American Society of Echocardiography minimum standards for the cardiac sonographer: a position paper.

Executive Summary Echocardiography is an invaluable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of cardiac form, and function. Evaluation of the cardiac form and function requires highly skilled acquisition given that the technique of performing the examination has become increasingly sophisticated. While there exists several publications relating to the role and training of cardiac sonographers, none of these articulate clearly and concisely minimum qualifications for cardiac sonographers. In light of the advances in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging, that have placed growing educational and professional demands on cardiac sonographers, and the fundamental vision of ASE as being an organization that strives for excellence and stands for quality, ASE believes that such a statement is necessary. The ASE believes that there are three primary elements involved in assuring the competence of a cardiac sonographer: Credentialing and Formal Education: A cardiac sonographer must obtain a recognized credential (1, 3, 5) within the time frame and using the pathways specified by a credentialing organization recognized by the ASE. A new cardiac sonographer entering the field must comply with the formal educational requirements specified by the applicable credentialing organization, and must fulfill those requirements through participation in a program recognized by the ASE. Technical Competence: A cardiac sonographer must demonstrate and document technical competence in the performance of those types of echocardiographic examinations that the sonographer performs. Continuing Education: A cardiac sonographer must maintain his or her skills through participation in appropriate continuing education.