A t h e n s I n s t i t u t e o f U l t r a s o u n d S u n s e t D r i v e A t h e n s G A

Student Catalog 2013

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Table of Contents

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS _________________________________________ 3 TRANSFERRING CREDITS ____________________________________________ 4 TUITION, FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES _______________________________ 5 TUITION REFUND POLICY ____________________________________________ 6 FINANCIAL AID ______________________________________________________ 7 CURRICULUM _______________________________________________________ 8

SON 110: Anatomy, Physiology & Sonographic Pathologies ______________________________________ 9 SON 111: Introduction to Sonography ________________________________________________________ 9 SON112: Basic Image Acquisition I __________________________________________________________ 9 SON 120: Sonographic Physics I ____________________________________________________________ 9 SON 121: Hemodynamics__________________________________________________________________ 9 SON 122: Basic Image Acquisition II _________________________________________________________ 9 DEC 230: Cardiac Sonography I _____________________________________________________________ 9 DEC 231: Echocardiography Lab I __________________________________________________________ 10 DEC 232: Echocardiography Clinic I ________________________________________________________ 10 DEC 240: Cardiac Sonography II ___________________________________________________________ 10 DEC 241: Echocardiography Lab II _________________________________________________________ 10 DEC 242: Echocardiography Clinic II _______________________________________________________ 10 DVS 350: Vascular Sonography I ___________________________________________________________ 10 DVS 351: Vascular Lab I _________________________________________________________________ 11 DVS 352: Vascular Clinic I _______________________________________________________________ 11 DVS 360: Vascular Sonography II __________________________________________________________ 11 DVS 361: Vascular Lab II _________________________________________________________________ 11 DVS 362: Vascular Clinic II _______________________________________________________________ 11 SON 170: Sonographic Physics II ___________________________________________________________ 11 DEC 270: Echocardiography Clinic III _______________________________________________________ 11 SON 180: Sonographic Physics III _________________________________________________________ 12 DEC 280: Echocardiography Clinic IV_______________________________________________________ 12 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ___________________________________________ 13 PLACEMENT SERVICES _____________________________________________ 14 ACADEMIC CALENDER 2013-2015 ____________________________________ 15 CLASSES SCHEDULE 2013-2015 _______________________________________ 16 OUR FACULTY ______________________________________________________ 17

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Athens Institute of Ultrasound is a postsecondary educational institution offering diploma programs in cardiovascular ultrasound utilizing classroom, laboratory and clinical settings as well as state-of-the-art equipment to achieve a perfect balance of didactic coursework and hands on clinical experience.

Mission

To develop dynamic and passionate medical sonographers in the field of cardiovascular ultrasound via state-of-the-art technology, experienced faculty and evidence based educational principles.

Vision

Create a superior learning environment through compassionate and balanced education.

Facilities

There are two locations situated about 150 yards from each other. Laboratory and all didactic theory courses are offered at 864 Sunset Drive, Athens, GA 30606. The clinical courses are conducted at 2005 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606.In addition some students may be assigned to satellite medical offices in surrounding cities for clinical rotations.

Program of Instruction Outline

The cardiovascular ultrasound program is a full time, 24 months long (8 quarters) in length consisting of didactic theory, laboratory and clinical coursework in echocardiography and vascular areas. The course syllabus is designed to introduce the appropriate knowledge in a progressive and comprehensive manner.

Educational Goals

The goal of the cardiovascular ultrasound program to provide educational experiences that produce competent, entry-level, professional diagnostic medical sonographers capable of addressing the needs of the changing health care environment by the application of critical-thinking, technical knowledge, and clinical skills. Meeting this goal will allow graduates to acquire didactic knowledge and develop the clinical skills needed to give patients optimal care and physicians accurate sonographic information.

Professional Description

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer provides the supervising physician with diagnostic medical images and physiologic data by use of high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. Sonographers must be able to communicate and collaborate with physicians and

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to The Athens Institute of Ultrasound is based upon the following criteria:

 A high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. (Special consideration can be made by the program director if the total GPA is less than 2.5, but higher GPA in math’s and science subjects).

 In addition the following criteria are taken in to consideration o Prior academic performance (transcripts)

o References

o Past work experience in allied health fields o Personal interview

o Motivation

TRANSFERRING CREDITS

Any student requesting the transfer of credits from another program of study must contact the program director of AIUS. The director will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis after reviewing all appropriate skills and materials. All official transcripts from previous coursework must be submitted for review before credit transfer can be evaluated.

