Syllabus

Course Description

The DVM Imaging Program will be divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced ultrasound techniques. During each weeklong segment the student will spend six 8-hour days at the education facility in lecture and lab. They will then return to their veterinary practice and complete the segment by working on and submitting case presentations that will be evaluated by course instructors. Credit for the course will be given after successful completion of all four segments.

Following successful completion of all four components of this class, students will receive an Advanced Imaging Certificate of Completion.

Course details

This is an in-depth course covering basic through advanced ultrasound of the abdomen and heart. The course specifically covers ultrasound physics, imaging artifacts, equipment, scan planes and imaging protocols for 2-D, M-mode and Doppler imaging, normal and abnormal abdominal and cardiac physiology, and the pathophysiology of common canine and feline diseases.

Course Rationale

Imaging modalities, specifically ultrasound, currently comprise a substantial portion of comparative medicine, laboratory animal medicine, general veterinary practice, and veterinary specialty practice. There is a need for well-educated and competent sonographers trained in advanced ultrasound that can contribute to the practice of better medicine.

Course Objectives

This course is comprised of 4 weeks of onsite training spread out over a year’s time, taking the student from a Basic to an Advanced Imaging level in both abdomen and cardiac ultrasound. Anatomy, physics, principals, image acquisition and protocols, knobology, normals, abnormals, etc…are all addressed. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Advanced Imaging…this is not an accreditation. You will have multiple written tests, and a practicum each week, as well as a large number of homework cases to do between weeks. Read further details on our website, www.soundeklin.com under the Education tab.

Skills and Competencies to be Developed or Practiced (all are essential)

Office and Hospital Procedures and Client Relations

1. Inform clients of animal preparation for advanced imaging exams i.e., NPO, permission to shave, sedation if required, etc...
2. Combine lab reports, x-ray results, history and physical exam information with the ultrasound information to come to an accurate interpretation of the animal’s health issues.
3. Establish or use current clinic protocol for reading and storage of images.

Communication

• Develop effective communication skills regarding the ultrasound interpretation.

Week 1

1. Identify and know proper use of ultrasound probes.
2. Sterilize and clean equipment using appropriate methods.
3. Set up equipment for an exam.
4. Prepare an animal for imaging exams.
5. Position patients.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound machine knobology.
7. Learn and practice techniques for an abdominal ultrasound study.
8. Recognize normal ultrasound anatomy in the abdomen.
9. Understand basic abdominal organ physiology.
10. Become familiar with the pathophysiology of common abdominal organ diseases in the dog and cat.
11. Use proper labeling and measuring techniques.
12. Demonstrate computer skills needed to have cases evaluated between teaching weeks.

Week 2

1. Learn normal cardiac physiology and anatomy.
2. Learn and recognize anatomy from the right and left parasternal two-dimensional echocardiographic views of the heart.
3. Knobology:  Demonstrate setup of equipment and how to “tweak” an image.
4. Learn pathophysiology and echocardiographic features of common acquired heart diseases in the dog and cat.
   • Canine – DCM, CVD, masses, pericardial effusion, pulmonary hypertension
   • Feline – The cardiomyopathies
5. Learn and practice right and left-sided views of the heart.
6. Learn M-mode and practice image acquisition and measurement and interpretation.
7. Learn and practice techniques for the complete abdominal and 2-D/M-mode cardiac exam.
8. Create reports for exams.

Week 3

1. Knobology:  Demonstrate how to “tweak” an image.
2. Learn the pathophysiology of selected abdominal organ diseases in the dog and cat.
3. Learn cardiac and abdominal Doppler and practice image acquisition and measurement.
4. Learn and practice techniques for the complete abdominal and 2-D/M-mode/Doppler cardiac exam.
5. Understand Doppler findings found in common acquired cardiac diseases in the dog and cat.
6. Identify normal vs. abnormal ultrasonographic appearance of abdominal organs and the heart.
7. Apply scanning principles learned to case study presentations.

Week 4

1. Learn pathophysiology and echocardiographic features of common congenital heart diseases in the dog and cat.
2. Understand Doppler findings found in common congenital cardiac diseases in the dog and cat.
3. Perform a complete abdominal and cardiac ultrasound study.
4. Apply scanning principles learned to case study presentations.
5. Identify small parts and noncardiac thoracic ultrasound anatomy.
6. Perform small parts and noncardiac thoracic ultrasound exams.

