Division: MSAH
Subject Code: CVT
Course #: 222
Course Title: Cardiac Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
HARRISBURG AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
FORM 335
Course Form 335 must be updated at least every five years to qualify for state
reimbursement.
1.
Digital Description [§335.2]:
Credit hours:
Lecture hours:
Lab hours:
2.
4
3
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Catalog Description [§335.2]:
Provides the student with an overview of echocardiographic scanning equipment
including transducers, image display, and storage. Instrument controls including
power, gain, compression, and focal zone are covered. The principles of pulse
echo imaging are also presented. Laboratory sessions allow the student to
manipulate equipment controls, access the internal design of transducers,
experiment with scan converter and digital memory technology, and perform
quality assurance tests. Students must perform a complete 2D and M-Mode
echocardiogram according to establish standards. Ethics, professionalism, current
job descriptions for the cardiac sonographer and the code of ethics are also
presented.
3.
Prerequisites: MATH 103
Corequisites:
Minimum Grade Required
C
CVT 220
C
Other:
4.
Learning Outcomes [§335.2]
[These outcomes are necessary to enable students to attain the essential
knowledge and skills embodied in the program’s educational objectives.]
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
 Review the basic mathematical methods and physical concepts necessary
to understand ultrasonic physics.
 Differentiate between the basic concepts of wave interaction and
propagation in different media.
 Calculate relevant parameters of pulsed waves used in pulse echo imaging.
 Describe the physics of transducers and the various ways of beam
focusing and steering.
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Division: MSAH
Subject Code: CVT
Course #: 222
Course Title: Cardiac Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
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5.
Describe how an ultrasound system works.
Describe Doppler physics and its application in diagnostic ultrasonics.
Describe the role of artifacts in limiting detail resolution in ultrasonic
imaging.
Describe different physical mechanisms of creating bioeffects.
Discuss different facets of quality controls in routine maintenance of
ultrasonic systems.
Describe the fundamental physical principles of diagnostic ultrasound.
Use the terminology of ultrasound physics and instrumentation with
confidence.
Demonstrate an understanding of ultrasound safety as it applies to the
patient and quality control standards.
Demonstrate skills in proficiency by obtaining the standard
Echocardiographic views.
Identify normal vs. abnormal structures using Echocardiography.
Identify normal and abnormal 2D and M-Mode measurements using
Echocardiography.
Discuss common cardiac arrhythmias and their effects on cardiac
hemodynamics.
Perform M-Mode and 2D measurements of the heart.
Perform ejection fraction assessment from apical four and two chamber
views.
Discuss common MSI as a result of prolonged scanning.
Discuss ethics and professionalism as it applies to the field of cardiac
sonography.
Prepare for clinical rotation by discussing common clinical assessments
and sonographic procedures.
Planned Sequence of Learning Activities [§335.2]
[These must be designed to help students achieve the learning outcomes.]
1.
Sound
2.
Describing Pulsed Waves
3.
Intensities
4.
Interaction of Sound and Media
5.
Range Equation
6.
Axial Resolution
7.
Transducers
8.
Sound Beams
9.
Display Modes
10.
Two-dimensional Imaging
11.
Real-time Imaging
12.
Pulsed Echo Instrumentation
13.
Displays and Image Storage
14.
Dynamic Range
15.
Harmonics and contrast agents.
16.
Doppler
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Division: MSAH
Subject Code: CVT
Course #: 222
Course Title: Cardiac Sonography Physics and Instrumentation
17.
18.
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21.
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23.
24,
6.
Artifacts, Quality Assurance, Bioeffects
Lab protocol; Digital and VHS
M-Mode and 2D measurements
Sonographer as a Student
Sonographer Development
Sonographer Safety Issues (MSI)
Clinical Assessments and Sonographic Procedures
Ethics and Professionalism
List of Texts, References, Selected Library Resources or other Learning
Materials (code each item based on instructional use: C-lecture/lab, Alecture, B-lab, I-internet, and V-videocourse) [§335.2] [These resources must
be easily accessible to students.]

Understanding Ultrasound Physics-3rd Edition, Sidney Edelman, Ph.D.
7.
Prepared by Faculty Member: Pamela Pacana/Lois Schaffer Date: 11-12-07
8.
Approved by Dean: Christopher W. Fowler
Date: 01/29/08
This course meets all reimbursement requirements of Chapter 335,
subchapters A / B.
This course was developed, approved, and offered in accordance with the
policies, standards, guidelines, and practices established by the College. It is
consistent with the college mission.
If the course described here is a transfer course, it is comparable to similar
courses generally accepted for transfer to accredited four-year colleges and
universities.
9.
Whether transfer or career, this course is articulated with other courses so
that it is an elective or a requirement of one of the college programs and it
does not require students to have more than 30 credit hours of post
secondary study prior to enrolling in the program.
VP, Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management: R. Young
Date: 1/30/08
10.
Original Date of course approval by the college:
11.
Date(s) of subsequent reviews:
12/1/04
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