college offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, short-term workforce training, and free adult education programs such as high school equivalency preparation, digital literacy courses, and English language instruction. Fletcher is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that strengthens Louisiana’s workforce and supports the economic growth of South Louisiana. Visit www.fletcher.edu for more information.