Course Details

Instructors

June Boon, MA, MS; Sonya Gordon, DVM, DVSc., DACVIM (Cardiology); Joyce Holt, BS, RDCS, Sound-Eklin Director of Education; Kathryn Lenio, PhD, Curriculum Consultant; Linda Luther, DVM, MVSc, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine); Matt Miller, DVM, MS, DACVIM, (Cardiology); Anthony Pease, DVM, MS, DACVR; Brad Schmidt, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology).

Office

2409 C Avenue J, Arlington, TX 76006

E-mail

education [at] soundvet [dot] com

Class Times

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday 
8:00 AM – TBD Saturday

Recommended Texts and CD-ROM

• Boon, June A. Veterinary Echocardiography - Second Edition: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
• Boon, JA. Two Dimensional and M-Mode Echocardiography for the Small Animal Practitioner CD-ROM. 2003.
• Nyland, TG, and Mattoon, JS. Small Animal Diagnostic Ultrasound. . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 2002.
• Adams, DR. Canine Anatomy: A Systemic Study. Ames, IA, Iowa State Press, 2004.
• Mohrman DE. Cardiovascular Physiology (Lange Physiology Series). McGraw-Hill, 2006.
• Penninck D, d’Anjou M-A. Atlas of Small Animal Ultrasonography. Ames, IA, Blackwell Publishing, 2008.

Prerequisites

Applicants must be a graduate of an AVMA accredited veterinary school (DVM or VMD degree) and have access to a digital ultrasound machine with color and spectral Doppler.

Registration

Click here to go to registration page.
Check the box next to the appropriate week under Veterinary Imaging Program.

Cost

$3,150. per week

Grading

The course grade will be determined on the basis of the lecture section grades, including lecture exams, final ultrasound exams, and the laboratory section grades, including lab practicums and homework assignments.  The grading scale will be as follows:

Students must complete all four weeks of the program and achieve an overall grade of >70% to pass the course and receive an Advanced Imaging Certificate of Completion.  Any student who does not achieve a passing grade for the course has the option to repeat the weeks that they did not pass.  The student must repeat any weeks in the next available session.  The current weekly fee will apply.  If more than one week needs to be repeated, a grade of >70% for each repeated week must be achieved in order to repeat any subsequent weeks.

Homework

Individuals involved in this program must be 100% committed to lifelong learning in ultrasound.  Hands-on scanning practice is a vital part of becoming and remaining proficient in ultrasonography, thus the homework portion of this course is considered to be one of the most important.  Completing the below homework assignments will take time and commitment, and adequately planning by the attendee.   The homework is a mandatory requirement.  If assigned ultrasound exams are not completed between each week, the attendee will be dropped from the course.

50+ case studies comprised of both abdomen and cardiac exams will be required between each of the 4 class weeks for review by the instructors.  15+ case studies will be required within the first 2 months after the final week of class.

Attendance Policies

This course is an active participatory course.  Students must be present in class, both lecture and lab, to demonstrate the hands-on technical expertise needed to complete the course.  Absence for any reason is greatly discouraged.  You are permitted 1 absence in lecture/lab without penalty.  Any additional absence will result in a 5% deduction from your final grade for each absence.  Roll will be called at the start of each day.  Tardiness of greater than 5 minutes in lecture/lab will be considered an absence.

It should be noted by students that preparation for lecture and lab often includes time before and after the regularly scheduled class period.  Students are expected to be in attendance at the time stated by the instructor for each laboratory period, regardless of whether this is within the regularly scheduled period for the lab or in addition to that period.  If the instructor determines that a student has missed excessive classes/labs or is a danger to patients, the student will be dropped from the class.

Makeup exams and quizzes in the lecture of this course will only be given in cases of extenuating circumstances as determined by the course instructor.  If the instructor determines that a makeup exam will be allowed, it must be made up within 1 day of your return to class.  The exam may be of a different format than the original test.  Except in extenuating circumstances, makeup exams must be scheduled in advance.  Lab exams will be actively participatory and may not be made up unless specific arrangements are made with the instructor and the instructor consents to a makeup exam.

Academic Honesty

Any incidence of cheating in lab or lecture will result in termination of the program for the student.

Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from this course if they wish.  The last day to drop will be the day prior to the beginning of each week.  If the student has already begun that week’s training, no reimbursement is allowed.  If the student withdraws from the course prior to the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th week of onsite training, reimbursement is only available for the upcoming week, not for any past weeks that student has attended.

Safety

There are inherent dangers that exist when working with animals.  Students will be informed of these dangers as the class progresses.  Any animal bites, scratches, or injury should be reported to a staff member, no matter how minor.  Students will need to follow instructions given by staff members and be prepared both psychologically and physically for any situation that may arise.  Anyone not prepared will be asked to leave.

In addition to student safety, the safety of the animals must also be considered.  If an instructor feels that a situation involving an animal needs to be resolved in an expeditious manner, the animal’s health and well being will be considered paramount.  Though one of the purposes of the labs in this course is to teach students techniques for advanced imaging with animals, student instruction comes second to the health and well being of the animals.  Students can and will be removed from lab if animal welfare is considered in jeopardy by any of the course instructors.  Negligent treatment of animals will be considered grounds for immediate dismissal from the class with a failing grade.

Class Policy

All cell phones and pagers must be turned off when students are in the classroom and laboratory.

Religious Holidays

Every effort will be made to allow for observance of religious holidays that occur during course lectures/labs.

Schedule

Detailed Schedule: DVM Imaging Program

Syllabus

Course Description

VETT 1013: Advanced Ultrasound. This course will be divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced ultrasound techniques. During each weeklong segment the student will spend six 8-hour days at the education facility in lecture and lab. They will then return to their veterinary practice and complete the segment by working on and submitting case presentations that will be evaluated by course instructors. Credit for the course will be given after successful completion of all four segments.

Following successful completion of all four components of this class, students will receive an Advanced Imaging Certificate of Completion from Cedar Valley College.

Course details (click here to go to complete course details)

This is an in-depth course covering basic through advanced ultrasound of the abdomen and heart. The course specifically covers ultrasound physics, imaging artifacts, equipment, scan planes and imaging protocols for 2-D, M-mode and Doppler imaging, normal and abnormal abdominal and cardiac physiology, and the pathophysiology of common canine and feline diseases.

Course Rationale

Imaging modalities, specifically ultrasound, currently comprise a substantial portion of comparative medicine, laboratory animal medicine, general veterinary practice, and veterinary specialty practice. There is a need for well-educated and competent technical personnel to assist in this arena. A competent technician trained in advanced ultrasound will contribute to the practice of better medicine by allowing the veterinarian to spend more quality time with the patient. This training and contribution to the practice can lead to a satisfying role for the technician.

Course Objectives

During the course, attendees will learn the principles and physics of veterinary ultrasound, use of equipment, set up and imaging protocols for abdomen and cardiac ultrasound exams, as well as anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of common canine and feline diseases.

Skills and Competencies to be Developed or Practiced (all are essential)

Office and Hospital Procedures and Client Relations

1. Inform clients of animal preparation for advanced imaging exams
   i.e., NPO, permission to shave, sedation if required, etc.
2. Read lab reports, digital x-ray results, history, and consult with veterinarian prior to imaging exam.
3. Establish or use current clinic protocol for reading and storage of images.
4. Maintain cleanliness of imaging equipment and any routine maintenance.

Communication

1. Develop effective communication skills with veterinarians who order imaging exams.

Examination Room Procedures

1. Determine and know temperature, pulse, and respiration for animal being imaged.
2. Restrain animals for imaging.

Imaging Techniques

Week 1

1. Identify and know proper use of ultrasound probes.
2. Sterilize and clean equipment using appropriate methods.
3. Set up equipment for an exam.
4. Prepare an animal for imaging exams.
5. Position patients.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of ultrasound machine knobology.
7. Learn and practice techniques for an abdominal ultrasound study.
8. Recognize normal ultrasound anatomy in the abdomen.
9. Understand basic abdominal organ physiology.
10. Become familiar with the pathophysiology of common abdominal organ diseases in the dog and cat.
11. Use proper labeling and measuring techniques.
12. Demonstrate computer skills needed to have cases evaluated between teaching weeks.

