Course summary
Demand for cardiac specialists currently outstrips supply, meaning you’ll be in a strong position in your future career. 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 of conditions. Make an impact Our 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
- Develop specialist clinical expertise underpinned by in-depth theoretical knowledge, including the opportunity to apply learning to work based issues in echocardiography and echocardiography pathology;
- You will have the opportunity to acquire an in-depth theoretical knowledge and understanding of the underlying scientific and technological principles of diagnostic ultrasound and a critical understanding of current and emergent diagnostic imaging equipment and technology;
- Learn the skills and knowledge which will enable you to perform a range of clinical examinations to high standards of diagnostic accuracy and safety;
- Develop an understanding of the evidence and research base of the discipline;
- Gain access to research cardiologists specifically researching into cardiac ultrasound;
- Our research active cardiac physiologists will teach you on the course, which allows up-to-date and research-led teaching.
Modules
To gain the PG Cert qualification you will complete 2 x 30 credit modules. Aspects covered may 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; 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.
Assessment method
You will be assessed in a range of different ways. Some of these include: -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. -Your knowledge will be assessed by a marked workbook for the Fundamentals of Echocardiography module.
Entry requirements
GCSE English language and Maths grade C or above or equivalent Relevant undergraduate degree in a related field including BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) or BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) or equivalent e.g. HNC/D Medical Physics & Physiological Measurement (MPPM). Degree at 2:2 or greater. Applicants would normally be from within a clinically related area but applications are welcomed from people without this type of experience. For those without experience it is advised that you contact the team for further advice prior to application. English language requirements IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are listed on our website: https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/
Provider information
University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds
LS2 9JT