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Alan D Waggoner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the value of Sonographer credentialing an important first step
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2016Co-Authors: Alan D Waggoner, Geoffrey J StevensonAbstract:mance of Sonographers involved in the process of laboratory accreditation, and it uses a measure of performance based on independent review of case studies. An important aspect of Bremer’s study is that it included large numbers of credentialed and noncredentialed Sonographers. It builds also on a recent publication by Nagueh et al. 2 that used the IAC database to determine factors associated with success or failure in achieving laboratory accreditation. Although the results of these two studies provide evidence that credentialing is associated with improved echocardiographic performance, some caution in extrapolating the findings of these studies is prudent, because of limitations inherent in any database and retrospective review of submitted echocardiographic case studies. The large difference in the number of noncredentialed (>1,100) and credentialed (>6,100) Sonographers in Bremer’s study should be noted. This difference could introduce bias in the overall analysis, butitwasnotpossibletocomparetwogroups withsimilarnumbersof Sonographers. Differences in point of care (hospital based vs office based or mobile) could also have been associated with differences in the quality of submitted examinations performed by Sonographers. It is challenging to devise a metric that reflects all aspects of the echocardiographic evaluation of cardiovascular disease processes. It is possible that the inclusion of more examination variables in the IQS could have separated further the differences in performance between noncredentialed and credentialed Sonographers. Although the IQS may well contain some subjectivity, its assessment by experienced cardiac Sonographers, who have both clinical experience and training in assessment of submitted case studies, and Bremer’s effort
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american society of echocardiography minimum standards for the cardiac Sonographer a position paper
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2006Co-Authors: Michelle S Bierig, Donna Ehler, Margaret Knoll, Alan D WaggonerAbstract: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. Although several publications exist 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, which have placed growing educational and professional demands on cardiac Sonographers, and the fundamental vision of the American Society of Echocardiography (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 3 primary elements involved in assuring the competence of a cardiac Sonographer:
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licensure of the cardiac Sonographer an overview of issues and activities
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Judy Rosenbloom, Carol D Kraft, Cris Gresser, Anne L Dempsey, Linda D Gillam, Cristy L Davis, Elizabeth Mcilwain, Sara Ann Rutlege, Alan D WaggonerAbstract:Abstract The impact of echocardiography on the continuum of cardiovascular health care is well established. Ongoing concerns regarding costs, accessibility, quality, and appropriateness of services rendered by practitioners of echocardiography have prompted various legislative proposals and regulatory policies from government, medical professional groups, and health plans. Specifically, there continues to be a drive to enact law for licensure of Sonographers. These activities require continuing advocacy for the profession with active leadership. As part of its mission statement, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) states, "ASE strives to be a leader in public policy in order to create a favorable environment for excellence in the practice of echocardiography." As such, the ASE is committed to an increase in their interaction with legislators, payers, and policy makers. This article describes the historical perspective of state, federal, and provincial Sonographer licensure issues to provide an understanding of the political perspectives. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:1212-9.)
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guidelines for the cardiac Sonographer in the performance of contrast echocardiography recommendations of the american society of echocardiography council on cardiac sonography
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Alan D Waggoner, Donna Ehler, Cris Gresser, Judy Rosenbloom, David H Adams, Sally Moos, Julio E Perez, Pamela S DouglasAbstract:The impact of contrast agents (transpulmonary and agitated saline) on the clinical applications of echocardiography has been dramatic over the last decade.Currently, the Food and Drug Administration– approved indications for transpulmonary agents include the enhancement of left ventricular endocardial border definition.The augmentation of Doppler signals and intracardiac shunt detection can also be enhanced with the administration of contrast agents. The use of contrast agents in each of these clinical situations is well established and has become standard practice in many echocardiography laboratories.1 The development of newer agents promises to bring additional advances in the utility of contrast echocardiography, including the real-time assessment of myocardial perfusion2; coronary flow detection and flow reserve measurements3,4; the delivery of pharmacologic or genetic therapy5; and in combination with continuous ultrasonography,as a therapy for discriminatingly dissolving life-threatening blood clots.6 As these applications continue to expand, so must the role and responsibilities of the cardiac Sonographer. Contrast echocardiography requires a high level of competence and expertise, in addition to the skills frequently required in standard cardiac sonography practice, such as assisting with transesophageal echocardiography and performing stress echocardiography, interventional and/or