Cardiac
2 days
Rapid Cardiac Echocardiography Course
ASUM, ACEM, ANZCA, CICM
Course highlights
- Normal adult cardiac anatomy and physiology
- Sonographic terminology and appearances
- Probe manipulation and M-mode acquisition
- Relationship between M-mode and 2D cardiac anatomy
- Interpretation of common cardiac pathologies
- Interactive case study discussions
- Extensive hands-on scanning across both days
Course Dates
Description
This intensive two-day RCE course is designed for practitioners at the early stages of learning cardiac ultrasound. The program introduces key concepts in cardiac anatomy, physiology, and haemodynamics, with a strong emphasis on hands-on scanning and practical skill development.
Participants will learn how to identify key sonographic views, understand clinical terminology, and gain confidence in image acquisition and interpretation. All practical sessions are led by experienced sonographers, with a low 4:1 student-to-tutor ratio to ensure personalised guidance.
Please note: This course assumes an understanding of basic ultrasound physics.
Who should attend?
- Anaesthetist
- Cardio-thoracic Surgeon
- Emergency Physician
- General Physician
- General Practitioner
- General Surgeon
- Geriatrician
- ICU Registrar
- Junior House Officer
- Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Palliative Medicine Physician
- Paramedic
- Renal Physician
- Retrieval Medicine Physician
- Rural Generalist
- Senior House Officer
- Sonographer
Objectives
By the end of this RCE course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the sonographic appearances of key cardiac structures
- Describe basic haemodynamics using IVC and TPSE measurements
- Understand commonly used terminology in echocardiographic reporting
- Recognise typical pathologies visible on bedside ultrasound
- Perform standard cardiac ultrasound views with guided supervision
- Apply learned skills through tutor-assisted scanning and real-time feedback
Prerequisites
The prior ultrasound experience assumed for this course is highlighted below.
| None/Minimal | Don’t use ultrasound |
| Limited | Use ultrasound weekly/monthly |
| Moderate/Experienced | Use ultrasound daily/weekly |
Accreditation
ASUM
CCPU units included in the course:
- Rapid Cardiac Echocardiography (RCE protocol)
ACEM
Approved for Educational Activities 14.5 hours.
ANZCA
Participants in the ANZCA and FPM CPD program may claim this this course under the Knowledge and Skills activity short format learning at 2 credits per hour.
CICM
Lectures – Category 2A, points per hour 1;
Demonstrations – Category 2B, points per hour 2;
Skills – Category 3B, points per hour 3.
HOURS
| Theoretical | 6 |
| Practical | 6.5 |
| Total | 12.5 |
CATERING
Morning tea, a light lunch and refreshments are provided each day.