Train
Read the CORE curriculum
Learn with diagrams and how-to videos
This curriculum describes the proper technique to safely and effectively use point of care ultrasound in the acute care of heart, lung, abdomen, and first trimester obstetrics pathologies. It includes protocols for image generation, image identification, and clinical integration. All examination questions are based on the curriculum.
SECTION 1
POCUS
basics
5 modules with diagrams
- Ultrasound controls
- Physics of ultrasound
- Probe movements
- Probe types
- System care
SECTION 2
Advanced skills for certification
6 modules with videos
- Sub-xiphoid cardiac
- Aorta
- Abdomen
- First trimester obstetrics
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumothorax
Sign up for a course
The following CORE courses are offered by independent organizations
(listed alphabetically A-Z)
Certain courses are accredited and meet
CPoCUS quality and training criteria
Note: CPoCUS does not determine course fees or cancellation policies
CanPoCUS
- Halifax, NS
- Introductory courses
One-day introductory acute care course for physicians, residents, and nurse practitioners. Special rates available for Residents and Students.
CAWM Conference
- Halifax, NS
- Introductory courses
One-day introductory ultrasound course. Join the Canadian Association of Wilderness Medicine team on November 1-3, 2024 for 3 full days of lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and social events!
CIUSSS Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
- Chicoutimi, QC
- IP certification courses
Three-day hands-on workshops and exams designed to provide certification in point of care ultrasound.
EDE Bootcamp
- Brantford, On
- IP certification courses
Three-day hands-on workshops and exams designed to provide certification in point of care ultrasound.
ePoCUS Essentials
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
- IP certification courses
Introductory courses and IP certification courses providing POCUS instruction on CORE indications.
MTL-SONO
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
Two-day introductory point-of-care ultrasound training taught by top experts in POCUS education to residents and medical students from across Canada.
MUSE ECHO
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
- IP certification courses
One-day introductory courses or one-night per week IP certification courses for longitudinal learning. All levels welcome. Cours de certification une nuit par semaine pour un apprentissage progressif en petits groupes. Tous les niveaux sont bienvenus.
NEEP
- Nanaimo, BC
- IP certification courses
Four-day IP certification courses as part of Nanaimo Emergency Education Program three-month fellowship.
Nickel POCUS
- Sudbury, ON
- IP certification courses
Three-day IP certification courses for point of care ultrasound training.
OMSB
- Muscat, Oman
- IP certification courses
Three-day courses for point of care ultrasound training by the Oman Medical Specialty Board.
PoCUSEast
- Halifax, NS
- IP certification courses
Three-day courses for point of care ultrasound training.
Prairie POCUS
- Canada
- Introductory courses
- IP certification courses
Four-day hands-on workshop with integrated CPoCUS exams designed for participants to obtain full IP certification at the end of the course.
RIPP
- Canada
- IP certification courses
Four-day courses at the rural clinician’s facility for those that cannot find coverage when away at an ultrasound course or have no one to supervise the scans required for certification.
SONO Manitoba
(University of Manitoba)
- Winnipeg, MB
- IP certification courses
Three-day hands-on workshops and exams designed to provide certification in point of care ultrasound.
Try eLearning
eLearning combines the online curriculum with online testing
Used by Canadian universities
Available in French or English for CORE tracks
Online curriculum
Didactic Material
Didactic material is divided into modules
- Ultrasound controls
- Physics of ultrasound
- Probe movements
- Probe types
- System care
- Sub-xiphoid cardiac view
- Aorta
- Abdomen
- First-trimester obstetrics
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumothorax
Instructional Videos
Videos are aligned with didactic material
Videos show scanning on live models with guidance for image generation, interpretation, and clinical integration.
Online Testing
Quizzes
Quizzes are aligned with modules and customized by course directors.
Final Exam
A final exam can be created from a combination of quizzes.
CERTIFY
How to get certified
as an Independent Practitioner (IP)
IP candidate completes a CPoCUS-accredited CORE introductory course
IP candidate completes logged scan requirements supervised by a CORE IP examiner
IP candidate passes three examinations with a CORE IP examiner
CORE IP examiner submits an IP request for the IP candidate
IP candidate pays one-time certificate fee to finalize IP certification
IP candidate receives IP number and CORE IP certificate
Brief overview of certification examinations
You must be a CPoCUS member to attempt any examination
All examination questions are based on the curriculum
Written examination assesses knowledge base.
The Written exam is conducted on a computer (one examiner supervises many candidates).
Pass score of 85%.
The Written exam is an online, multiple choice, closed book examination with 20-80 questions. If the candidate fails the first attempt, they receive a report detailing incorrect answers. Candidates may re-write the examination the next day.
Visual examination assesses image interpretation and ability to integrate POCUS findings into clinical care.
The Visual exam is conducted on a computer (one examiner supervises one candidate).
Pass score of 85%.
The Visual exam uses an online interactive video presentation. The examiner asks the candidate to interpret images and videos, and incorporate findings into case scenarios.
Practical examination assesses image generation.
The Practical exam is conducted on a standardized patient (one examiner supervises one candidate).
Pass score of 100%.
The Practical exam is an in-person scanning examination. The examiner uses a detailed checklist of essential techniques to assess the candidate.Â
The candidate should perform the techniques without hesitation and without prompting from the examiner.Â
Maintain
Keep up to date with MOC
Maintenance of Competency (MOC) helps refresh and expand your POCUS skills
Online quizzes available in French and English
Test your POCUS skills in these tracks:
Acute Care CORE
Family Medicine CORE
Resuscitation
Diagnostic
How to complete MOC modules online
Login, select a MOC module in Members sections
Read Curriculum
Take Quiz (score ≥ 85%)
Download Certificate of Completion
Earn CME credits with MOC
Earn up to 48 Mainpro+ credits by reviewing the CORE curriculum
and passing the CORE MOC quizzes
Get certified by CPoCUS
Become a Member
Take advantage of the benefits below and more!