Frequently Asked Questions
3-Part Echocardiography Program
What is the weekly duration commitment for each part of the training program?
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.
Where are the clinical placements and IBL conducted?
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.
My medical sonography (cardiac) course indicates a training placement is a prerequisite. Can this program assist me in my course enrolment?
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.
Do I need ASAR accreditation to do Part 3?
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.
I'm concerned about not securing a placement into Part 3 after completing Part 1 and Part 2, given the financial investment I'm making. Are there any assurances that my investment will be valuable?
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.
3 – Week Comprehensive ECG Course
What is the weekly duration commitment for the ECG program?
The ECG program is an online class that takes approximately 3 weeks to take. Each session lasts approximately 3 hours, focusing on enhancing ECG interpretation skills for clinical professionals. Sessions are available both in-person at Wheelers Hill and online to suit different learning preferences.
Who conducts the training sessions in the Critical Care Echocardiography Program?
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.
Who can participate in the Critical Care Echocardiography Program?
We welcome Emergency Physicians, Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, and other APHRA-registered medical professionals looking to enhance their critical care echocardiography skills and knowledge.
What qualifications do Australian doctors need to participate in the Critical Care Echocardiography Program?
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.
Critical Care Echocardiography Program – For Doctors
What can I expect from the Critical Care Echocardiography Program as a doctor?
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.
Who conducts the training sessions in the Critical Care Echocardiography Program?
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.
Who can participate in the Critical Care Echocardiography Program?
We welcome Emergency Physicians, Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, and other APHRA-registered medical professionals looking to enhance their critical care echocardiography skills and knowledge.
What qualifications do Australian doctors need to participate in the Critical Care Echocardiography Program?
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.
Nationally Accredited Courses
What does "Nationally Recognised Training" mean?
It means your qualification is recognised by employers and other registered training organisations (RTOs) anywhere in Australia. The course content and assessment standards are set at a national level, ensuring a high-quality, portable qualification.
Will I get a real certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion, you will be issued an official Statement of Attainment (for single units like First Aid) or a Certificate (for full qualifications like Cert III), which is your formal proof of qualification.
Is there a final exam?
Our courses use a competency-based assessment model. This means you are assessed through a combination of written knowledge tests, quizzes, and practical skills demonstrations throughout the course. There isn’t one single final exam; you progress by demonstrating your skills and knowledge at various stages.
What if I have to miss a class?
We understand that life happens. Please contact our Student Support team as soon as possible to discuss your options. For mandatory practical sessions, we will work with you to find a suitable catch-up session, though a rescheduling fee may apply.
For courses with work placement, do I have to find my own?
No, we handle that for you. Our dedicated placement team organises your mandatory vocational placement with one of our trusted industry partners, ensuring you get the real-world experience you need.
Industry-Accredited Courses (Workshops)
What is the main difference between these workshops and a nationally accredited course?
These workshops are designed for intensive, practical skill enhancement in a single day, not to provide a formal qualification. They are perfect for existing healthcare professionals who need to learn a new skill quickly. You receive a Certificate of Attendance, which is ideal for demonstrating Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Who are these workshops for?
They are primarily for current healthcare professionals like nurses, paramedics, medical students, and allied health staff who want to upskill. The “Introduction to Venepuncture” workshop is also suitable for those considering a healthcare career who want to get a feel for a key clinical skill.
Will I get to practice on real people?
No. All hands-on practice is conducted in a safe, simulated environment. You will use professional-grade simulation arms and equipment under the close supervision of our expert instructors to build your skills and confidence before using them in a real clinical setting.
Can I get a job with just a workshop certificate?
These workshops are designed to add skills to an existing qualification or role, not as a standalone pathway to employment. For example, a nurse would take the IV Cannulation workshop to expand their scope of practice. For a direct pathway to a new career like a pathology collector, the nationally recognised Certificate III qualification is required.
Is there any online learning or pre-reading required?
No, everything you need is covered on the day. These workshops are delivered entirely face-to-face, allowing you to focus completely on the practical skills and theory being taught by our instructors.
Interested in Our Courses?
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