Part 1: Introduction to Adult Echocardiography
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is perfect for beginners, including students and physicians, who have an undergraduate degree in science. Over a 16-week period, you’ll become familiar with various types of cardiac imaging such as 2D, M-Mode, and Doppler, along with their measurements. You’ll receive hands-on training, supported by theoretical notes, and practice on dummy patients. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to perform a basic echocardiogram on a normal patient within an hour.
REQUIREMENTS/PREREQUISITES
- Academic Background: This course requires you to hold a minimum of Bachelors of Science Degree from any recognised Australian University or any other relevant undergraduate degree recognised by Australia.
- Physical Attendance: You must be able to attend practical training sessions at our Wheelers Hill site in Victoria, Australia.
- Computer Literacy: As some of our materials and learning platform are digital, basic computer skills and internet access are necessary.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Introduction to all windows and measurements
- Performing routine echocardiography including measurements as per the ASE guidelines
- Introduction to pathology
- Assessing pathologies by various methods as per the ASE guidelines
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE
- Practical Training: You’ll get hands-on experience using real echocardiography machines, learning the techniques and practices that are critical in this field.
- Heartscope Certificate: Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from Heartscope. This credential can be showcased at other organisations as a testament to your training and skills.
- Comprehensive Learning Materials: You’ll have access to 16 weeks’ worth of in-depth echocardiography material via our online learning platform. These resources will reinforce your classroom learning and serve as a valuable reference in your future career.
- Continued Support: Even after the course, our team will be available to provide guidance and support as you embark on your echocardiography career. Our relationship with our students extends beyond the classroom.
- Industry Connections: With Heartscope’s reputation in the industry, our endorsement could open doors to potential job opportunities in various organisations.
WEEKS 1-16
Students in the echocardiography course will be required to attend on-site practical training sessions for a total of 2 days each week. These training sessions will be held for 3 hours each day, providing students with ample time to gain hands-on experience and practice their skills in a supervised setting.
The curriculum for weeks 1-16 of the echocardiography course provides a comprehensive foundation in the field. The first week introduces students to echocardiography, covering the fundamental principles of physics and instrumentation. They learn to perform the parasternal long axis and short axis views. In the following weeks, students expand their skills with apical views, subcostal and suprasternal views, and additional imaging perspectives. Practical experience is incorporated throughout the course to enhance learning.
Weeks 5-8 delve into the evaluation of cardiac parameters and conditions. Students study normal values for parasternal and apical positions, utilise M-mode and Doppler techniques, optimise images, and practise writing comprehensive reports. They then progress to assessing left ventricular (LV) systolic function using Simpson’s biplane ejection fraction, evaluating LV diastolic function, and examining mitral regurgitation.
During weeks 9-14, students will develop advanced evaluation skills, encompassing a wide range of cardiac pathologies. They will learn to calculate intra-cardiac pressures, assess conditions such as aortic stenosis, ASD, PFO, and mitral stenosis, and analyse pericardial diseases. The curriculum also covers ischaemic heart disease and AMI complications. In the final weeks, students gain expertise in evaluating aortic dissection, aortic regurgitation, and prosthetic valves through practical experience. The course culminates in a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the students’ proficiency and understanding of echocardiography principles and techniques.
$20,000 AUD
Note: A deposit of $5,000 is required with the enrolment into the Heartscope Training Institute which will be sent after a discussion upon sending your registration of interest.
- Time Duration: 16 weeks
- Next Start Date: 1 February 2024 (Note: Registrations will close 25th January). Semester 2 will start on the 20th May 2024.
- Level: Intermediate
- Type: Practical and Theory
- Format: Physical with Online Resources
- Assignments: 3
- For any help or inquries please email: training@heartscope.com.au
