Echocardiography

Students must meet or exceed the following admissions requirements to be accepted in the Echocardiography program at SCC:

Complete the SCC admissions application by the application deadline.
Be a high school graduate or have passed the General Education Development test (GED).
Complete the required prerequisite college courses within 5 years of the application quarter. See the application packet for courses.
Submit all official transcripts to SCC Transcript Office. Unofficial transcripts (copies) must be included in application packet
Submit 3 confidential letters of recommendation. Sealed envelopes must be included in the application packet.
Show documentation of 40 hours as a volunteer or employee in a patient care setting and 10 of those hours much be completed in echocardiography.
Complete an interview scheduled by the selection committee.
Complete a clear national background check (required after being accepted into the program)
Sign the consent and release for authorizing SCC to perform a 10 panel drug screening (required after being accepted into the program)

Selection Procedure

Final selection for the Echocardiography Program is based on the high school and college GPA, completion of pre-requisite courses, grades received, letters of recommendation, and the personal interview.

Application Packet

Find all our application in the most recent application packet:

Echocardiography Application Packet

Please deliver application packet to the Registration Office in Building 15 (1810 N Greene Street Spokane, WA 99217-5399). Packets may be submitted up to 3 months prior to the application due date.

The first year of the program consists of learning in the classroom with laboratory experience on real equipment and real people. Later, you begin clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics and work on real cardiac patients. During the final six months of the program, students are placed full-time in a clinical setting, refining their skills and preparing to work. During this time, many students are placed in clinical sites throughout the U.S. A few students are able to stay in Spokane.

Echo/NCT Technologists must be able to:

Lift more than 50 pounds routinely
Push and pull routinely
Bend and stoop routinely
Have full use of both hands, wrists, and shoulders
Distinguish audible sounds
Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
Assist patient on and off examining tables
Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence

Reference: Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Health Science Students Clinical Files

Students must have their health science clinical files completed before they attend clinical. Students reentering the programs or entering with advanced standing, must update their files before attending clinical.

All required paperwork is to be turned in to the health science office: Building 9, Room 132.

Photocopy

(Students must bring in a copy; the office is not equipped to make copies for students.)
Liability insurance - must be purchased from the SCC cashier; bring in a copy of your receipt.
Medical insurance - bring in a copy of your medical insurance card or purchase medical insurance from the SCC cashier and bring in a copy of your receipt. (If you have SCC medical insurance, it must be updated each quarter and a copy of your receipt must be brought in for your file.)
CPR - bring in a copy of a current CPR card (within the last year). This must be updated annually as long as you are in the program, and a copy must be kept on file.

Originals required

TB test - bring in documented results of two- step TB test (two separate tests within the last year). Must show results and be signed and dated by a healthcare provider. The TB test must be within the last year and updated annually in your file as long as you are in the program and a copy on file.
DT - Diphtheria/Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years. Must be signed and dated by a healthcare provider.
MMR - Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccination or a titer for each of the diseases showing immunity. Must be signed and dated by healthcare provider.
A photo copy of your shot card may be substituted for the above immunizations (TB, DT, MMR).
Physical - current physical - signed and dated by the physician. Use Health Science physical form.
Drug screening - mandatory drug screening through Pathology Associates - results of which will be sent to the Dean by the lab. Students need to turn in a copy of their receipt for their file.
Hepatitis B form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
Chicken Pox form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
Flu Vaccine form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
Clinical Agreement form - SCC form - completed and turned in for file.
WSP and Disclosure/Authorization - Washington State Patrol background investigation form and release of information form.
Students are advised to keep a copy of their physical, TB test results and immunizations for their own records. Potential employers will be requesting this same documentation and the school is not responsible for providing such documentation.
Students who change programs or are reentering a program with advanced standing: previous files are not considered current and many file requirements will have to be updated.
It is the student's responsibility to maintain their own medical and personal records. You will need them again when you apply for employment in the medical field.
It is in your best interest to obtain a documented shot record from your healthcare provider and keep that record, along with updates, in a safe, accessible place in your personal file. It is also important for you to keep a copy of your CPR card and physical. The Health Science office does not provide copies.

ECHO 100 — Introduction to Echo and Vascular — 2.0 Credits

Introduction to the field of Echocardiography and Vascular Technology with emphasis on the role of these career pathways. Stresses the importance of professionalism, ethical behavior, and communications. Career opportunities, credentialing, program and health science student handbooks will be reviewed. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 112, 125.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ECHO 112 — Vascular Fundamentals — 4.0 Credits

This course is an introduction to basic vascular anatomy of the lower and upper extremities, abdomen, visceral organs and cerebral vasculature with emphasis on the physiology of these systems. An introduction to the concepts essential for the performance and interpretation of vascular exams is also included. Laboratory experience is required. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 100, 125.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ECHO 116 — Acute Coronary Syndrome — 1.0 Credits

