Overview

The Echocardiography Training Programme (ETP) has been designed to meet the requirements of the National School of Healthcare Science and Health Education England. This Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Echocardiography is available to the healthcare science workforce through competitive national recruitment.

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.

• Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography (30 credits)
• Ultrasound Imaging for Echocardiography Practitioners (30 credits)

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods

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 learn through a mixture of:

• lectures
• workshops
• practical sessions
• independent study
• group work
• case studies
• presentations
• problem-solving exercises

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Essay
• Oral examination
• Written examination

Your Future

On successful completion of the ETP, you will qualify as an accredited echocardiographer.

You will be able to work in various settings including NHS hospitals, GP practices, private sector, in both the UK and worldwide.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 95 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 95 for Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

This course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

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.

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Degree Overview

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The Clinical Echocardiography PGCert program is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to specialize in echocardiography, specifically targeting students participating in the Echocardiography Training Programme (ETP).

The ETP aims to meet the workforce demands of the National School of Healthcare Science and Health Education England. The program provides a systematic understanding of theoretical principles and practical application of echocardiographic investigations in clinical settings. Upon successful completion, graduates qualify as accredited echocardiographers eligible for diverse roles in various healthcare settings like hospitals, GP practices, and the private sector, both domestically and internationally.

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Outline

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Duration:

9 Months (Part-Time)

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Structure:

The program consists of a formal taught component and a supervised clinical practice component.

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Content:

• Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography (Module 1, 30 Credits)
• Covers basic principles of clinical echocardiography.
• Provides knowledge of normal anatomy, physiology and pathology.
• Familiarizes with echocardiography equipment and techniques.
• Ultrasound Imaging for Echocardiography Practitioners (Module 2, 30 Credits)
• Focuses on ultrasound physics and its application to echocardiography.
• Discusses different imaging modalities and artifacts in echocardiographic assessment.
• Explores advanced techniques like Doppler echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, etc.

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Modules:

The program consists of two compulsory modules, offered over two weeks each, starting from November and February:

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Compulsory Modules:

Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes various assessment techniques including:

• Written exams
• Computer-based assessments
• Essays
• Presentations
• Case studies

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Assessment Criteria:

Assessments focus on evaluating students' knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, communication and problem-solving abilities in the context of clinical echocardiography.

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Teaching:

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Delivery:

The program adopts a blended learning approach, combining online learning with face-to-face sessions to accommodate working professionals.

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Methods:

The teaching methods include:

• Lectures by experienced professionals.
• Practical workshops for hands-on experience.
• Simulations for practicing various echo techniques.
• Case-based discussions.

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Faculty:

• The faculty comprises experts in echocardiography with experience and knowledge in clinical practice and research.

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Uniqueness:

• Collaboration with the British Society of Echocardiography.
• Accredited program recognized by the National School of Healthcare Science.
• Emphasis on practical skills development through simulations and clinical practice.

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Careers: The successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to pursue diverse career options as accredited echocardiographers. They can find employment opportunities in:

• Public hospitals within UK National Health Services
• Privately-run clinics
• GP practices
• Research facilities associated with universities or healthcare organizations
Graduates are equipped to perform echocardiography scans, analyze data, produce accurate reports, interpret findings, and collaborate effectively within the healthcare team to contribute towards the diagnosis, management, and care of patients with various cardiac conditions.

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Other:

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Target Students:

• Healthcare Professionals participating in the Echocardiography Training Programme.

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Admission:

• Students are not directly admitted by Newcastle University but rather through a separate competitive national recruitment process for the ETP.

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Accreditation:

• The program is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.

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Delivery Location:

Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Sport:

Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Science, Agriculture & Engineering

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Humanities & Social Sciences

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.