*COURSE SYLLABUS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Objectives:
- Identify and describe anatomy and sonographic echo image features of the entire heart
- Identify and describe cardiac evaluation techniques and methods
- Successfully complete a 3-day lab intensive at our Carmel, IN location
Required Textbooks:
- Echocardiographer’s Pocket Reference by Arizona Heart Institute, 5th Edition (**Required in ALL lab intensives) - there is a QR code that can be found throughout this book to allow you to view video clips
- Feigenbaum’s Echocardiography, 8th Edition by Ryan Armstrong (e-Reader, instructions on inside front cover section of the book)
- Echocardiographer’s Workbook, by Susan DeWitt
- Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SPI), 2nd Edition, by Steven M. Penny, Tracy B. Fox (answers to all questions located in the back of the book)
Grading Scale:
A - 95-100%
B - 85-94%
C - 75-84%
D - 65-74%
F - 64% and below
**Students are required to have a 75% grade average to move along to the next semester, and to graduate from this course
**Content will be dripped to you weekly in the Student Portal (Kajabi Platform), and due dates can be found in your Student Dashboard (ClickUp Platform)
echo program - semester one syllabus
We have crafted our online program to be as convenient as possible for working adults, and we are so glad you're here! Because of the nature of online education, please remember that it is your responsibility as the student to ensure that you are organized and consistently reviewing the syllabus to make certain your assignments and tests are completed on time. It is also imperative that you proactively reach out with questions if you are confused or need assistance with anything. We are here to help you succeed! There is a support email and a link to schedule a time with Marianne during her weekly virtual office hours in "Week 1" program orientation information in the student web portal.
Each week's assignments and/or tests are due by Friday at 11:55pm. Any assignments or tests turned in late will receive an automatic zero for your grade.
Make sure to read ahead in your syllabus to understand what tests and assignments are upcoming to ensure you're studying up for future weeks.
As a reminder, you must pass each semester with a 75% or higher to move on to the next semester or to graduate the course. Those receiving less than this passing grade will be required to retake that semester at the current semester tuition pricing.
Welcome to Semester One! We are thrilled to watch you gain the skills and knowledge it takes to succeed as a cardiac sonographer.
notes for the course
Week 1: Program Orientation
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Review all paperwork and information, and return the required signed documentation to the Admin Team as a PDF via email at:
admin@cardinal-tech.com.
2. Get familiar with the Sonosim Simulator Orientation Module Platform along with the Sonosim Fundamentals Skillbox module practice section.
week 1
Week 2: Normal Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
2. Download your Sonosim Course Outline for Heart: Anatomy & Physiology to help you navigate the course module in Sonosim (see the downloads section to grab this document)
3. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Anatomy & Physiology Module & Course Assignment. **There are a total of 8 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 24 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
4. Read pages 7-11, 18-24 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
5. Begin reading Feigenbaum Chapters 1, 2, 3 (due week 5)
6. Look up the abbreviations and begin memorizing Abbreviation Word List 1 (see downloads section. Homework assignment due on week 5 and test on week 8)
NOTE: ** The abbreviation homework is meant as an exploration exercise to help you get used to finding answers outside of the text. Over the next few weeks, we want you to use the lectures, book, internet and other resources specific to cardiac medicine to work on finding answers. Keep your list close, and as you listen to the lectures and continue learning, you may find that you have some answers that need changed or that you're able to fill in answers that were missing. We will grade your answers on Week 5 on your homework assignment, so that you may begin studying for your test on these abbreviations on Week 8.’
week 2
Week 3: Chambers, Vessels, & Valves
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Heart: Anatomy & Physiology Module & Course Assignment. **There are a total of 8 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 24 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Read pages 11-12, 489, 497-498 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
4. Begin reading Feigenbaum Chapters 1, 2, 3
week 3
Week 4: Cardiovascular Physiology
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Heart: Anatomy & Physiology Module & Course Assignment. **There are a total of 8 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 24 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Read pages 14-15, 496 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
4. Continue reading Feigenbaum Chapters 1, 2, 3
week 4
Week 5: Intro to Conduction System/Cardiac Cycle
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Heart: Anatomy & Physiology Module & Course Assignment. **There are a total of 8 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 24 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Read pages 15-17, 480 in the Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
4. Complete your review of Feigenbaum Chapters 1, 2, 3 (MUST have read these entire Chapters by this Friday)
5. Complete your Academic Performance Plan Form and email to the Admin Team at admin@cardinal-tech.com (download this document from the “downloads” section)
6. Review and study Chapters 1 & 2 in your SPI Physics Workbook and complete the study questions. This will help you review for your test next week (answers are in the back of your book).
