Echocardiography, AAS (EC23) (510910)  Degree


Campus Locations: Thomasville

The Echocardiography associate of applied science degree program is designed to prepare students for work in the allied health field as Echocardiographers. The program offers both clinical and didactic instruction in patient care using ultrasound waves to create images of the heart muscle, valves, and blood vessels, as well as techniques to correctly position and obtain ultrasound images that aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and vascular disease.

Length of Program: 6 semesters

Entrance Date: Fall Semester.

Entrance Requirements: Refer to Admissions criteria. Click for Entrance Score Requirements.

Age: Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

Education: An applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent (GED). College transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Credits Required for Graduation: 74 Minimum semester hour credits required for graduation

Curriculum Outline (74 hours)
1: General Core Courses 26
Area I - Language Arts/Communication 3
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences 3
PSYC 1101

Pre-requisite(s): Entrance exam reading and writing scores in accordance with approved TCSG admission score levels Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics (Choose one of the following) 3
MATH 1103

This course focuses on quantitive skills and reasoning in the context of experiences that students will be likely to encounter. The course emphasizes processing information in context from a variety of representations, understanding of both the information and the processing, and understanding which conclusions can be reasonably determined. Students will use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding. Topics covered in this course include: sets and set operations, logic, basic probability, data analysis, linear models, quadratic models, exponential and logarithmic models, geometry, and financial management.

3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Select one of the following courses and corresponding lab (4 Hours): 4
PHYS 1110

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101 AND (MATH 1101, MATH 1103, OR MATH 1111) Pre/Co-requisite(s): PHYS 1110L Introduces some of the basic laws of physics. Topics include systems of units and conversion of units, vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, fluids and thermodynamics, heat, light, and optics, mechanical waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

3
PHYS 1110L

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101 AND (MATH 1101, MATH 1103, OR MATH 1111) Pre/Co-requisite(s): PHYS 1110 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in PHYS 1110. The laboratory exercises for this course include systems of units and systems of measurement, vector algebra, Newtonian mechanics, fluids and thermodynamics, heat, light, and optics, mechanical waves, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.

1
PHYS 1111

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101 AND (MATH 1112 OR MATH 1113) Pre/Co-requisite(s): PHYS 1111L The first course of two algebra and trigonometry based courses in the physics sequence. Topics include material from mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum and collisions, rotational motion, static equilibrium, elasticity theory, and simple harmonic motion), mechanical waves, theory of heat and heat transfer, and thermodynamics.

3
PHYS 1111L

Pre-requisite(s): ENGL 1101 AND (MATH 1112 OR MATH 1113) Pre/Co-requisite(s): PHYS 1111 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in PHYS 1111. The laboratory exercises for this course include units of measurement, Newton's laws, work energy and power, momentum and collisions, one- and two-dimensional motion, circular motion and law of gravity, rotational dynamics and static equilibrium, elasticity theory, harmonic motion, theory of heat and heat transfer, thermodynamics, wave motion, and sound.

1
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts 3
Humanities/Fine Arts 0000Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
Non General Education Degree Courses 8
BIOL 2113

Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113: ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
Elective (Minimum 2-3 Hours): 2
ALHS 1090

Pre-requisite(s): Provisional Admission Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
2. Institutional Credit (3 Hours) 3
COLL 1500

This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/ technical program of study. Topics include: Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communications Skills, Career Exploration, Research Skills, College Campus Knowledge, Memory & Reading Skills, Presentation & Interview Skills, and Group Skills. Effective Fall 2016, students who already have an Associate Degree or higher will be given exemption credit for the COLL 1500 course.

3
3. Occupational Core Courses 45
ECHO 2310

This course offers an introduction to congenital heart disease with instruction on fetal cardiac embryology, pediatric pathology, age appropriate patient care, corrective surgical procedures. Emphasis is placed on the latest modalities and specialties of a pediatric noninvasive cardiac diagnostic study. Topics include: fetal cardiac embryology; acyanotic lesions; cyanotic lesions; complex congenital heart disease; corrective surgical procedures; Doppler, color flow, and 2D imaging; research methods; syndromes; sedation; and transducer selection.

3
DMSO 1090

This course is designed as an introduction into the field of vascular sonography. The general practitioner will be required to perform venous examinations of the lower extremity, arterial studies of the neck, and some Doppler studies within the abdomen. Emphasis is on the functional workings and settings associated with Doppler signals and waveforms. Topics include: machine/image settings for Doppler imaging; venous imaging of the lower extremities; arterial imaging of the neck; and vascular imaging of the abdomen, including aorta and its primary branches, vena cava, portal and hepatic veins, and renal arteries and veins.

