Echocardiology is the study of obtaining ultrasound images of the heart, and an echocardiogram is the resulting record. Echocardiographers are trained in this field and may specialize in pediatric echocardiology or transesophageal echocardiograms. A two-year program is available, and career prospects are good.
Echocardiology is a medical term for the study that involves obtaining recorded ultrasound images of the heart and interpreting the images. An echocardiogram is the actual record obtained by using ultra sound waves to create an image of the heart. The medical professionals who administer the tests, read the results, check for clarity, and subsequently provide the recordings to the ordering physician have been trained in echocardiology. The most common term related to echocardiology is cardiovascular ultrasound.
Many universities offer medical technology programs in echocardiology. Often a two-year program, Echocardiology Technology specializes in learning how to administer the noninvasive procedure of obtaining an echocardiogram in a hospital or diagnostic facility. Students in an echocardiology technology program must take several courses, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and other medical specialty classes, along with some basic math and English classes. They also receive training in medical record technology and medical record laws.
Students considering the specialty field of echocardiology should know that their typical work environment will consist of a laboratory facility or hospital. They may be required to lift heavy loads of patients and may be exposed to infectious diseases. They may choose to specialize in pediatric echocardiology and work only with children.
Additional training to learn how to perform transesophageal echocardiograms is another option. A transesophageal echocardiogram is an ultrasound picture of the heart taken through the esophagus by inserting a tube into a patient’s esophagus through the throat. This is sometimes necessary to obtain an accurate recording in patients with cardiopulmonary disease or other complications that make it difficult to obtain a conventional echocardiogram.
A person who completes an echocardiology technology course is called an echocardiographer. Career prospects for an echocardiographer are good, as is the case with most professions in the medical field that involve medical imaging. You may be required to earn a four-year degree or participate in a career advancement scholarship. Salaries vary depending on experience, education, facility, and location. More information on the field of echocardiology can be found through the American Society of Echocardiography.
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