SCA On-CUE Level I and II
On-line Clinical Ultrasound and Echocardiography Courses
The introduction of echocardiography has made a dramatic impact on patient management in the peri-operative, critical care, emergency medicine, surgery and internal medicine environments. Whilst many short courses and texts have emerged, to our knowledge there is no comprehensive educational course available worldwide that can be studied in your own time and location.
Our aim is to provide an educational package for practitioners that will give them the detailed knowledge required to become competent at clinical ultrasound and echocardiography.
If you would like to view the course samples, you may do so by clicking on the Samples link at the top of the page and installing the Student Air App. Here you can see how the course is managed and will gain access to the first 10-15 pages of each tutorial. If you would like to enrol in the courses, then please click on the buttons below.
Course Structure
The Level I course has a focus on basic transthoracic echocardiography and surface ultrasound uses. The Level II course provides diagnostic level knowledge base in valve assessment, complex cardiovascular pathology, and comprehensive reporting.
You must complete the subjects in sequence from Level I through to Level 2.
Each level has 4 subjects. Our recommendation is that you complete at least two subjects per semester, so that Level I training can be completed in one year, and Level II training in two years. It is possible to accelerate this learning, but for people with busy lives, we recommend that you do not do more than four subjects per semester.
The amount of work is considerable, we advise our students to put aside at least 20 hours per week (for 4 subjects a semester). The knowledge base for the Level II course is similar to that for a final fellowship or Boards examination.
The course is entirely distance education and is administered via the web and email. Course materials are downloaded via an application stored onto your computer (Air App). There is no travel required to complete the course.
The format of the course materials is interactive multimedia tutorials which are supported with images and videos of echocardiography material. Synapse Prosolv Viewing software, which is kindly supplied by FujiFilm, is included with the course materials and the student can practice using the software as if in real time. Both levels are rich in case examples, containing 100 cases for review in addition to the images used in the tutorials.
As an alumni member you will have continued access to course materials after you have completed the course. If we update the materials during your course or afterwards, then you will be prompted to download the new version without charge.
Fees and Discounts (2012)
Non-Members |
SCA Members |
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Per subject |
USD $1,500 | USD $1,250 Save USD $250 |
Course total |
USD $6,000 | USD $5,000 Save USD $1,000 |
SCA Member Discounts
To qualify you will need to supply us with your current SCA membership number for verification, or join as a member before you enroll for the course.
You will pay online for each subject as required
When you purchase a subject, your license for the subject will be switched on, allowing you to download and have access to the course materials.
* Please note fees are subject to an annual increase.
Subject 1 - Principles of Ultrasound and H.A.R.T.scan®
This subject will outline a physics related to medical ultrasound use; an introduction to transthoracic echocardiography using the focused assessment technique and H.A.R.T.scan® (Haemodynamic Echocardiography Assessment in Real Time).
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Subject 2 - Ultrasound Guided Procedures
This subject will outline the technique of using ultrasound to guide percutaneous procedures. Procedures will include vessel access, nerve blocks, and trauma related procedures. There will be an elective of either “Nerve Blocks” or “ICU”.
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Subject 3 - Doppler Echocardiography
This subject will introduce Doppler echocardiography to complement basic transthoracic echocardiography imaging.
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Subject 4 - Ventricular Function
This subject will expand the knowledge of transthoracic echocardiography by learning pathophysiology and assessment of ventricular function, including in diastolic function.
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Level II
Click here to show level overview
Subject 1 - Advanced Anatomy and Doppler Analysis
This subject will provide additional advanced material on anatomy and Doppler analysis, which would not have been covered at the certificate level.
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Subject 2 - Advanced Valve and Aortic Pathology
This subject will provide advanced knowledge called valvular and aortic pathology and echocardiography assessment
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Subject 3 - Applications of Echocardiography
This subject will identify the role of ultrasound and specific clinical situations relevant to perioperative and critical care practice.
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Subject 4 - Advanced Echocardiography Interpretation
This subject will outline how to formally report diagnostic echocardiography studies, using a custom designed database reporting system. There will be 50 case studies to be reported.
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Applications
Step One
Gather supplementary documentation
Step Two
Complete the application form
Step Three
Make required course payments
Course Intake
You may enroll at any time throughout the year.
International Applicants
As this course is designed to be exclusively conducted via distance education, we have made it available to students from any country worldwide.
Admission Requirements
The SCA encourages medically qualified applicants who must possess undergraduate qualifications sufficient for them to practice as a medical practitioner, these include MD, MBBS, MBChB or equivalent degrees.
You will need to be competent in the English language in order to complete the courses. If your English language is not sufficient, then you will have great difficulty doing the course. Therefore, as part of the application process, we do require proof of your English Proficiency.
You will need to provide evidence of the following:
- Completion of your (University) degree that was studied and examined in English
If your degree was not completed in English you will need to supply any of the following:
- Completion of specialist qualifications (such as board examinations) that were completed in English
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average score of 7 or greater and not less than 6 in any category or other equivalent
- Working in an English Speaking Institution AND you supply a letter from your Head of Department testifying to competence in English
If you have any doubt as to eligibility, e-mail us with your query and we can determine if you're eligible. The selection committee may call for referee reports, employer references, or certified copies of qualifications to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.