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 an organization that strives for excellence and stands
for quality is necessary.
The
American Society of Echocardiography (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 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.
The role of the cardiac sonographer is
increasingly complex and demanding. Not only must the cardiac sonographer be
familiar with approved clinical protocols for each type of cardiovascular
ultrasound examination he or she performs, the sonographer also must be able to
analyze the patient’s clinical history fully, in order to identify the purpose
of the examination, frame the clinical questions that the examination is
intended to answer, and expand the examination as necessary to answer the
clinical questions.
To this end,
the cardiac sonographer must have a comprehensive understanding of
cardiovascular and thoracic anatomy, cardiovascular pathophysiology,
hemodynamics, and embryology, in order to recognize normal and abnormal
cardiovascular structure, function, and abnormalities of blood flow. The
cardiac sonographer also must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
ultrasound physics, instrumentation, tissue characteristics, and measurements
of blood flow, including the biological effects of ultrasound. The cardiac sonographer
must be familiar with other types of diagnostic tests examples like clinical
laboratory tests, nuclear cardiology, cardiac catheterization and be able to
integrate echocardiographic results with the results of such other tests.
In
addition, the cardiac sonographer must have a number of important
communications and basic safety-related skills. The cardiac sonographer must:
- Be able to interact and communicate effectively – both orally and in writing with healthcare providers, including other sonographers, physicians, and nurses.
- Be well-versed in medical terminology.
- Be capable of explaining the purpose of the echocardiographic examination to the patient and answering patients’ questions.
- Be aware of proper infection control, including precautionary procedures.
- Be familiar with, and in compliance with, relevant laws regarding patient confidentiality and privacy.
- Be competent in first aid and certified in Basic Life Support.
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