Week 2

1. Learn normal cardiac physiology and anatomy.
2. Learn and recognize anatomy from the right and left parasternal two-dimensional echocardiographic views of the heart.
3. Knobology: Demonstrate setup of equipment and how to "tweak" an image.
4. Learn pathophysiology and echocardiographic features of common acquired heart diseases in the dog and cat.
   • Canine - DCM, CVD, masses and pericardial effusion
   • Feline - The cardiomyopathies
5. Learn and practice right and left-sided views of the heart.
6. Learn M-mode and practice image acquisition and measurement.
7. Learn and practice techniques for the complete abdominal and 2-D/M-mode cardiac exam.
8. Create reports for exams.

Week 3

1. Knobology: Demonstrate how to "tweak" an image.
2. Learn the pathophysiology of selected abdominal organ diseases in the dog and cat.
3. Learn cardiac and abdominal Doppler and practice image acquisition and measurement.
4. Learn and practice techniques for the complete abdominal and 2-D/M-mode/Doppler cardiac exam.
5. Understand Doppler findings found in common acquired cardiac diseases in the dog and cat.
6. Identify normal vs. abnormal ultrasonographic appearance of abdominal organs and the heart.
7. Apply scanning principles learned to case study presentations.

Week 4

1. Learn pathophysiology and echocardiographic features of common congenital heart diseases in the dog and cat.
2. Understand Doppler findings found in common congenital cardiac diseases in the dog and cat.
3. Perform a complete abdominal and cardiac ultrasound study.
4. Apply scanning principles learned to case study presentations.
5. Identify small parts and noncardiac thoracic ultrasound anatomy.
6. Perform small parts and noncardiac thoracic ultrasound exams.

Course Details

Instructors

Clifford Berry, DVM, DACVR; June Boon, BA, MS; Robert Cole, DVM, DACVR; Sonya Gordon, DVM, DVSc., DACVIM (Cardiology); Joyce Holt, BS, RDCS, Sound-Eklin™ Director of Education; Kathryn Lenio, PhD, Curriculum consultant; Linda Luther, DVM, MVSc, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine); Matt Miller, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology); Anthony Pease, DVM, MS, DACVR; Brad Schmidt, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology); Robert Toal, DVM, MS, DACVR

Office

2409 C Avenue J, Arlington, TX 76006

E-mail

education [at] soundvet [dot] com

Class Times

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
8:00 AM - TBD Saturday

Recommended Texts and CD-ROM

• Adams, DR. Canine Anatomy: A Systemic Study. Ames, IA, Iowa State Press, 2004.
• Boon, June A. Veterinary Echocardiography - Second Edition: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
• Boon, JA. Two Dimensional and M-Mode Echocardiography for the Small Animal Practitioner CD-ROM. 2003.
• Colville T, Bassert JM. Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2001.
• Kainer RA, McCracken TO. Dog Anatomy, A Coloring Atlas. Teton News Media, 2002.
• Mohrman DE. Cardiovascular Physiology (Lange Physiology Series). McGraw-Hill, 2006.
• Nyland, TG, and Mattoon, JS. Small Animal Diagnostic Ultrasound. . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 2002.
• Penninck D, d’Anjou M-A. Atlas of Small Animal Ultrasonography. Ames, IA, Blackwell Publishing, 2008.

Prerequisites

(1A) Applicants must be a graduate of an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program or have an AS or BS degree in Ultrasonography. All such applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation* from a sponsoring veterinarian.

OR

(1B) Applicants who are not graduates of one of the above programs will be considered if they have three years of full-time experience in a veterinary clinic, and they submit two letters of recommendation* from two veterinarians, one of which is the sponsoring veterinarian.

• Letters of recommendation should discuss the candidate's experience and aspects of their character, as well as their clinical skills and academic aptitude that would contribute to successful completion of the course.
• Please mail letters of recommendation to:
  Sound-Eklin™
  2409 C Avenue J
  Arlington, TX 76006

(2) Applicants must have access to a digital ultrasound machine with color and spectral Doppler. 

Registration

Click here to go to registration page.
Check the box next to the appropriate week under Vet Tech Program.

Cost

$1,500 per week

Grading

The course grade will be determined on the basis of the lecture section grades, including lecture exams, final ultrasound exams, and the laboratory section grades, including lab practicums and homework assignments. The grading scale will be as follows:

Students must complete all four weeks of the program and achieve an overall grade of ≥70% to pass the course and receive an Advanced Imaging Certificate of Completion. Any student who does not achieve a passing grade for the course has the option to repeat the weeks that they did not pass. The student must repeat any weeks in the next available session. The current weekly fee will apply. If more than one week needs to be repeated, a grade of ≥70% for each repeated week must be achieved in order to repeat any subsequent weeks.

