Clinical Echocardiography PGCert
The Echocardiography Training Programme (ETP) has been designed to meet the requirements of the National School of Healthcare Science and Health Education England.
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Overview
Echocardiography specialists use ultra scans to look at a patient's heart and blood vessels.
Our Echocardiography Postgraduate Certificate is available to the healthcare science workforce through competitive national recruitment.
This commissioned programme is one of three in the UK that provides Level 7 PG Certificate training for the national Echocardiographer Training Programme. The PG Certificate provides students with the key knowledge base required to practice clinical echocardiography as an independent practitioner.
The Echocardiography Training Programme (ETP) has been developed in collaboration with the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) to respond to the increased workforce needs for Accredited Echocardiographers.
Interested applicants can apply to join the Echocardiography Training Programme between April and June each year. More information about the ETP is available on NHS England.
Please note you cannot apply directly to Newcastle University for this course.
Important information
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What you'll learn
This course will provide students with a systematic understanding of the theoretical principles that underpin cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) investigations in a clinical setting.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography (30 credits)
Ultrasound Imaging for Echocardiography Practitioners (30 credits)
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How you'll learn
This part-time course is delivered by blended learning and has been designed to complement working commitments. The course extends over nine months and consists of a formal taught component, directed by self-study and supervised clinical practice.
You will take two modules, that are delivered in two-week blocks, starting in November and February.
You will learn through a mixture of:
- lectures
- workshops
- practical sessions
- independent study
- group work
- case studies
- presentations
- problem-solving exercises
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Essay
- Oral examination
- Written examination
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Peter Luke
Your future
On successful completion of the ETP, you will qualify as an accredited echocardiographic.
You will be able to work in various settings including NHS hospitals, GP practices, private sector, in both the UK and worldwide.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Students will have access to a range of facilities in our faculty and our clinical skills facility, including:
- echocardiography simulators
- clinical echo machines
- classroom-based teaching
Students on the ETP will learn about and become familiar with echocardiography, using up-to-date simulation equipment and real-world echocardiography machines.
We run workshops within the clinical skills labs where we discuss how to get the different echo views and put this into practice with guided hands-on experience from experienced BSE accredited echocardiographers. The curriculum also includes how to perform and report normal and abnormal echo measurements and write an effective report.
Open days and events
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
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