interoperative procedures, and fetal echocardiography.7 The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) highly recommends that cardiac Sonographers take the appropriate steps to become trained in the administration of the contrast agents used in echocardiography.The Sonographer is often the first person to recognize the need for contrast, but the physician is ultimately responsible for ordering its use, which ideally should be done on a case-by-case basis. However, we recognize that there are situations in which the physician is not immediately available, and in such instances, another option might be the use of standing orders,with explicit indications listed as to when to use a contrast agent.This alternative would require active involvement of the laboratory medical director for the development of standing orders and specific protocols. The cardiac Sonographer’s role in performing contrast echocardiography consists of 4 components: 1. A thorough understanding of microbubble physics, instrumentation, and the application of cardiac ultrasonographic scanning techniques for the acquisition of high-quality images during contrast administration. 2. Recognition of the indications for use of a contrast agent for left heart-chamber border delineation, enhancement of Doppler signals, and intracardiac/intrapulmonary shunt detection. 3. Obtainment of intravenous (IV) access or evaluation of an existing IV line for administration of a contrast agent by a Sonographer. Guidelines for the Cardiac Sonographer in the Performance of Contrast Echocardiography: Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography Council on Cardiac Sonography
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The Profession of Cardiac Sonography and the Status of Professionalization of Cardiac Sonographers
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 1999Co-Authors: Alan D Waggoner, Andrea C. SkellyAbstract:Abstract The role of the cardiac Sonographer has evolved in the profession of cardiac ultrasonography to a level requiring rigorous education, training, and high standards. Although we want to consider ourselves professionals, further efforts are necessary to meet the various criteria conferring such a status. It is essential cardiac Sonographers realize these necessary steps to achieve recognition as professionals. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 1999;12:335-42.)
Gerard H A Visser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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transperineal versus transvaginal sonographic cervical length measurement in second and third trimester pregnancies
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2008Co-Authors: M Meijerhoogeveen, Philip Stoutenbeek, Gerard H A VisserAbstract:Objective To investigate the reliability of, and patient satisfaction with, transperineal cervical length measurement during the third trimester of pregnancy and to compare these with measurement during the mid-trimester, using transvaginal sonographic imaging of the cervix as a reference. Methods Women attending an outpatient clinic for cervical length measurement before 29 weeks or after 35 weeks of gestation were examined by transvaginal and transperineal ultrasound and the results compared. Preference for either method was indicated by both Sonographers and patients. Results Seventy-one patients participated in the study, 23 in the second and 48 in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was failure to obtain a clear image on transperineal ultrasound in 30% of mid-trimester pregnancies, and in 19% of third-trimester cases. Elevation of the patient's hips improved the image in five out of 10 women in whom the scan was repeated following a postural change. Transvaginal cervical length measurements could be obtained in all cases. There was a strong correlation between transvaginal and transperineal measured cervical length (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.85). Sonographers preferred transvaginal images of the cervix irrespective of whether they were obtained in the second or third trimester. Transperineal ultrasound was judged as not or mildly painful by most women, but transvaginal ultrasound was preferred. Conclusions Transvaginal ultrasound is the least painful, most feasible, and probably most accurate method with which to measure cervical length in the third trimester of pregnancy. Transperineal ultrasound is a feasible alternative, although its application in clinical practice is restricted by the need for an experienced Sonographer. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Transperineal versus transvaginal sonographic cervical length measurement in second‐ and third‐trimester pregnancies
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2008Co-Authors: M. Meijer-hoogeveen, Philip Stoutenbeek, Gerard H A VisserAbstract:Objective To investigate the reliability of, and patient satisfaction with, transperineal cervical length measurement during the third trimester of pregnancy and to compare these with measurement during the mid-trimester, using transvaginal sonographic imaging of the cervix as a reference. Methods Women attending an outpatient clinic for cervical length measurement before 29 weeks or after 35 weeks of gestation were examined by transvaginal and transperineal ultrasound and the results compared. Preference for either method was indicated by both Sonographers and patients. Results Seventy-one patients participated in the study, 23 in the second and 48 in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was failure to obtain a clear image on transperineal ultrasound in 30% of mid-trimester pregnancies, and in 19% of third-trimester cases. Elevation of the patient's hips improved the image in five out of 10 women in whom the scan was repeated following a postural change. Transvaginal cervical length measurements could be obtained in all cases. There was a strong correlation between transvaginal and transperineal measured cervical length (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.85). Sonographers preferred transvaginal images of the cervix irrespective of whether they were obtained in the second or third trimester. Transperineal ultrasound was judged as not or mildly painful by most women, but transvaginal ultrasound was preferred. Conclusions Transvaginal ultrasound is the least painful, most feasible, and probably most accurate method with which to measure cervical length in the third trimester of pregnancy. Transperineal ultrasound is a feasible alternative, although its application in clinical practice is restricted by the need for an experienced Sonographer. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sandra A Witt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Advancing Recognition of the Responsibilities of Cardiac Sonographers
