Program Overview
The Clinical Echocardiography PGCert program, designed for healthcare professionals in the Echocardiography Training Programme, provides a comprehensive understanding of echocardiographic principles and practical application. Through a blended learning approach, students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in ultrasound imaging, echocardiography techniques, and clinical interpretation. Upon completion, graduates qualify as accredited echocardiographers, eligible for diverse roles in healthcare settings, both domestically and internationally.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The Clinical Echocardiography PGCert program is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialize in echocardiography, specifically targeting students participating in the Echocardiography Training Programme (ETP).
The ETP aims to meet the workforce demands of the National School of Healthcare Science and Health Education England. The program provides a systematic understanding of theoretical principles and practical application of echocardiographic investigations in clinical settings. Upon successful completion, graduates qualify as accredited echocardiographers eligible for diverse roles in various healthcare settings like hospitals, GP practices, and the private sector, both domestically and internationally.
Outline
Duration:
9 Months (Part-Time)
Structure:
The program consists of a formal taught component and a supervised clinical practice component.
Content:
- Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography (Module 1, 30 Credits)
- Covers basic principles of clinical echocardiography.
- Provides knowledge of normal anatomy, physiology and pathology.
- Familiarizes with echocardiography equipment and techniques.
- Ultrasound Imaging for Echocardiography Practitioners (Module 2, 30 Credits)
- Focuses on ultrasound physics and its application to echocardiography.
- Discusses different imaging modalities and artifacts in echocardiographic assessment.
- Explores advanced techniques like Doppler echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, etc.
Modules:
The program consists of two compulsory modules, offered over two weeks each, starting from November and February:
Compulsory Modules:
Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes various assessment techniques including:
- Written exams
- Computer-based assessments
- Essays
- Presentations
- Case studies
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments focus on evaluating students' knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, communication and problem-solving abilities in the context of clinical echocardiography.
Teaching:
Delivery:
The program adopts a blended learning approach, combining online learning with face-to-face sessions to accommodate working professionals.
Methods:
The teaching methods include:
- Lectures by experienced professionals.
- Practical workshops for hands-on experience.
- Simulations for practicing various echo techniques.
- Case-based discussions.
Faculty:
- The faculty comprises experts in echocardiography with experience and knowledge in clinical practice and research.
Uniqueness:
- Collaboration with the British Society of Echocardiography.
- Accredited program recognized by the National School of Healthcare Science.
- Emphasis on practical skills development through simulations and clinical practice.
Careers: The successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to pursue diverse career options as accredited echocardiographers. They can find employment opportunities in:
- Public hospitals within UK National Health Services
- Privately-run clinics
- GP practices
- Research facilities associated with universities or healthcare organizations Graduates are equipped to perform echocardiography scans, analyze data, produce accurate reports, interpret findings, and collaborate effectively within the healthcare team to contribute towards the diagnosis, management, and care of patients with various cardiac conditions.
Other:
Target Students:
- Healthcare Professionals participating in the Echocardiography Training Programme.
Admission:
- Students are not directly admitted by Newcastle University but rather through a separate competitive national recruitment process for the ETP.
Accreditation:
- The program is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.
Delivery Location:
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