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. Homework: Abbreviation Word List 1 Homework
2. Homework: Echocardiography Workbook pages 4-16
week 5
Week 6: Basic Cardiac Embryology
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
2. Download your Sonosim Course Outline & Module Assignment for 10 cases Cardiology Core Clinical to help you navigate the course module in Sonosim (see the downloads section to grab this document)
3. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Cardiology Core Clinical Course Assignment. **There are a total of 10 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 30 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
4. Read pages 1-5 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
5. Look up the abbreviations and begin memorizing Abbreviation Word List 2 (see downloads section. Homework assignment due on week 7 and test on week 8)
NOTE: ** The abbreviation homework is meant as an exploration exercise to help you get used to finding answers outside of the text. Over the next few weeks, we want you to use the lectures, book, internet and other resources specific to cardiac medicine to work on finding answers. Keep your list close, and as you listen to the lectures and continue learning, you may find that you have some answers that need changed or that you're able to fill in answers that were missing. We will grade your answers on Week 7 on your homework assignment, so that you may begin studying for your test on these abbreviations on Week 8.
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. TEST: Normal Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology
2. TEST: SPI Physics Chapter 1 & 2
*TEST via the Sonosim Platform (log in to Sonosim to complete this test):
1. Complete your Sonosim Course Module & Module TEST: Anatomy & Physiology Module
**PLEASE NOTE: You may only take this test once. Any additional attempts will not be counted.
week 6
Week 7: Basic Cardiac Embryology, Continued
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Cardiology Core Clinical Course Assignment. **There are a total of 10 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 30 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
2. Read pages 5-7 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
3. Complete your review of Feigenbaum Chapter 19
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. Homework: The Echocardiography Workbook 17-22
2. Homework: Abbreviation Word List 2
week 7
Week 8: Intro to the Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
Revision to Lecture: Transducers have a range of frequencies from 2-12 MHz and adult TTE transducers have a frequency range of 2-5 MHz and Pediatric TTE transducers have a frequency range of 5-12 MHz.
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Cardiology Core Clinical Course Assignment. **There are a total of 10 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 30 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Read pages 25-33 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
4. Begin reviewing Feigenbaum Chapter 4, 5, 6
Book Revision: Views must be acquired and optimized using a variety of scanning maneuvers. The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) outlines several maneuvers in the 2019 Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive TTE Exam in Adults.
1) Tilt-maintain same axis to the heart but move the transducer to a different plane.
2) Sweep-multiple transducer movements are used to acquire multiple structures in one recording.
3) Rotate-maintain a stationary position while rotating the transducer indicator to a new plane.
4) Slide-move the transducer across the skin.
5) Rock--maintain the same plane but change the orientation toward/away from the indicator.
6) Angle-maintain location on the chest while redirecting the sound beam to a new structure.
If none of the conventional windows and views are available, attempt to acquire unconventional windows and views to complete as much of the TTE as possible.
Patient physique may affect window location.
1) Tall vs short-windows may be high/low and closer together/further apart.
2) Thin (bony) vs thick-both present challenges.
3) Pectus excavatum-sunken sternum.
4) Pectus carinatum-protruding sternum.
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. TEST; Abbreviation word list 1 & 2
2. TEST: Basic Embryology and Fetal Circulation
week 8
Week 9: Intro to Two-Dimensional Echocardiography
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lecture
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Cardiology Core Clinical Course Assignment. **There are a total of 10 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 30 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Read pages 33-41 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
4. Continue reviewing Feigenbaum Chapter 4, 5, 6
week 9
Week 10: Intro to Doppler Echo
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lectures
Revision to Lecture: Also known as the pencil probe or PEDOF : Pulsed Echo Doppler Flow velocity meter- according to the great David Adams of Duke University, it was developed around 1976 as a PWD probe and later modified for CWD.