General Credit transfer policy and guidelines will be as follows:

1. Athens Institute of Ultrasound will accept credits for classes similar to offered at AIUS 2. Verification of whether or not the students experience at the other institution is

appropriately commensurate with the experience of the students at AIUS

3. Experience of reasonable comparability can be documented by course syllabi/outline, textbooks used, exams, projects at the previous institution

4. Credit to contact hour ratio (Didactic, Lab and clinical)

5. Challenge examinations and skills assessments may be required to determine applicants' competencies

The decision of the committee consisting of the Administrative Director, The Medical advisors and Program Director will be final.

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TUITION, FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 must be paid at the

time of application.

Tuition: Tuition for the cardiovascular ultrasound certification program is

$30,000.00. ($3750.00 per Quarter)

Textbooks: Approximately $600.00

Technology Fee: $ 250.00 per Quarter

Uniforms: Approximately $50.00 per uniform

Travel and Meals: Students are responsible for meals and travel expenses associated

TUITION REFUND POLICY

The 24 month program is divided in to eight quarters of about 12 weeks each. Tuition fee is collected on quarterly basis, prior to start of each quarter. Upon notice of dismissal or withdrawal from the cardiovascular ultrasound program, tuition shall be refunded on the following basis:

 No refund is allowed for the completed quarters.

 No refund is allowed after the completion of six weeks of that quarter

 Before the end of the sixth week of a quarter, the student will receive a refund for their tuition fee depending on the date of dismissal or withdrawal.

WEEK REFUND End of week 1 100% End of week 2 90% End of week 3 80% End of week 4 70% End of week 5 60% End of week 6 50%

 Refunds of tuitions shall be made in full, within 30 days of receipt of written notice of withdrawal or dismissal

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FINANCIAL AID

We believe that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.

Scholarships covering up to 90% of the tuition fee are awarded through Presidential scholarship program. The selection criteria for the program are as follows;

 Academic excellence  Financial need  Motivation

 Leadership potential

 Participation in community service  Previous healthcare experience  Personality

All students who apply on time for admission to the AIUS cardiovascular ultrasound program are automatically considered for the scholarship. There is no separate application process.

Scholarships are renewed annually until graduation, provided that a 3.0 or higher GPA is maintained and the student is in continuous enrollment.

CURRICULUM

The cardiovascular ultrasound program is a full time, 24 months long (8 quarters) in length consisting of didactic theory, laboratory and clinical coursework in echo and vascular areas. The course syllabus is designed to introduce the appropriate knowledge in a progressive and comprehensive manner. The program is summarized as below:

Qtr Course # Course Name Qtr

credits Lecture Hours Lab Hours Clinic Hours Total Credits Total Clock Hours Prerequisite

I SON 110 A & P & Sono Pathologies 4.5 45 13 170 None

SON 111 Introduction to Sonography 4.5 45 None

SON 112 Basic Image Acquisition I 4 80 None

II SON 120 Sonographic Physics I 4.5 45 13 170 SON 110 , SON 111

SON 121 Hemodynamics 4.5 45 SON 110 , SON 111

SON 122 Basic Image Acquisition II 4 80 SON 112

III DEC 230 Cardiac Sonography I 4.5 45 10.5 205 SON 120 , SON 121

DEC 231 Echocardiography Lab I 2 40 SON 122

DEC 232 Echocardiography Clinic I 5 160 SON 112 , SON 122

IV DEC 240 Cardiac Sonography II 4.5 45 10.5 205 DEC 230

DEC 241 Echocardiography Lab II 2 40 DEC 231

DEC 242 Echocardiography Clinic II 5 160 DEC 232

V DVS 350 Vascular Sonography I 4.5 45 10.5 205 SON 120 , SON 121

DVS 351 Vascular Lab I 2 40 SON 122

DVS 352 Vascular Clinic I 5 160 SON 112 , SON 122

VI DVS 360 Vascular Sonography II 4.5 45 10.5 205 DVS 350

DVS 361 Vascular Lab II 2 40 DVS 351

DVS 362 Vascular Clinic II 5 160 DVS 352

VII DEC 270 Cardiac Sonography III 2 20 8 200 DEC 230

DEC 272 Echocardiography Clinic III 8 240 DEC 242

VIII DEC 280 Cardiac Sonography IV 2 20 8 200 DEC 270

DEC 282 Echocardiography Clinic IV 8 240 DEC 272

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SON 110: Anatomy, Physiology & Sonographic Pathologies

