© 2024 Scope Institute Pty Ltd. ABN 91 681 451 123. Subsidiary of Scope Healthcare Limited (ABN 29 135 556 204). All rights reserved.
Are you new to the world of cardiac imaging? Whether you're a student with a science or nursing background or a clinical professional, this 16-week course is designed just for you! You'll dive into different types of cardiac imaging, such as 2D, M-Mode, and Doppler, and learn how to take important measurements. With a mix of hands-on practice, detailed study notes, and simulations with dummy patients, you'll gain the confidence and skills needed to perform a basic echocardiogram on a healthy patient—all within an hour by the end of the course.
AUD $22,000 incl. GST
Note: A deposit of $6,000 is required upon enrolment into the Scope Institute. A payment link will be sent to you after a discussion once your registration of interest has been submitted.
For any questions about this course or program before paying your deposit, please email us at: [email protected]
During the first four weeks, you'll be introduced to the fundamental principles of echocardiography, including the essential physics and the instruments used in cardiac imaging. You'll learn how to perform parasternal long axis and short axis views, laying the groundwork for more advanced imaging techniques. Practical sessions will provide you with hands-on experience, allowing you to practise these basic views on dummy patients under the supervision of our expert instructors.
Weeks five through eight focus on evaluating cardiac parameters and identifying various heart conditions. You'll study the normal values for parasternal and apical positions and learn to utilise M-mode and Doppler techniques to assess heart function accurately. Additionally, you'll practice optimising images for clearer diagnostics and develop skills in writing comprehensive echocardiogram reports. During these weeks, you'll also assess left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions using Simpson’s biplane ejection fraction and examine mitral regurgitation.
In weeks nine to fourteen, the course delves into advanced evaluation techniques and a wide range of cardiac pathologies. You'll learn to calculate intra-cardiac pressures and assess conditions such as aortic stenosis, atrial septal defect (ASD), patent foramen ovale (PFO), and mitral stenosis. The curriculum also covers pericardial diseases, ischaemic heart disease, and complications from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Through practical exercises, you'll develop the ability to diagnose and analyse these complex heart conditions effectively.
The final two weeks are dedicated to reviewing all the material covered throughout the course and preparing for your comprehensive assessment. This assessment will evaluate your proficiency and understanding of echocardiography principles and techniques. You'll demonstrate your skills through both practical and written evaluations, ensuring you are well-prepared to perform echocardiograms confidently and accurately.
| Frequency | Duration | Location | Learning Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 days each week | 3 hours per day | On-site | Practical (In-person) |
| At your own pace | Self-paced | Online | Theory (via Online Portal) |
The commitment varies for each part of the program. For Part 1, you’re required to attend two 3-hour sessions per week. Part 2 intensifies to five days a week, and Part 3 typically starts with four days a week, potentially increasing to 5 based on your progress.
Clinical placements and IBL sessions are held at our clinics across Victoria. For more information on specific locations, please visit our website at Heartscope locations. You will be supervised throughout your placements to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
Yes, our program is designed to assist you with this; however, there are certain restrictions. You will see that entry prerequisites typically state:
“Applicants must provide a support letter validating a training position in an ultrasound department or cardiac lab. The supervising professional should be an accredited medical sonographer registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) or hold equivalent registration.”
We can only provide this support letter if you progress to Part 3: Industry-Based Learning of our program. Please note that Part 3 requires the completion of Parts 1 and 2 and a successful interview selection process. We set these requirements to ensure participants are prepared and committed, upholding our high training standards so we can provide you tailored support for your career in cardiac sonography.
Yes, for Part 3, you must be enrolled in a course that’s accredited by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). You will also need to register as a student sonographer with ASAR, which is typically required by your university course.
Absolutely! Even if you don’t proceed to Part 3, our in-depth curriculum is designed to build your scanning skills and provide you with an extensive practical skillset in echocardiography. Through Parts 1 and 2, you’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of all relevant pathologies. Our course is highly regarded by many cardiologists and organisations, and you will be able to showcase your Scope Institute certifications showing your training here, which would significantly increase your chances of receiving a support letter and advancing in your echocardiography university course.
This intensive course is specifically designed for medical doctors, offering advanced echocardiography training over 11 days (spread across 11 weeks). The program combines theoretical knowledge relating to how to perform advanced echocardiograms with practical application, rapidly enhancing your diagnostic capabilities.
Reena, our most senior cardiac sonographer and head trainer educator, conducts these sessions. With extensive experience in echocardiography and teaching other doctors and ED physicians, Reena ensures that all participants receive expert guidance and instruction.
We welcome Emergency Physicians, Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, and other APHRA-registered medical professionals looking to enhance their critical care echocardiography skills and knowledge.
Doctors in Australia need to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice and participate in this program. This ensures that all participants are qualified medical professionals practicing within Australian healthcare standards.