Echocardiography

To gain the PG Cert qualification you will complete three modules:

The Science and Technology of Ultrasound module provides application of specific knowledge and a structure for practical skill development for the use of science and technology of ultrasound in a range of clinical examinations. This module will allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to your own practise.

Aspects covered include: principles of ultrasound as applied to diagnostic imaging propagation in tissue, artefacts, signal processing, image production and recording; principles and application of doppler, elastography and contrast enhancement; image optimisation - equipment choice, manipulation of controls; ultrasound Safety - bioeffects and ergonomics; ultrasound imaging technological and clinical innovations; equipment appraisal, evaluation and quality assurance.

The Fundamentals of Echocardiography module provides the opportunity to apply learning to work based issues in echocardiography. This module will provide you with a vehicle for theoretical knowledge and practical skill development and for the use of imaging in the investigation or treatment of a range of diseases or conditions. You will build your study and skill development around echocardiography which directly relates to your own working circumstances and previous experience.

Aspects covered include: critical evaluation of the clinical role of echocardiography & Doppler; evaluation and critical appraisal of service provision/relationship with patients/reporting and documentation; critical evaluation of the importance of imaging physics & instrumentation; The evaluation and appraisal of doppler physics, fluid dynamics & instrumentation; critical evaluation of recording methods; recognition of cardiac anatomy & physiology and cardiac functional parameters.

The Echocardiography Pathology module covers many areas of echocardiography pathology essentials for physiologists to operate in the clinical setting on a daily basis. This module is particularly relevant if you are a practicing cardiac physiologist or allied health professional who works within and are involved with cardiac patients requiring cardiac ultrasound.

Aspects covered include: mitral, aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary valve disease plus pericardial disease; cardiomyopathies; coronary artery disease associated with systolic LV function; MI and its complications; pulmonary hypertension and RV functional assessment; diseases of the aorta plus adult congenital heart disease.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Fundamentals of Echocardiography 15 credits
• Echocardiography Pathology 30 credits
• Science and Technology of Ultrasound 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Echocardiography PGCert in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

The programme content is specifically designed to meet the learning outcomes set by accredited professional bodies, to support the requirement to attain both postgraduate and professional body exams. The curriculum content has been mapped to the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) curriculum.

Students will be taught utilising a blended learning approach. Pre course reading will be identified. Minerva – VLE/Portal will be utilised to identify online components to include BLOGS, audio-visual aids, and short answer questions to support learning. Classroom based face to face teaching will be utilised to identify the key concepts and guide further reading.

The programme team will utilise a transdisciplinary teaching approach to ensure all learning outcomes are met and the programme is beneficial to all professions involved in echocardiography. Therefore there will be inter-professional learning within each module.

On completion of the course you should have provided evidence of being able to:

• Critically evaluate and apply detailed subject knowledge and professional competencies which are underpinned by relevant research and evidence based practice.
• Develop effective and appropriate management plans for service users with chronic cardiac conditions and critically analyse the impact of echocardiography in adults.
• Work at an advanced level, within a multi-professional team to improve the outcomes of service users undertaking echocardiograms.
• Provide advanced practice within professional boundaries and the guidance of professional bodies, working at an advanced level within your scope of practice and recognising the need for lifelong learning.

Assessment

• You will be required to identify case studies that highlight current practice and critically evaluate the particular case in both an essay and presentation, thus applying theory to advanced practice.
• The role of cardiac physiologists is expanding and you will be able to apply these changes to the cases discussed within practice and apply your advancing knowledge to the changing clinical environment.
• The use of essay / presentation will allow students from differing professional backgrounds to choose a case studies. This will allow you to apply your own professional knowledge and experience.
• Essays for the Echocardiography Pathology modules will be 3500 words in the format of a journal and your will be actively encouraged to submit for publication in subject specific journals.
• Presentations will be 15 minutes with 5 minutes questioning.
• Science and Technology of Ultrasound module knowledge will be assessed with a 1 hour exam and through an assignment.
• Your knowledge will be assessed by a marked workbook for the Fundamentals of Echocardiography module.