Distance Education Advanced Specialty Certificate at British Columbia Institute of Technology
Echocardiography is an imaging technique that uses Ultrasound to examine the heart. It provides direct visualization of the cardiac chambers, walls and valves. The role of the Echocardiographer is to integrate academic knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology with technical imaging expertise in following progression of known disease or determining reasons for symptoms in each patient situation. Their ability to interact effectively with patients plays a large role in their success. Echocardiographers work under the supervision of physicians.
Program Delivery
This is a distance education/guided learning program. Students must apply for and gain admission into the program prior to starting coursework.
Successful graduates apply to write the credentialing examinations of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The ARDMS reserves the right to determine exam eligibility. Graduates are not eligible for registration with the Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals (CARDUP). Employers have historically accepted ARDMS credentials.
All theory courses are paper based. The ECHO courses are augmented with WebCT. Students in North America may interact with a tutor by toll-free telephone at designated times during the course. E-mail support is available for all students.
The term length for theory courses is 12 weeks. Theory courses are offered in the Fall (September - December), Winter (January - March) and Spring (April - June) terms.
Sonographers who hold an active registration with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) may register into ECHO 6003 - a 16 week practicum. All others must register into practicum courses ECHO 6005 and 6006. ECHO 6005 is a 16 week practicum offered every Fall. ECHO 6006 is the continuation of ECHO 6005. It is a 22 week practicum that starts every January.
Practicum placements are dependent on clinical site availability and are not guaranteed. Permanent residents of British Columbia have priority for BC practicums.
International applicants (outside of Canada / USA) are not considered for admission.
A computer with high speed access is required. Students are expected to be fully proficient in keyboarding, Windows OS and Microsoft Office products. All assignments and exams in the ECHO courses are computer based.
Entrance Requirements
1. Academic
One of:
A Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography ARDMS)
Diploma of Technology in a minimum two year allied health program such as Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Registered Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in an appropriate health-related field, and with an emphasis on human anatomy and physiology.
Bachelor Degree in Health related discipline
Applicants who have completed their post-secondary education at an institution outside Canada or the United States are required to have their credentials evaluated at their own expense by a service such as the International Credential Evaluation Service. The program requires that applicants obtain the Comprehensive evaluation.
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