Adult Echocardiography - Sentara School of Health Professions

Adult Echocardiography from Sentara School of Health Professions is a Campus Associate Cardiology degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. Echocardiography is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for heart disease. It is the use of standard ultrasound; using ultrasonic waves to visualize and to gather data about the structure and function of the cardiac chambers, valves and vessels leading to and from the heart. This test is non-invasive and is called an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is performed in a one on one setting in a hospital or outpatient facility by an adult echocardiographer. As an Adult Echocardiographer there are multiple types of tests that you will learn to perform or assist the physician to perform: Transthoracic echocardiogram: Two-dimensional and three- dimensional images are obtained to evaluate the structure of the heart, color flow Doppler assesses blood flow through the heart and spectral Doppler is used to estimate pressures with in the heart. These modalities are used to determine the presence of cardiac diseases such as valvular regurgitation/stenosis, infection of the heart valves and tumors. It is also very helpful in evaluating the muscle of the heart and congenital heart defects. Once the echocardiographer obtains the necessary images, he/she is responsible for creating a preliminary report for the doctor to review with the images. Transesophageal echocardiogram: This test requires that the transducer be inserted down the throat into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) by the cardiologist. Because the esophagus is located close to the heart, clear images of the heart structures can be obtained without the interference of the lungs and chest. The echocardiographer will assist the physician during this test by optimizing the images, making required measurements and recording all of the information necessary for a complete test. Stress echocardiogram: This is an echocardiogram that is performed while a patient exercises on a treadmill or is given medication to raise his/her heart rate. This test can be used to visualize the motion of the heart's walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed. It may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests. The echocardiogram is performed just prior to and immediately following the exercise or infusion of medication. The echocardiographer obtains the necessary images for the physician to view. Adult Echocardiography students at Sentara College of Health Sciences are provided training in the classroom and skills lab located the main campus in Chesapeake. Students also receive an extensive clinical rotation at several hospitals that specialize in cardiovascular procedures. Your Exceptional Learning Experience: Your Learning Experience is like no other. With 60 semester credits, 540 lecture, 135 skills lab and 1,219 clinical hours you will be well prepared with the competence and confidence you need to work as an Adult Echocardiography Technologist. First semester - all students begin with foundation courses in medical terminology, patient care concepts, cardiac hemodynamics and anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the cardiac and vascular systems. The semester is three days per week and is 16 weeks. Second, third and fourth semesters ? students begin the first of three semesters of classroom and clinical experiences in the chosen specialty. The last three semesters are 3.5 to 4 days per week, full time. The second semester is 13 weeks in the summer, third semester is 15 weeks in the fall, and the last semester is 16 weeks in the spring. Advanced placement is available to students who qualify. See below for additional details. On-line courses are part of the didactic learning experience. Graduates are awarded an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Cardiovascular Technology and are eligible to take a registry examination offered American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Licensure and certification for entry into practice is not required for this health profession, however, many employers require staff to become credentialed after a pre-determined period of employment. The College submits applications for exams for each graduate who then have one year to sit for the exam. This Program is a terminal occupational/technical program and credits generally earned in this Program are not applicable to other degree. View more details on Sentara College of Health Sciences . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Cardiology courses.