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2009Co-Authors: Alan S. Pearlman, Carol D Kraft, David B. Adams, Sandra A WittAbstract:For patients undergoing echocardiographic examinations, and for physicians responsible for interpreting echocardiograms and providers of health care who order echocardiograms, the importance of the cardiac Sonographer cannot be overstated. A cardiac Sonographer is an allied health professional with special education and training who is responsible for performing and recording diagnostic echocardiograms. The cardiac Sonographer typically makes a number of measurements and calculations that are important considerations in the final diagnostic interpretation that is prepared and rendered by the physician responsible for the overall echocardiography service. Although on occasion the supervising physician will be present while the echocardiographic images and related data are being acquired and recorded, and although on some occasions the supervising physician will repeat a specific part of the examination, in the majority of echocardiographic studies, the cardiac Sonographer is the person who bears responsibility for the appropriate technical conduct and diagnostic content of the echocardiographic study. This is a significant responsibility, and an important reason why the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) considers that a cardiac Sonographer with appropriate training, skills, and experience is a critical component of high-quality echocardiography. In this issue of the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, an ASE Task Force, commissioned several years ago by ASE leadership and chaired by Carol Mitchell, PhD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R), FASE, describes the role of an Advanced Cardiovascular Sonographer (ACS). This document discusses the rationale for, educational background and training required to become, and responsibilities expected of a cardiovascular Sonographer who practices at an advanced level. In general, by virtue of his or her training and experience, an ACS would be expected to fill a number of important roles: (1) instructing less experienced cardiac Sonographers in the use of sophisticated echocardiographic technology; (2) reviewing both the study indications and the images acquired during echocardiography examinations, and assisting the performing Sonographer if additional views or data were needed; (3) educating staff about new echocardiographic technologies and methods when these are ready for incorporation into clinical use; and (4) helping to implement measures designed to enhance quality. The authors of this editorial, all of whom are experienced educators and authors of prior publications on education and training of physician echocardiographers and
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implementing microbubble contrast in the echocardiography laboratory a Sonographer s perspective
American Journal of Cardiology, 2002Co-Authors: Sandra A WittAbstract:The Sonographer is instrumental in incorporating ultrasound contrast into routine clinical use. Optimization of the ultrasound settings and image capture is the primary responsibility of the Sonographer, who is the point person of the main contrast team. The responsibilities of the Sonographer are varied and include designing a guideline-compliant laboratory environment and being familiar with contrast agents and echocardiographic equipment settings.
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Implementing microbubble contrast in the echocardiography laboratory: a Sonographer’s perspective
American Journal of Cardiology, 2002Co-Authors: Sandra A WittAbstract:The Sonographer is instrumental in incorporating ultrasound contrast into routine clinical use. Optimization of the ultrasound settings and image capture is the primary responsibility of the Sonographer, who is the point person of the main contrast team. The responsibilities of the Sonographer are varied and include designing a guideline-compliant laboratory environment and being familiar with contrast agents and echocardiographic equipment settings.
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guidelines for cardiac Sonographer education recommendations of the american society of echocardiography Sonographer training and education committee
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Donna Ehler, Dennis Carney, Ann L Dempsey, Rick Rigling, Carol D Kraft, Sandra A Witt, Thomas R Kimball, Eric Sisk, Edward A Geiser, Cris GresserAbstract:In 1992, the American Society of Echocardiographypublished a report of the Sonographer Education and Training Committee's recommendations for education of Sonographers who perform echocardiographic procedures. Since the publication of the original document, there has been continual progress in technology with the development of more sophisticated diagnostic applications that allow more information to be obtained from echocardiographic procedures. These recent changes in the clinical application of echocardiography should be included in all cardiac Sonographer education programs. The American Society of Echocardiography, a professional society that currently represents approximately 2500 cardiac Sonographers, provides these updated guidelines.
