Post Graduate Certificate Courses

• Appreciate the fundamental physics principles relating to ultrasound including the piezoelectric effect, acoustic impedance mismatch, angle of incidence and other factors that influence imaging as well as the recognition and differentiation of various artefacts
• Recognise the importance of frequency and the way it impacts probe selection and imaging
• Utilise the various functions on US machines to optimise the scan and obtain measurements of relevant structures
• Hold and manipulate the probe effectively being mindful of ergonomics
• Identify the various artefacts. Be familiar with techniques to utillise friendly artefacts and eliminating or reducing unfriendly artefacts.
• Annotate and acquire representative images
• Be mindful of probe and machine cleaning and sterility
• Utilise key scanning concepts including perpendicularity, foreshortening, single component movement
• Use the correct terminology to describe findings and write a report
• Be aware of the role of Artificial Intelligence in POCUS

• Recognise the value of the various cardiac views in evaluating different cardiac structures
• Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in all cardiac views
• Understand the changes in the cardiac chambers and valves during the cardiac cycle
• Define the normal upper limits for diameters and ratio of the cardiac structures
• Define the sonographic parameters for normal LV contractility
• Understand the sonographic basis for the evaluation of Ejection fraction
• Acquire good quality parasternal long and short axis views of the heart using a stepwise approach
• Appreciate the impact of specific probe movements on the appearance of the cardiac structures in order gain more control on the quality of the images
• Acquire a subcostal view of the heart
• Adopt the DEFG structured diagnostic approach for the measurement and evaluation of cardiac dimensions, assessment of LV contractility as well as presence of pericardial effusions
• Identify a dilated aorta root to assist with the diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysms and Stanford A dissections
• Identify a dilated LA and be able to integrate the finding within the specific clinical context to understand the implications
• Identify a dilated LV for the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy
• Evaluate the systolic function/contractility to diagnose heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
• Identify and grade pericardial effusions
• Recognise sonographic features of tamponade

• Evidence base for IVC scanning
• Understand the impact of respiratory physiology on the IVC
• Identify and correctly measure the IVC
• Define the maximal diameter and collapsibility index of the IVC in normovolemia and hypovolemia in both ventilated and unventilated patients
• Recognise the limitations of IVC scanning and the impact of raised pulmonary pressures on its use
• Integrate the findings within the broader clinical context
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Appreciate the evidence base for lung ultrasound and musculo-skeletal ultrasound of the chest wall
• Understand the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the pleaura, lung and chest wall
• Appreciate the surface landmarks delineating the 12 lung zones and the corresponding pulmonary anatomy
• Use a step wise structured approach for the evaluation of each lung zone
• Recognise the sonographic appearances of various pathologies including pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema, consolidation, fibrosis, contusion, pneumonitis and ARDS
• Evaluate the chest wall for trauma including muscle contusion and fractures or ribs and sternum
• Integrate the findings with the clinical context to assist diagnosis

• Perform the apical 2, 4 & 5 chamber views
• Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in these cardiac views
• Adopt the DEFG approach to further evaluate the cardiac structure and function
• Identify left ventricular hypertrophy and recognise cardiomyopathy
• Use Fractional Shortening in M mode to estimate the systolic function
• Identify anatomical features suggestive of diastolic dysfunction
• Identify the different regions of the heart on the different views and their correlation with vascular supply
• Appreciate regional wall motion abnormalities
• Appreciate the normal and abnormal sonoanatomy of cardiac valves
• Diagnose and grade specific valve pathology using colour flow doppler

• Recognize the evidence base underpinning the use of US in central and peripheral venous access
• Understand the necessity of infection control measures and sterility
• Differentiate veins, arteries, nerves, muscles and tendons
• Evaluate the venous anatomy of the upper limb veins in a systematic way using ultrasound
• Assess peripheral vein suitability using the WASPS approach
• Identify and evaluate the radial and ulnar artery with a view to arterial cannulation
• Optimising probe to vessel alignment for access
• Utilise in-plane and out-of-plane approaches for guided vascular access and interventions
• Use ultrasound to confirm successful cannulation

• Apply the in plane and out of plane technique to procedures
• Map the chest wall, diaphragm and effusion location and depth prior to thoracocentesis
• Assist thoracocentesis with ultrasound using a static approach or real time guidance
• Use ultrasound to guide pleural aspiration
• Use ultrasound to assist pleural biopsy
• Understand the use of ultrasound for guided pericardiocentesis