ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY – CERTIFICATE

Echocardiography is a specialized concentration within the field of ultrasound applied to heart structures. The cardiac sonographer is a skilled person qualified by academic and clinical preparation to perform echocardiography exams. The demands of the cardiac sonographer require a working knowledge of detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart as it is presented in a 2-D or 3-D image, as well as scanning techniques to obtain the optimum image.

The program of study includes thirty-six (36) credit hours of didactic, College laboratory, and clinical sessions. Clinical experiences are provided at WNY healthcare facilities. Transportation is the responsibility of the individual student.

The graduate is eligible to sit for the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certifying examinations for Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) and the Adult Echocardiography (AE) or the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) that combines both Sonography Principles and Instrumentation with the Adult Echocardiography.

Program Learning Outcomes

All students completing this program are expected to achieve the General Education outcomes described in the General Studies section of the catalog as well as the following learning objectives:

·        Demonstrate professional judgment, discretion and ethics when providing basic patient care and comfort.
·        Safely demonstrate knowledge and understanding of clinical echocardiographic diagnostic procedures and testing.
·        Assess valvular integrity by analyzing anatomical information obtained related to the nature and severity of valvular disease.
·        Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of normal and abnormal cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology. 
·        Discern the difference between normal and abnormal pathologic findings when applying the physics of ultrasound as they apply to the optimization, interpretation, and clinical integration of images captured during echocardiographic procedures.

Echocardiography – Certificate Curriculum

DMS306 Physics of Ultrasound I - 2 credits
ECH300 Introduction to Echocardiography - 1 credit
ECH301 Echocardiography I - 2 credits
ECH302 Echocardiography College Laboratory I - 1 credit
ECH303 Echocardiography Principles and Instrumentation - 3 credits
ECH304 Anatomy & Physiology of the Heart - 3 credits
ECH320 Echocardiography Clinical Education I - 3 credits
DMS406 Physics of Ultrasound II - 1 credit
ECH401 Echocardiography II - 4 credits
ECH402 Echocardiography College Laboratory II - 1 credit
ECH403 Seminar/Research Course - 2 credits
ECH404 Pathology of the Heart - 4 credits
ECH420 Echocardiography Clinical Education II - 3 credits
ECH430 Echocardiography Clinical Education III - 6 credits

Total Program Credits - 36 credits

Additional Degree Requirements

A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses and a Quality Point Average of 2.0.

DMS (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) Courses
ECH (Echocardiography) Courses