Echocardiography specialists work in a challenging and stimulating hospital environment, combining caring for patients with analytical problem solving to ensure excellent healthcare and patient support.
Echocardiographers use ultrasound technology to examine a patient’s heart. This is achieved using a transducer that sends ultrasound waves through the patient’s chest to structures in the heart; valves, chambers and other vessels. The readings are sent to a machine that translates them into a live image, which can be recorded and used to diagnose a variety conditions.
Make an impact
The PG Cert Echocardiography course is designed to match the professional development needs of healthcare professionals working with patients with conditions such as: ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, adult congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies and pericardial disease. It develops highly competent practitioners/ advanced practitioners who will make a real contribution to modern healthcare services.
Course highlights
A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons)
UK/EU fees: £3,667 (total)
International fees: £9,250 (total)
Cardiac disease is a major problem of the Western world. In the UK the demand for cardiac physiologists is greater than the number practising, ensuring a continued future for registered professionals.
The NHS employs the majority of cardiac physiologists. Some cardiac specialists work in the private sector and in GP surgeries. Opportunities arise for cardiac physiologists to work in industry as application specialists, supporting clients in using and troubleshooting equipment.
Cardiac physiologists work largely autonomously, making clinical decisions and providing clinical reports. As well as conducting diagnostic assessments and providing treatment. Cardiac physiologists roles can also include being a consultant, counsellor, advisor, educator, facilitator, researcher and therapist.
To gain the PG Cert qualification you will complete two modules:
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.
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