Theory course focusing on gross anatomy of organs imaged by medical sonographers, the relationship of cross sectional anatomy to ultrasound imaging, physiology and patho-physiological changes encountered in the sonographic patient

SON 111: Introduction to Sonography

Theory course introducing the essential disciplines associated with medical sonography. Topics include the history of medical ultrasound, roles and responsibilities of the sonographer, ethical issues and basic sonographic terminology

SON112: Basic Image Acquisition I

Hands on training in the art of ultrasound scanning in an instructional setting, to include: patient positioning, image orientation, transducer selection, scanning techniques, labeling, equipment functions, image production and safe use of the equipment

SON 120: Sonographic Physics I

Theory course introducing students to physical principles related to the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis. Topics include: Physics principles, components of ultrasound equipment, Ultrasound transducers, Bio-effects of ultrasound, universal precautions and emergency situations.

SON 121: Hemodynamics

Theory course to reviewing the normal anatomy, physiology and plan of blood flow through the cardiovascular system.

SON 122: Basic Image Acquisition II

Hands on training in the art of ultrasound scanning in an instructional setting and includes sonographic assessment of blood flow through the body using various imaging modalities with emphasis on the application of the physical principles to the art of scanning

DEC 230: Cardiac Sonography I

Theory course will focus on the following topics: Cardiac anatomy and physiology, Valvular heart diseases, pericardial diseases, Systemic and pulmonary hypertension and cardiomyopathies

DEC 231: Echocardiography Lab I

Hands on training in the art of ultrasound scanning in an instructional setting, introducing the application of ultrasound for the detection and evaluation of cardiac disease and includes: Scanning techniques of the 2D views, color flow, correlation of electric conduction system with cardiac mechanics and optimization techniques.

DEC 232: Echocardiography Clinic I

Clinical experience in a cardiac patient care setting. Students will obtain a patient history and basic echo views; begin to develop pathology recognition and technical report writing skills. Students will observe, assist and perform patient care and sonographic duties under direct supervision

DEC 240: Cardiac Sonography II

Theory course will focus on the following topics: Left and Right Ventricular Function, Cardiac tumours, Congenital heart diseases in adults, Diseases of the aorta, Doppler, Stress echocardiography etc.

DEC 241: Echocardiography Lab II

Hands on training in the art of ultrasound scanning in an instructional setting, refining and mastering the application of ultrasound for the detection and evaluation of cardiac disease. Emphasis on mastering 2D technique, with addition of color flow, Doppler and M-mode and appropriate measurements

DEC 242: Echocardiography Clinic II

Clinical experience in cardiac patient care setting. Students will obtain all echocardiographic views with more challenging patients and with increasing speed. Students will be expected to perform the ultrasound scans with more accuracy and speed.

DVS 350: Vascular Sonography I

Theory course will focus on the following topics: Cerebrovascular anatomy,diseases,noninvasive testing, miscellaneous diagnostic tests ,treatment options. Venous anatomy, diseases, noninvasive testing, treatment options etc.

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DVS 351: Vascular Lab I

Hands on training in the art of ultrasound scanning in an instructional setting, introducing the application of ultrasound and flow lab technology for the detection and evaluation of vascular disease and include: Scanning techniques of the carotid arteries,

Upper and lower limb arteries, Ankle Brachial Index, Doppler, Pulse volume recording and segmental pressures

DVS 352: Vascular Clinic I

Clinical experience in a vascular patient care setting. Students will obtain a patient history and basic vascular exam views while beginning to develop pathology recognition and technical report writing skills. Students will observe, assist and perform patient care and sonographic duties under direct supervision.

DVS 360: Vascular Sonography II

Theory course will focus on the following: Peripheral and Abdominal arterial anatomy, physiology and hemodynamics, miscellaneous conditions and tests, Quality assurance, statistics and patient safety.

DVS 361: Vascular Lab II

Hands on training in the art of ultrasound scanning in an instructional setting, introducing the application of ultrasound and flow lab technology for the detection and evaluation of vascular disease with emphasis is on mastering scanning techniques of carotid, upper and lower limb arteries, Doppler, ABI, PVR, segmental pressures, in addition to all appropriate measurements of arteries and accurate velocity measurements.

