Complete Critical Care Echocardiography
Combine image acquisition and focused critical care assessment through supervised scanning and clinical cases.
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CORE COURSE · 2 FULL DAYS
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Cardiac Ultrasound: Core Practice
2 full days
12 contact hours
Melbourne, VIC
You train hands-on with the same ultrasound equipment used in Heartscope's cardiology clinics.
Course overview
Cardiac Ultrasound: Core Practice introduces healthcare professionals to the standard views used in an echocardiogram. You'll learn to recognise the heart's anatomy on screen and understand how the imaging modes help you assess its structure and function.
Supervised scanning gives you time to practise probe handling, adjust the image and bring the views together into an examination. Your educator will review your technique and explain what to change. The course suits those new to echocardiography or returning for a refresher.
Who this course is for
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GPs and general physicians
Anaesthetists and registrars
Cardiology trainees starting out
Emergency and acute care clinicians
Nurses and allied health staff
Sonographers wanting a structured refresher
Entry requirements
For healthcare professionals
You don't need prior echocardiography experience.
In-person attendance
You'll need to attend our Melbourne training centre. The practical sessions can't be completed online.
Course curriculum
The main learning areas are outlined below.
Cardiac anatomy and physiology
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Learn to recognise the heart's structures on a transthoracic ultrasound image and understand how they function.
2D, M-mode and Doppler
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Compare 2D, M-mode and Doppler imaging, and learn the basics of Doppler haemodynamics.
Machine setup and image optimisation
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Practise equipment controls, probe handling and patient positioning to improve image quality.
Standard transthoracic windows
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Acquire and recognise parasternal, apical, subcostal and suprasternal views through supervised scanning.
Scanning practice and individual feedback
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Bring the views together into an examination. Your educator will review your technique and help you identify what to practise next.
Know the anatomy and physiology
Describe the cardiac anatomy and physiology you need to make sense of what is on the screen.
Understand 2D, M-mode and Doppler
Explain what each mode does and when to use it, including Doppler haemodynamics.
Drive the machine
Use machine controls, patient positioning and probe handling to get a better image.
Get the standard windows
Acquire and recognise the parasternal, apical, subcostal and suprasternal views.
Follow a structured sequence
Work through each window in a set order so nothing gets missed.
Practise with feedback
Scan in guided practical sessions and integrated challenges, with feedback as you go.
Topics covered
Two days, 9am to 5pm.
Day 1, morning - the basics
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Cardiac anatomy on ultrasound (20 min)
Cardiac physiology (30 min)
2D imaging, M-mode and Doppler (45 min)
Doppler haemodynamics (90 min)
Day 1, afternoon - parasternal windows
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Machine controls and patient positioning (25 min)
Imaging and assessment, parasternal windows (120 min)
Further parasternal practice (60 min)
Review and feedback
Day 2, morning - apical windows
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Image acquisition and optimisation techniques (20 min)
Imaging and assessment, apical windows (75 min)
Further apical practice (90 min)
Day 2, afternoon - subcostal, suprasternal and consolidation
Cardiac anatomy and physiology, the imaging modes, and the standard windows.
Imaging and assessment, subcostal and suprasternal windows (120 min)
Integrated challenge (60 min)
Review and feedback
Course outcomes
You'll learn to recognise and acquire the standard cardiac ultrasound views under supervision.
You'll use educator feedback to improve your scanning technique and image quality.
You'll have a practical starting point for further critical care echo training.
You'll receive a Scope Institute certificate recording the training you've completed. This is non-accredited professional training. It isn't CPD-accredited, but doctors can self-record eligible hours.
Accreditation
This course is not currently accredited by a specialist college and no CPD points are attached to it. Applications are in progress with the bodies listed below, and this page will be updated as each is confirmed.
Applications in progressACEM
Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
ASUM
Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine
CICM
College of Intensive Care Medicine
ANZCA
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
RACGP
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
ACRRM
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
No accreditation should be assumed until it is stated here. The certificate issued on completion documents the contact hours completed and the topics covered.
How to apply
Pick a date
Choose an upcoming course and register your interest. We will confirm availability and send the joining details.
Confirm your place
Pay the course fee to secure your place. Numbers are capped and places go in order of payment.
Turn up
All equipment and materials are provided. You scan on the first day.
There is no interview and no prerequisite. If you want the optional clinical practice block as well, tell us when you register.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can book this course individually or as part of Complete Critical Care Echocardiography.
Yes. We'll work with you to arrange course dates around your availability and clinical commitments.
No. We provide adult volunteers for supervised scanning practice at our Melbourne training centre.
You can self-record eligible hours towards CPD, subject to your CPD home's requirements, activity categories and attendance. This course provides 12 hours of learning.
15+ years clinical experience
Teaches every cohortYour trainer
Reena Kapadia
Chief Cardiac Sonographer and Educator. Reena holds a Diploma of Medical Ultrasonography (Cardiac) from ASUM and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122). She co-founded Heartscope and has over 15 years of experience across several public and private cardiology practices.
Reena has trained more than 50 cardiac sonography students. She teaches every Scope Institute echocardiography cohort in small groups, giving individual feedback and following each student's progress.
More about ReenaOur clinical partner
Enrolment
Fees and payment
$3,500 per person, including GST
Individual feedback
Your educator will review your technique and help you identify what to practise next.
Optional clinical practice
You can arrange a separate clinic observation and practice block for $3,735, subject to suitability and availability.
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admin@scopeinstitute.edu.au
Unit 1, 202 Jells Rd
Wheelers Hill VIC 3150
Wheelers Hill VIC 3150
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