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 under the supervision of a qualified physician. The demands of the cardiac sonographer require a working knowledge of detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart and its echogenic appearance as it is presented as a 2-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 student.

The graduate is eligible to sit for The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) Certifying Examination for Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI).


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 and ethics related to the profession of echocardiography.


Echocardiography – Certificate Curriculum

First Semester - Fall
Courses

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
Courses

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
Courses

Course Number

Course Title

Credits

ECH430

Echocardiography Clinical Education III

3

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.


DMS Course Descriptions
ECH Course Descriptions