Rad Sci Cardiac Sonography (RSCS)

Provides a foundation in the basic principles of electrocardiography. Presents an overview of the theory and diagnostic techniques utilized by technologists in a noninvasive laboratory. Emphasizes the development of a systematic approach to single-lead ECG interpretation and dysrhythmia analysis.

Presents the construction and dynamics of the cardiovascular system in detail. Includes the development of the cardiovascular system, anatomical and physiological characteristics, heart sounds, biophysics of the cardiac cell, cardiac pumping action and its regulation, cardiovascular hemodynamics, coronary blood flow, systemic and pulmonary circulations, and the control of regional circulation.

Continuation of Radiologic Sciences CS 311, Cardiovascular Physiology. Provides an examination of the structure and function of the cardiovascular system in health and disease. Emphasizes the pathophysiological mechanisms of acquired and congenital cardiovascular diseases as well as their clinical presentation, detection and treatment. Prerequisite: RSCS 311

Presents basic concepts of the healthcare delivery system and an introduction to medical imaging and radiation sciences with a focus on sonography. Emphasizes patient care, diversity, sterile procedure, ergonomics and body mechanics, communication, essential sonographer skills, professional ethics and medicolegal issues.

Presentation and hands-on operation of equipment used in an echocardiography laboratory. Emphasizes the clinical application, operation, knobology, and instrumentation associated with such equipment. Provides guided practice in the performance of standard echocardiographic procedures. Topics include two-dimensional (2D) imaging, M-mode, and Doppler techniques (i.e., pulsed-wave Doppler, continuouswave Doppler, color Doppler).

"This is a continuation of Cardiac Procedures I. Provides guided practice in the performance of standard cardiac procedures in a laboratory setting. Topics include two-dimensional imaging (2D), M-mode, and Doppler in the evaluation of abnormal cardiac pathology, as well as the appropriate calculations and analysis packages used. Prerequisite: RSCS 331

Students will learn the fundamental skills and principles needed to perform echocardiography, including the implementation, evaluation, and relevance of two-dimensional imaging, M-mode, and Doppler techniques related to cardiac ultrasound. Course content will include the instruction, application, and assessment of normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy, physiology, and the pathophysiology of various disease processes. Students will utilize these fundamentals to evaluate selected cardiovascular disease states.

"This course is a continuation of Cardiac Principles I. Course content will emphasize the analysis and assessment of abnormal cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology found in acquired and congenital cardiovascular disease states. Students will also learn advanced cardiac procedures and specialty applications of cardiac ultrasound, such as Transesophageal Echocardiography and Stress Echocardiograms. Prerequisite: RSCS 351

Presents general acoustic principles including energy transfer through wave propagation, transducer construction, spatial and temporal resolution, beam steering and focusing, imaging modes, and 3D/4D ultrasound. Emphasizes applied principles of instrumentation, including knobology and image optimization.

Presents properties of ultrasound’s interaction with tissue and instrumentation of the ultrasound machine. Topics include computer technology, creation and storage of the ultrasound image, hemodynamics, spectral, color and power Doppler, acoustic artifacts, bioeffects & safety, and quality assurance/quality improvement relative to ultrasound. Advanced topics such as new imaging methods and new developments in ultrasound technology will also be introduced. Prerequisite: RSCS 400

"Observing and applying clinical principles in an echocardiography laboratory. Emphasizes professional attributes and fundamental clinical skills necessary to perform and interpret transthoracic echocardiography. Synthesizes learning from didactic, laboratory, and instrumentation courses. Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skill assessment is based on scanning protocol competencies and techniques, professionalism, and proficiency in patient care. "

"This is a continuation of RSCS 411 Clinical Cardiac I. Supervised clinical practice of cardiac ultrasound in an echocardiography laboratory. Emphasizes professionalism and clinical skills needed to perform and provid diagnostic information necessary for the evaluation of cardiac disease. Students will also observe and assist with stress echocardiography and transesophageal procedures. Synthesizes learning from didactic, laboratory, and instrumentation courses. Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skill assessment is based on scanning protocol competencies and techniques, professionalism, and proficiency in patient care. Prerequisite: RSCS 411

"This is a continuation of RSCS 412 Clinical Cardiac II. Supervised clinical practice of cardiac ultrasound in an echocardiography laboratory focusing on identification and documentation of cardiac pathology. Emphasizes the clinical skills necessary to perform advanced techniques and specialty applications in acquired and congenital disease states. Presents the opportunity to work more independently in the performance of standard echocardiographic procedures. Cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skill assessment is based on scanning protocol competencies and techniques, professionalism, and proficiency in patient care. Prerequisite: RSCS 412

Presents a comprehensive review of the physical principles, instrumentation and clinical applications of echocardiography in preparation for the certification examination.

Presents new techniques and information, clinical experiences and presentation of case studies in a weekly seminar format.

Continuation of topics in new techniques and information, clinical experiences and presentation of case studies in a weekly seminar format.