1
CAVT 1030

Introduces the concepts essential in the performance and interpretation of 12 lead EKG and heart sounds. As a study of the anatomy, physiology, structural relationships, and the pathophysiology of the human heart and vascular system, the course concentrates on specialized terminology, cardiac and vascular anatomy, and electrophysiology. Topics include: heart anatomy, circulatory system, heart electrical system, physical heart defects, electrocardiograph, preparation for various electrocardiographic examinations, physical principles and pathophysiology of heart sounds, exercise physiology, stress testing, Holter monitoring, cardiac pacemakers, and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Laboratory experiences will be provided.

3
ECHO 1100

This course introduces the basic principles and applications of the physical assessment and echocardiographic procedures. Discussion of medical law and ethics as it relates to the professional scope of practice. Topics include: basic echocardiographic imaging principles, patient skills and equipment instrumentation, basic Doppler and color principles, medical law and ethics and common terminology and abbreviations.

3
ECHO 1310

This course utilizes cardiac sonography fundamentals to evaluate cardiac anatomy, function and hemodynamics in diagnosing coronary artery heart disease. Incorporates all forms of noninvasive cardiovascular evaluation with emphasis on performance and interpretation of M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining quality echocardiograms, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topics include: ventricular function, coronary artery disease, Stress Echocardiography, Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), 3-D/4-D Echocardiography, Contrast Echocardiography and advanced techniques/procedures.

3
ECHO 1370

Provides hands-on experience in performing noninvasive cardiovascular procedures with emphasis on instrumentation and development of clinical techniques. Topics include: policies and procedures, echocardiographic instrumentation, recording patient information, patient preparation, and performing echocardiographic examinations. Students enrolled in this course will be assessed a $203 cost recovery course fee in addition to tuition and fees. Fees are subject to change at the end of any semester.

7
DMSO 1040

Sonographers apply principles of ultrasound in the operation of medical sonographic equipment to produce a sonogram. Knowledge of the interaction of ultrasound with tissue is important for image optimization, acquisition and interpretation of sonographic images, and critical to the accurate diagnosis of disease. Introduces concepts for the factors involved with diagnostic ultrasound principles and instruments. Emphasis will be placed on ultrasound physics, transducer construction, operation and characteristics, artifacts and adjustable physics parameters. Topics include: basic principles and wave analysis; propagation of acoustic waves through tissues; principles of pulse echo imaging; sonographic transducers and sound beams; hemodynamic and Doppler imaging; sonographic instrumentation; artifacts; quality assurance/quality control of sonographic instruments; bio effects and safety. Student laboratory scanning hours are included in this course.

3
DMSO 1080

Provides a review of knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for sonography. Information concerning test taking skills will also be reviewed. Topics include: patient care, safety and communication; physics principles, ultrasound transducers, pulse-echo instrumentation, Doppler instrumentation; and quality assurance/quality control of equipment.

1
ECHO 1320

This course utilizes fundamentals to evaluate cardiac function and acquired disease states. Incorporates all forms of noninvasive cardiovascular evaluation with emphasis on performance and interpretation of M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining quality echocardiograms, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topics include: valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, systemic and pulmonary hypertensive heart disease, pericardial diseases, systemic disease, cardiac transplantation, cardiac tumors/masses, diseases of the aorta, pericardial diseases, and miscellaneous topics.

3
ECHO 2360

Provides hands-on experience in the clinical setting with an emphasis placed on the development of clinical techniques employed to obtain meaningful data. Continued participation by the student will progressively lead to the student performing diagnostic procedures with less assistance but under the supervision of an appropriately credentialed sonographer. Topics include: echocardiographic instrumentation, logging and reporting information, preparation for echocardiographic examinations, medical ethics, and performing echocardiographic procedures. Students may do a brief rotation through an invasive cardiology lab, pediatric lab and/or vascular lab.

7
ECHO 2370

This course builds on the knowledge and skills learned in Clinical Echo 3. By the end of this rotation, the student will perform all echocardiography procedures independently with the supervision of an appropriately credentialed sonographer. This course provides a culminating clinical setting experience which allows students to synthesize information and procedural instruction provided throughout the program. Emphasis is placed on skill level improvements and final completion of all required clinical competencies presented in previous courses and practiced in previous clinical vascular courses. Topics include: scanning, documentation of pathologies, patient and equipment skills, current literature, professionalism, and ethical behavior.

10
ECHO 2400

This course will be an overall review of Echocardiography to include demonstration of normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy, cardiac physiology, pathophysiology and hemodynamics/physics in the different types of cardiac disease/dysfunctions. Also included will be a review of clinical non-invasive cardiac diagnostic procedures, laboratory values, pharmacology and test validation and measurements. Emphasis is placed on reviewing information so that the student will successfully pass the ARMDS and/or CCI certification examinations. Topics include: normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy, techniques, pathology, physics/hemodynamics, test validation and measurements, and laboratory values.

1
Faculty
Program Chair

Echocardiography Program Chair
School of Health Sciences
Thomasville

15689 U.S. 19, Thomasville, GA 31792
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