DVS 362: Vascular Clinic II

Clinical experience in a vascular patient care setting. Students will acquire all types of vascular study views with more challenging patients and with increasing speed. Students will be expected to perform the ultrasound scans with more accuracy and speed.

DEC 270: Cardiac Sonography III

Theory course will focus on advanced echocardiographic modalities, miscellaneous topics and review Cardiac Sonography I and Cardiac Sonography II.

DEC 272: Echocardiography Clinic III

Clinical experience in cardiac patient care setting. Students will gain more experience and will be expected to perform majority of cardiac ultrasound procedures.

DEC 280: Cardiac sonography IV

This theory course will review the Cardiac Sonography I, Cardiac Sonography II and Cardiac Sonography III, with emphasis on preparing the students for national registry examinations.

DEC 282: Echocardiography Clinic IV

Students will gain further experience and will be expected to perform majority of the echocardiographic procedures with the accuracy and speed of an entry-level cardiac sonographer.

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GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Any student wishing to file a grievance due to dismissal or other disciplinary action must submit a signed written request for review with the director’s office within 48 hours of the

aforementioned disciplinary action. The request should include the circumstances of the action and a reason why a review is being requested. The director’s office will contact the student and a review will be scheduled within 5 business days of the receipt of the request. The director will provide a decision to the student, in writing, within 48 hours of the review meeting.

The student has the right to appeal an institution’s decision to NPEC, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220, Tucker, Georgia 30084.

PLACEMENT SERVICES

Upon completion of this 24 month cardiovascular ultrasound program students will be qualified to work as an entry level sonographer in variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) does not currently accredit this program.

Students are instructed in resume writing, interviewing skills and preparation for a scanning evaluation. Institute personnel, experienced in job placement in the field of ultrasound, will assist the students/graduates with developing employment opportunities. No guarantee, however, can be made that all students will find immediate employment in their new field. Placement services are available as long as needed and requested by graduates of this program.

The graduates of this program can request to attend the clinics, Labs and didactic theory classes free of charge till such time they pass a national registry examination. After successful

completion of this program the student will be eligible to take the Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) registry examination of the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

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ACADEMIC CALENDER 2013-2015

QTR SESSION FROM TO HOLIDAYS B.DAYS

1. 5 FALL Sept 23, 2013 Dec 19, 2013 Oct 14, Columbus day Nov 25 – Nov 28, Break

47 2. 6 WINTER Jan 6,2014 Mar 27, 2014 Jan 20, M Luther.King day 47 3. 7 SPRING Mar 31,2014 Jun 19,2014 May 26, Memorial day 47 4. 8 SUMMER Jun 23, 2014 Sept 18, 2014 Jun30- Jul 3, Break

Sept 1, Labor day

47 5. 1 FALL Sept 22, 2014 Dec 18, 2014 Oct 13, Columbus day

Nov 24 – Nov 27, Break

47 6. 2 WINTER Jan 5, 2015 Mar 26, 2015 Jan 19, M.Luther.King day 47 7. 3 SPRING Mar 30, 2015 Jun 18, 2015 May 25, Memorial day 47 8. 4 SUMMER Jun 22, 2015 Sept 17, 2015 Jul 6- Jul 9, Break

Sept 7, Labor day

CLASSES SCHEDULE 2013-2015

Quarter I & II Classes for 4 hours, 4 days a week (Mondays to Thursdays) Quarter III to VI Classes for 4 hours, 2 days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Clinics for 16 hours per week

Quarter VII & VIII Classes for 2 hours, 1 day a week (Thursdays) Clinics for 24 hours per week

CLASSES (Theory & Lab)

Theory and lab classes will be held at 864, Sunset Drive, Athens, GA 30606

Lecture 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM

Lecture 1.40 PM to 2.40 PM

Break 2.40 PM to 3.00 PM

Lab 3.00 PM to 5.00 PM

CLINICS

Clinics will be held at Athens Heart Center, 2005 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606 and satellite offices

Session 1 8.00 AM to 12.00 Noon Lunch Break 12.00 Noon to 1.00 PM

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OUR FACULTY

Dawn Dobbs Administrative Director

Dr Subodh Agrawal MD, FACC, RPVI Medical Advisor Bhupinder Luthra RDCS, RVT, RDMS Program Director James Woodard RDCS Clinical Instructor Saleemuddin Boghani RDCS, RVT, RDMS Clinical Instructor

Shonda Brown Clinical Instructor