A study of the nation's number one killer in its acute phase. Pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. The stable versus the unstable patient. Vulnerable plaque types. STEMI versus NSTEMI patient presentations. The national door to balloon initiative. 12 lead EKG recognition of the signs of ischemia/infarct patterns. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 117 — Cardiovascular Pharm 1 — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to cardiovascular pharmacology. A review of control of heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output and the common drug groups employed to manipulate these parameters. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 122 — Vascular Procedures I — 4.0 Credits

This course introduces students to the basic vascular procedures used to assess the lower and upper extremities, abdomen, visceral organs and cerebral vasculature with emphasis on the ultrasonic examinations of these systems. Instrumentation commonly used in the vascular laboratory is also presented. Laboratory experiences are required. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 135.
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ECHO 125 — Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation I — 5.0 Credits

This course emphasizes ultrasound physics, the physics of waves, sound transmission, attenuation, pulse wave principles, transducer and ultrasound systems operations. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 100, 112.
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ECHO 126 — Hemodynamics — 2.0 Credits

Introduction to various forms of invasive monitoring. Emphasis is placed on the basics of hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation. Normal and pathologic examples are introduced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 127 — Technical Skills/Reading Hemodynamics — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to various forms of invasive monitoring. Emphasis is placed on the basics of hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation. Normal and pathologic examples are introduced. Supports concepts taught in ECHO 126. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
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ECHO 128 — Cardiovascular Pharm 2 — 1.0 Credits

Continuation of ECHO 117 Intro to CV Pharm. Advanced Cardiac Life Support drugs are introduced. Pharmacy math is introduced. Pharmacy law is studied. Principles of IV therapy are introduced. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 129 — Technical Skills/Pharmacology — 1.0 Credits

Supports ECHO 127 concepts. Case studies of patients during cardiac emergencies will be evaluated for appropriate drug selection. Pharmacy math calculations will be taught. IV therapy techniques will be taught. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 130 — Echo Fundamentals Lab — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to the basic principles, anatomical identification, measurement and application of echocardiography. The anatomy, image assessment, hemodynamics and clinical applications of cardiac ultrasound are emphasized. Prerequisite: Admission to program.
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ECHO 131 — Core Concepts in Echo Vasc — 2.0 Credits

The core concepts in cardiac and vascular imaging will be explored. Applications of blood flow and hemodynamic analysis using Doppler and imaging technologies. Review of current literature and standards documents will be conducted. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 136,138, 253.
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ECHO 133 — Echo Fundamentals — 4.0 Credits

Introduction to the basic principles and application of the Doppler and echocardiographic procedures. The anatomy, image assessment, hemodynamics and clinical applications of cardiac ultrasound are emphasized. Laboratory experiences are provided. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 122, 135.
View SCC Course Learning Outcomes

ECHO 135 — Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation II — 5.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of the concepts introduced in ECHO 125. Ultrasound physics emphasizes the Doppler techniques, artifacts, bio utilizing instrumentation to investigate the principles of Doppler techniques and artifacts. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 122, 133.
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ECHO 136 — Comparative Imaging Analysis — 3.0 Credits

The student will be exposed to normal anatomy and pathology cases that combine diagnostic medical sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. The student will gain an understanding of how diagnoses are made and patients are managed on the basis of findings from multiple imaging modalities. Prerequisite: Admission to the program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 131, 253, 254.
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ECHO 138 — Cardiovascular Physiology — 4.0 Credits

This course is an advanced study of normal cardiovascular physiology presented in a series of physician lectures and lab demonstrations with applications in invasive and noninvasive cardiology. Prerequisite: BIOL& 241, 242. Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 131, 133.
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ECHO 139 — Surgical Asepsis — 1.0 Credits

Surgical asepsis for health care providers. This class will prepare the student to create a sterile field. Gown and glove themselves and others. Procedural awareness of working in a sterile field will be developed. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 140 — Technical Skills/Surgical Asepsis — 1.0 Credits

This class supports ECHO 139. The skills of surgical asepsis and infection control are taught. Working in a sterile field and gowning and gloving are taught. Develop a surgical conscience. Prerequisite: Enrollment in ECHO program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 141 — Data Collection and Presentation — 3.0 Credits

Students explore applications in medicine and develop the ability to use the microprocessor for word processing database management and statistical analysis. Principles of statistics are reviewed and applied through database management. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 142, 143.
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ECHO 142 — Echo Clinical Preparation — 4.0 Credits

Students develop basic imaging skills by imaging normals within the SCC echocardiography laboratory. Clinical requirements are discussed and defined. The role and job description of the noninvasive cardiovascular technologist are evaluated. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 141, 143.
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ECHO 143 — Echo Clinical I — 6.0 Credits

Students spend four weeks in a clinical setting. Two weeks are spent in an echocardiography laboratory assisting staff in patient preparation; imaging time is provided when appropriate. Two weeks are spent in a noninvasive electrophysiology laboratory performing ECGs, exercise tolerance testing, Holter monitoring and pacemaker checks under the direction of a staff technologist. Weekly clinical seminars are conducted with SCC staff. A clinical consciousness is developed with emphasis on professionalism, clinical rapport, medical ethics and patient care. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 141, 142.
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ECHO 213 — Electrocardiography — 3.0 Credits

