Echocardiography Atlas, a mobile application that allows you to view examples of normal and abnormal echocardiograms, is a very useful tool to help with your cardiac sonography training. The unique insights and familiarity it provides in cardiac diagnoses can help you get an echocardiography job.

Echocardiography Information Anywhere, Anytime

Echocardiography Atlas provides a powerful and convenient way to learn about echocardiography and become proficient in diagnostic interpretation. The editor of the app, Scott D. Solomon, MD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, says,

“Cardiovascular ultrasound technology is advancing swiftly, which leads to better patient care and, ultimately, more lives saved. Interactive imaging applications that can be carried conveniently on a mobile device unlock new opportunities concerning clinical training and patient education.”

No matter where you are, as long as you have your iPhone, iPod, or iPad, you can access 250 annotated images and 189 videos with this app, encompassing a wide variety of cardiac pathology.  Though the $19.99 price tag may seem a bit steep in the age of free information, the ability to access it anywhere (content is locally stored so no need for wireless connection), and the amount of content and interactivity it offers make Atlas a valuable resource for someone trying to launch their echocardiography career. With more traditional study programs offered at $100 or more, this training tool seems a bargain.

Features

The app is organized into 12 main chapters including:

• The Normal Exam
• Aortic Valve Disease
• Mitral Valve Disease
• Tricuspid and Pulmonary Valve Disease
• Myocardial Infarction
• Cardiomyopathy
• Diseases of the Aorta and Pericardium
• Diseases of the Atria
• Congenital Heart Disease in the Adult
• Diseases of the Right Ventricle
• Infectious Endocarditis
• Transesophageal Echocardiography

Search chapters for specific terms or navigate by selecting a given key topic. For each key topic you can find well-annotated and labeled images. The app also allows you to pause, watch frame-by-frame, zoom, and pan within highly interactive looping videos. These visual references give you a hands-on way to become more acquainted with what to look for when interpreting echocardiograms.

Another helpful feature in Echocardiography Atlas is the ability to bookmark certain topics for quick reference. If you are having trouble with a certain subject, bookmark it and easily go back at any time

Effective App

Whether you are still training or actively looking for an echocardiography job, this is a fun yet effective resource. Though you may not be able to put down Echocardiography Atlas on your resume, the knowledge it provides will certainly enhance your qualifications.

Many schools offer an associate’s program which lasts two years and involves general knowledge and clinical practice. The bachelor’s program is a four year program which offers more general courses, more in-depth knowledge about related topics, and also clinical practice. The more education you have, the more marketable you are to those looking to hire echocardiographers.

Here’s a Freebee

Finding schools in one’s area can be difficult. It is a narrow career field but does have a growing need for certified and skilled workers. Often times finding a way to get the proper credentials is harder than landing a job. Two websites I found to be helpful in finding schools that offer the echocardiographer program are

· www.educationportal.com

· www.collegeanduniversity.net

These two sites will help locate schools and accreditation institutes by area.

Persistence and Perseverance Pique Interest!

Many schools are unlisted, but calls to local community colleges, Tech Institutes, and university medical departments can direct you to places that may have that program. Perseverance is the name of the game. Calling and stirring the interest will generate results. That interest combined with the growing need for qualified echocardiographers may cause more certification and degree programs to become available.

Network!

Also, do not be afraid to network. Going on forums and posting questions will pique interest and attract someone who has been in the school hunting position and can personally reference and direct you to a school that would suit you.

Finding the school that is the right fit and getting through the program will take an unwavering determination. Keep focused, happy hunting, and good luck!

SOPE
http://www.sope-online.com/index.html
admin@sope-online.com
1500 Sunday Drive, Ste 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
P: 919-787-5181 X235 F: 919-787-4916

Let the Society know your goals, where you live and wish to go to school or work,
your background, and this professional organization will advocate for you on your quest to become a skilled pedi echo practitioner….So go for it!  Your helpful comments are always appreciated on the Blog or Forum Communities.

Wishing you the best of success!

Cheryl McLeod
Echocardiographer.net

For lots more in-depth info on the growing field of echocardiography, check out the following topics at our main site:

Hot Echo Job Locations

Echocardiographer Salaries

Echocardiography Certificate

Cardiac Sonographer Education