The following evaluations will be performed this semester:

• Benchmarks
• Challenges
  • Parasternal Window
  • Apical Window
  • Subcostal and Suprasternal Window
  • Routine Full Echocardiogram
• Lab Assignments
• Skills Evaluations*

*Clinical Skills Evaluations are used to evaluate the students’ ability to identify cardiac pathology and the methods used to quantify these pathologies. These evaluations are performed using video images, 2D/M-mode measurements, color and spectral Doppler imaging via timed PowerPoint presentation.  Timing of each case is appropriate with the expected level of critical thinking for this stage of the program. .

Assignments (9)                                  10%

Skills Evaluations (3)                           20%

Benchmark Evaluations (4)                 20%

Challenge Evaluations (6)                   50%

Assigned readings are from

Feigenbaums' Echocardiography, 8th Edition and

The Echocardiographer’s Pocket Reference, 5th Edition.

Images from the textbooks are included in the reading assignment.

This semester focuses on completing the routine Adult Echocardiogram (with and without pathology) within 60 minutes. Measurements required are in line with recommendations from the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), the Intersocietal Commission on the Accreditation of Echocardiography Labs (ICAEL) and local clinical affiliate protocols.

At the completion of DSAE 1261 the student will be able to

• Demonstrate competency in obtaining diagnostic quality 2D, M-mode, color and spectral Doppler images and measurements from all windows (parasternal, apical, subcostal, and suprasternal notch) 
• Demonstrate competency in obtaining diagnostic quality 2D, M-mode, color and spectral Doppler images and measurements from all windows to obtain the full routine adult echocardiogram within the time allotted (60 minutes)
• Evaluate images and make technical and equipment adjustments to improve quality
• Evaluate measurements and make technical and equipment adjustments to improve accuracy
• Assess ventricular systolic and diastolic function using 2-D, color Doppler, spectral Doppler and M-mode assessments.
• Assess normal and abnormal valvular flow using color and spectral Doppler
• Correlate clinical data and echo findings to formulate a differential diagnosis of cardiac pathology
• Identify common cardiac pathologies on echo images, simulator cases, and in case studies
• Identify and explain when physician notifications, and/or emergency protocol is required
• Complete the technical report including description of normal and abnormal findings using appropriate sonographic terminology.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of clinical attendance, case logs and other assigned coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the cardiovascular sonography program, the student will

• Demonstrate entry-level cardiac and vascular sonographer competency in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform diagnostic quality sonographic examinations of
  • The adult heart including 2D, color Doppler and spectral Doppler assessments
  • The vascular system including 2D, color Doppler and spectral Doppler assessments
• Evaluate normal, abnormal, and normal variant sonographic appearances within each specialty according to standardized protocol and within recognized time frames set by industry and local standards
• Document, assess and quantify pathologies
• Recognize and respond in a timely manner to echocardiographic findings that require adjustment in imaging, notification and/or emergency protocols
• Employ prudent and safe use of ultrasound by maintaining the ALARA principle (AIUM.org)
• Employ professional judgment and discretion with regards to patient confidentiality, patient care and safety, professional interaction skills, and the reduction of sonographer musculoskeletal injuries.
• Think logically, analytically and critically to employ those skills in clinical decision-making related to sonographic imaging, patient care and patient safety
• Adhere to the principles stated in the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards in sonography