Students are introduced to the field of cardiovascular technology, basic cardiac anatomy; physiology and electrophysiology with emphasis on the performance and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Laboratory experiences to support these concepts also are included. Prerequisite: Enrollment in noninvasive cardiovascular technology program or permission of instructor.
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ECHO 214 — Electrocardiography Lab — 1.0 Credits

Introduction to the field of cardiovascular technology, basic cardiac anatomy, physiology and electrophysiology with emphasis on the performance and interpretation of the electrocardiogram. Laboratory experiences will support these concepts and provide simulated clinical situations and effective performance on the modality. Prerequisite: Admission to program.
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ECHO 251 — Echocardiography Clinical II — 6.0 Credits

Students obtain hands-on experience in hospital and clinical environments. Development of clinical technique in the utilization of current echocardiographic instrumentation in the evaluation of acquired cardiovascular disease is emphasized. Students apply the principles of medical legal ethics and professionalism to the patient, physician and other members of the health team. Clinical case reports are required. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 253.
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ECHO 252 — Cardiovascular Pathophysiology — 1.0 Credits

This course describes the pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases, their diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: Completion of previous quarter.
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ECHO 253 — Echocardiography I — 6.0 Credits

Students utilize the fundamentals presented in the first year of noninvasive cardiovascular technology to evaluate acquired cardiovascular testing with emphasis on the performance and interpretation of M-mode, two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. Related physician lectures, clinical and laboratory experiences are presented. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 136, 138, 254.
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ECHO 254 — Technical Skills Echocardiography I — 2.0 Credits

The student will develop basic skills in performing the Doppler Echo examination on student volunteers. All procedures are performed under the supervision of credentialed cardiac sonographers. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 253.
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ECHO 255 — Research Methods and Biostatistics — 3.0 Credits

This course will discuss the basic principles of epidemiology and descriptive biostatistics as they apply to echocardiography and vascular technology. Topics include basic statistics, disease occurrence and recurrence, patterns and trends in a population, and interpretation of results. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 263, 264.
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ECHO 261 — Echocardiography Clinical III — 14.0 Credits

Students utilize the skills learned and obtain advanced experience in hospital and clinical environments. Development of clinical technique in the utilization of current echocardiographic instrumentation in the evaluation of acquired cardiovascular disease is emphasized. Students apply the principles of medical legal ethics and professionalism to the patient, physician and other members of the health team. Clinical case reports are required. Prerequisite: Admission to program.
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ECHO 263 — Echocardiography II — 7.0 Credits

A continued study of cardiac noninvasive diagnostics with emphasis on the new developments and specialty applications. This course includes the echocardiographic approach to congenital heart disease. Physician lectures are utilized. Students will present registry review topics. Statistics and research methods are utilized. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 261.
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ECHO 264 — Technical Skills Echo II — 2.0 Credits

A continued study of cardiac noninvasive diagnostics with emphasis on the new developments and specialty applications. Laboratory experiences are provided in a clinical simulation format to develop the essential skills in the performance of the Doppler Echo imaging techniques. This course integrates the complete echocardiographic examination utilizing both fundamental and advanced techniques in a clinical simulation environment. Prerequisite: Admission to program and concurrent enrollment in ECHO 263.
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ECHO 273 — Echocardiography Clinical IV — 14.0 Credits

Students practice clinical skills previously developed through active participation in a noninvasive cardiovascular laboratory. This full-time clinical internship is completed in an affiliated local or out-of-town hospital. Clinical skills necessary to the performance and evaluation of the M-mode, two-dimensional and Doppler Echocardiogram are emphasized. Written reports, review of current literature and attendance at conferences are required. Prerequisite: Admission to program.
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ECHO 299 — Independent Studies in Noninvasive Cardiovascular Technology — 1.0-13.0 Credits

This course is designed for students wishing to complete specialized studies in the field of noninvasive cardiovascular technology. Objectives are developed jointly by the student and instructor. Credit hours are assigned according to the length of time required to complete the objectives. Credits are agreed upon at the time of enrollment. Students complete specialized clinical internships in pediatric echocardiography, color flow mapping or vascular technology. Prerequisite: Current enrollment or graduate of ECHO, or permission of instructor.
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The Cardiovascular Technology Programs (Invasive and ECHO) are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee for Cardiovascular Technology.

To contact the accrediting agencies:

CAAHEP
25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
www.caahep.org

JRC-CVT
6 Pine Knoll Dr.
Beverly, MA 01915-1425
www.jrccvt.org

JRC-CVT Outcome Measure	JRC-CVT Standard	SCC Echocardiography Program Outcomes
		3 Year Average	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013
National Exam Pass Rate CCI	60.0%	100.00%	100.00%		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
National Exam Pass Rate ARDMS	60.0%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Retention	70.0%	66.6%	56.3%	75.0%	68.4%	70.6%	64.7%
Job (positive) Placement	70.0%	100%	100.00%	100.00%	92.3%	92.3%	100%

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