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 entry-level clinical competence with appropriate echocardiography procedures and equipment.
Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to practice within the profession of echocardiography.
Demonstrate professionalism.
Echocardiography – Certificate Curriculum
First Semester - Fall | ||
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
DMS306 | Physics of Ultrasound I | 2 |
ECH300 | Introduction to Echocardiography | 1 |
ECH301 | Echocardiography I | 2 |
ECH302 | Echocardiography College Laboratory I | 1 |
ECH303 | Echocardiography Principles and Instrumentation | 3 |
ECH304 | Anatomy & Physiology of the Heart | 3 |
ECH320 | Echocardiography Clinical Education I | 3 |
Total Credits |
| 15 |
Second Semester - Spring | ||
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
DMS406 | Physics of Ultrasound II | 1 |
ECH401 | Echocardiography II | 4 |
ECH402 | Echocardiography College Laboratory II | 1 |
ECH403 | Seminar/Research Course | 2 |
ECH404 | Pathology of the Heart | 4 |
ECH420 | Echocardiography Clinical Education II | 3 |
Total Credits |
| 15 |
Summer Session | ||
Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
ECH430 | Echocardiography Clinical Education III | 6 |
Total Credits | 6 | |
Total Program Credits | 36 |
Additional Degree Requirements
A minimum grade of “C” is required in all courses and a Quality Point Average of 2.0.