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Cardiology Core Clinical Course Assignment. **There are a total of 10 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 30 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Read pages 28, 261 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
4. Finish review of Feigenbaum Chapter 4, 5, 6
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. Complete your Echocardiography Workbook 23-28 assignment in the "Test/Assignment" section
week 10
Week 11: The Transthoracic Echo
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lecture
Please note: A mistake was noted on the PLAX diastolic picture in the lecture. The anterior mitral valve chordae tendineae are attached to the wrong papillary muscle (they should not be attached to the posteromedial papillary muscle, but rather the anterolateral papillary muscle that is not seen in the LAX diagram in the lecture picture).
2. Download your Sonosim Course Outline for 6 cases in Fundamentals of Ultrasound to help you navigate the course module in Sonosim (see the downloads section to grab these documents)
3. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Fundamentals of Ultrasound Course Assignment. **There are a total of 14 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 42 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
4. Read pages 34, 42-43, 59, 65-66, 68-69, 70, 513-514 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. TEST: Intro to Transthoracic Echocardiogram
*TEST via the Sonosim Platform (log in to Sonosim to complete this test):
1. Complete your Cardiology Core Clinical Module and course module TEST in the Sonosim platform
**PLEASE NOTE: You may only take this test once. Any additional attempts will not be counted.
week 11
Week 12: The Transthoracic Echo, Continued
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Fundamentals of Ultrasound Course Assignment. **There are a total of 14 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 42 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
2. Read pages 34, 52, 65, 71-72, 86, 473, 514 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
3. Begin your review of Feigenbaum Chapter 7, 8
4. Look up the abbreviations and begin memorizing Abbreviation Word List 3 & 4 (see downloads section. Homework assignment due on week 13 and test on week 14)
NOTE: ** The abbreviation homework is meant as an exploration exercise to help you get used to finding answers outside of the text. Over the next few weeks, we want you to use the lectures, book, internet and other resources specific to cardiac medicine to work on finding answers. Keep your list close, and as you listen to the lectures and continue learning, you may find that you have some answers that need changed or that you're able to fill in answers that were missing. We will grade your answers on Week 13 on your homework assignment, so that you may begin studying for your test on these abbreviations on Week 14.
week 12
Week 13: The Transthoracic Echo, Continued
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Fundamentals of Ultrasound Course Assignment. **There are a total of 14 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 42 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
2. Continue to review chap 7 and 8 in feigenbaum
3. Review pages 79-92, 102, 457-459, 471, 482, 492, 496-497, 550-554 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. Homework: Abbreviation Word List 3, 4
2. Homework: Echocardiography Workbook pages 29-40
Book Revision: There is a sketch labeled WK 6 and it should be WK 7 (both sketches are WK 7).
week 13
Week 14: The Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Assignments/Tests due Friday by 11:55pm - tests or assignments turned in late will receive a zero
1. Watch the online Lecture
2. Complete your 12 practice scanning hours on the Sonosim Simulator utilizing the imaging directions in the Fundamentals of Ultrasound Course Assignment. **There are a total of 14 images for this assignment. Repetition is what will help you with your scanning ability! Practice this assignment multiple times to complete your 12 practice scanning hours. Please STORE AND SAVE your best 3 cases from this assignment in your Sonosim Performance Tracker (you should have a total of 42 images total saved in the Performance Tracker for our review).
3. Review pages 427-436 in your Echocardiographer's Pocket Reference
*TESTS/Homework via the links in the “Test/Assignment” Section:
1. TEST: The Transthoracic Echo
2. TEST: Diastolic Function Grades
3. TEST: Abbreviation Word List 3, 4
4. Homework: Echocardiography Workbook pages 39-42
Your Academic Progress Report will be signed at the end of the in-person lab session in Week 14 (failure to sign will result in a 5 point overall grade reduction).
**REMINDER: A passing grade (75% or higher) is required in 1st Semester to move on to 2nd Semester.