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WASHVU

West Africa School of Heart and Vascular Ultrasound - WASHVU Tamale, Ghana

Adult Echocardiography - Pediatric Echocardiography – Cardiac POCUS - Carotid Ultrasound - Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound

WASHVU History

WASHVU History

The West Africa School of Heart and Vascular Ultrasound (WASHVU) was established in April, 2018 by Dr. Shayibu Harruna and Terry Reynolds in Tamale, Ghana with the support of Dr. Moro Salifu and the Association of Ghana/Turkish Trained Ghana Professionals of North America.

WASHVU Goal and Mission

WASHVU Goal and Mission

The goal and mission of WASHVU is to train a highly skilled cardiac and vascular sonographer workforce across Ghana to facilitate access to diagnostic ultrasound exams to all Ghanaians. Such access to care helps with early diagnosis and ultimately effective treatment of cardiovascular disease. In addition, WASHVU training would be extended throughout Africa via an outreach program.

WASHVU First’s

WASHVU First’s

  • First formal cardiac and vascular ultrasound program in Ghana
  • First training program in Ghana to publish an echocardiography textbook titled The WASHVU Echocardiography Guide
  • First sonographer in Ghana to successfully pass the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) adult echocardiography board examination
  • First sonographer in Zambia to successfully pass the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) adult echocardiography board examination
  • First outreach program to provide echocardiography training in Zambia
  • First outreach program to provide echocardiography training in Botswana
  • First to publish a dedicated echocardiography journal in Ghana
  • The Ghana Journal of Echocardiography (GJE)
Meet the Instructor

Meet the Instructor

The primary WASHVU instructor is Terry Reynolds, BS, RDCS. Terry was the program director for the School of Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound at the Arizona Heart Institute in Phoenix, Arizona for 33 years. His book publications include The Echocardiographer’s Pocket Reference, The Pediatric Echocardiographer’s Pocket Reference, Ultrasound Physics – A Registry Review Preparation Guide and the Cardiovascular Principles Registry Exam Preparation Guide as well as study cards and journal articles. Terry currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

Why WASHVU?

Why WASHVU?

  • 12-month echocardiography and vascular ultrasound program
  • Small class sizes with one-on-one personalized training
  • Hybrid learning – Online Learning and In-Person Scanning Labs
  • Structured training to include ultrasound physics, cardiovascular principles, adult and pediatric echocardiography with vascular ultrasound (carotid ultrasound, abdominal aorta ultrasound)
  • Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) certification-ready
  • Tuition-free
  • Course materials provided without cost to the student
  • Ultrasound machine/device provided (where applicable)
  • Our program prepares you to acquire high-quality diagnostic echocardiograms and vascular exams by offering you the online classroom instruction and hands-on scanning needed to provide excellent patient care to each patient you have the privilege of serving -
  • Awarded WASHVU Certificate of Completion
  • Cardiac POCUS Course - Short-term, Competency-Based Learning
  • Awarded WASHVU Cardiac POCUS Certificate
WASHVU Admission Prerequisites

WASHVU Admission Prerequisites

  1. Background in general sonography.
  2. Current employment with a hospital or medical clinic.
  3. Letter from hospital/clinic administration indicating the need for cardiac sonographer services and guaranteed continued employment at the successful completion of training.
  4. A signed pledge by the student/ graduate sonographer with WASHVU acknowledging the scope and practice of cardiac sonography to be defined by strict supervision of a cardiologist and professional regulatory bodies.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

When does the WASHVU 12-month program and the Cardiac POCUS course begin?

The WASHVU 12-month echocardiography - vascular ultrasound program and the Cardiac POCUS course are both a continuous enrollment model, meaning your coursework begins when you are ready.

FAQ

What is the cost of the WASHVU 12-month program? - What is the cost of the Cardiac POCUS course?

The WASHVU 12-month program and the Cardiac POCUIS course are tuition-free.

FAQ

Are course study materials provided for the 12-month program? Are course study materials provided for the CARDIAC POCUS course?

Structured study materials are provided by WASHVU to each student without charge to support distance learning for either the 12-month program or the Cardiac POCUS course.

FAQ

Does WASHVU provide an ultrasound machine – ultrasound hand-held device?

Yes, WASHVU provides an ultrasound machine or handheld ultrasound device in certain applicable situations.

FAQ

Does WASHVU provide for interpretation of the clinical ultrasound exams a WASHVU sonographer acquires after graduating from the program?

Yes, WASHVU does offer interpretation of the echocardiograms and vascular ultrasound exams acquired by our graduates without charge if needed.

FAQ

How can partners contact WASHVU?

Yes, if interested in becoming a partner or supporter of our mission, please use the contact form to request information.

Contact

Have a question about WASHVU?

Contact WASHVU for 12-month program, Cardiac POCUS course, outreach, journal, or partnership inquiries.