Homework

Individuals involved in this program must be 100% committed to lifelong learning in ultrasound. Hands-on scanning practice is a vital part of becoming and remaining proficient in ultrasonography, thus the homework portion of this course is considered to be one of the most important. Completing the below homework assignments will take time and commitment, and adequately planning by the attendee as well as the sponsoring veterinarian is recommended so that the assignments can be completed.

50+ case studies comprised of both abdomen and cardiac exams will be required between each of the 4 class weeks for review by the instructors. 15+ case studies will be required within the first 2 months after the final week of class. The homework grade will comprise a significant potion of each week’s grade.

Attendance Policies

This course is an active participatory course. Students must be present in class, both lecture and lab, to demonstrate the hands-on technical expertise needed to complete the course. Absence for any reason is greatly discouraged. You are permitted 1 absence in lecture/lab without penalty. Any additional absence will result in a 5% deduction from your final grade for each absence. Roll will be called at the start of each lecture. Tardiness of greater than 5 minutes in lecture/lab will be considered an absence.

It should be noted by students that preparation for lecture and lab often includes time before and after the regularly scheduled class period. Students are expected to be in attendance at the time stated by the instructor for each laboratory period, regardless of whether this is within the regularly scheduled period for the lab or in addition to that period. If the instructor determines that a student has missed excessive classes/labs or is a danger to patients, the student will be dropped from the class.

Makeup exams and quizzes in the lecture of this course will only be given in cases of extenuating circumstances as determined by the course instructor. If the instructor determines that a makeup exam will be allowed, it must be made up within 1 day of your return to class. The exam may be of a different format than the original test. Except in extenuating circumstances, makeup exams must be scheduled in advance. Lab exams will be actively participatory and may not be made up unless specific arrangements are made with the instructor and the instructor consents to a makeup exam.

Academic Honesty

Any incidence of cheating in lab or lecture will result in termination of the program for the student.

Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from this course if they wish. The last day to drop will be the day prior to the beginning of each week onsite. 100% of that week’s fees will be reimbursed if a student withdraws prior to the start of that week. If the student has already begun that week’s training, no reimbursement is allowed. If the student withdraws from the course prior to the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th week of onsite training, reimbursement is only available for the upcoming week, not for any past weeks the student has attended. Withdrawing from a course is a formal procedure that must be initiated by the student. If a student withdraws from the course by the specified date, a grade of “W” will be assigned. If a student stops attending class or fails to withdraw by the above date, the instructor will assign a performance grade. Withdrawing from a course is a serious decision, and the student should consult the instructor before taking this action. Withdrawing may be accomplished through Counseling or the Registrar’s office.

Safety

There are inherent dangers that exist when working with animals. Students will be informed of these dangers as the class progresses. Any animal bites, scratches, or injury should be reported to a staff member, no matter how minor. Students will need to follow instructions given by staff members and be prepared both psychologically and physically for any situation that may arise. Anyone not prepared will be asked to leave.

In addition to student safety, the safety of the animals must also be considered. If an instructor feels that a situation involving an animal needs to be resolved in an expeditious manner, the animal’s health and well-being will be considered paramount. Though one of the purposes of the labs in this course is to teach students techniques for advanced imaging with animals, student instruction comes second to the health and well-being of the animals. Students can and will be removed from lab if animal welfare is considered in jeopardy by any of the course instructors. Negligent treatment of animals will be considered grounds for immediate dismissal from the class with a failing grade.

Class Policy

All cell phones and pagers must be turned off when students are in the classroom and laboratory.

Students with Disabilities

The instructor will make every effort to accommodate students with disabilities. Please register with Special Services and see one of the instructors during the first week of class so that we can work with you to ensure your success.

Disclaimer

This syllabus will be followed unless time or circumstances dictate a change.

Financial Aid

Financial aid will not be available for this course.

Religious Holidays

Every effort will be made to allow for observance of religious holidays that occur during course lectures/labs.

Schedule

Detailed schedule: Veterinary Technician Program