Donna Ehler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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advanced cardiovascular Sonographer a proposal of the american society of echocardiography advanced practice Sonographer task force
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2009Co-Authors: Carol Mitchell, Donna Ehler, Fletcher A Miller, Michelle S Bierig, Merri L Bremer, Timothy Hanlon, Daren Keller, Claudia E Korcarz, Judy R MangionAbstract:Echocardiographic examinations require a well-trained and competent Sonographer to obtain proper anatomic and physiologic data to establish an accurate diagnosis for clinical decision-making and patient management. Although the formal education and training of cardiovascular Sonographers are evolving, many entry-level and staff Sonographers may not have sufficient practical or clinical knowledge of the necessary components of the echocardiographic study for the individual patient's clinical presentation. In many clinical settings, echocardiograms are read after the patient has left the laboratory. Thus, there is a role for a Sonographer who can practice at an advanced level in a cardiovascular ultrasound laboratory to ensure a proper echocardiographic examination is performed on every patient. In this setting, an Advanced Cardiovascular Sonographer (ACS) would be able to review the indication for and quality of the examination. If additional images were needed, the ACS would assist the Sonographer in obtaining these images, which would lead to the performance of a complete and fully diagnostic examination before the patient had left the echocardiography laboratory. In clinical practice, the quality of the examinations performed would improve, advancements in echocardiographic methods could be taught and incorporated into daily practice, and patients would be better served. The present report is a proposal from the American Society of Echocardiography Advanced Practice Task Force that identifies the potential of cardiac Sonographers to achieve the ACS level.
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american society of echocardiography minimum standards for the cardiac Sonographer a position paper
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2006Co-Authors: Michelle S Bierig, Donna Ehler, Margaret Knoll, Alan D WaggonerAbstract: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. Although several publications exist 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, which have placed growing educational and professional demands on cardiac Sonographers, and the fundamental vision of the American Society of Echocardiography (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 3 primary elements involved in assuring the competence of a cardiac Sonographer:
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guidelines for the cardiac Sonographer in the performance of contrast echocardiography recommendations of the american society of echocardiography council on cardiac sonography
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Alan D Waggoner, Donna Ehler, Cris Gresser, Judy Rosenbloom, David H Adams, Sally Moos, Julio E Perez, Pamela S DouglasAbstract:The impact of contrast agents (transpulmonary and agitated saline) on the clinical applications of echocardiography has been dramatic over the last decade.Currently, the Food and Drug Administration– approved indications for transpulmonary agents include the enhancement of left ventricular endocardial border definition.The augmentation of Doppler signals and intracardiac shunt detection can also be enhanced with the administration of contrast agents. The use of contrast agents in each of these clinical situations is well established and has become standard practice in many echocardiography laboratories.1 The development of newer agents promises to bring additional advances in the utility of contrast echocardiography, including the real-time assessment of myocardial perfusion2; coronary flow detection and flow reserve measurements3,4; the delivery of pharmacologic or genetic therapy5; and in combination with continuous ultrasonography,as a therapy for discriminatingly dissolving life-threatening blood clots.6 As these applications continue to expand, so must the role and responsibilities of the cardiac Sonographer. Contrast echocardiography requires a high level of competence and expertise, in addition to the skills frequently required in standard cardiac sonography practice, such as assisting with transesophageal echocardiography and performing stress echocardiography, interventional and/or interoperative procedures, and fetal echocardiography.7 The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) highly recommends that cardiac Sonographers take the appropriate steps to become trained in the administration of the contrast agents used in echocardiography.The Sonographer is often the first person to recognize the need for contrast, but the physician is ultimately responsible for ordering its use, which ideally should be done on a case-by-case basis. However, we recognize that there are situations in which the physician is not immediately available, and in such instances, another option might be the use of standing orders,with explicit indications listed as to when to use a contrast agent.This alternative would require active involvement of the laboratory medical director for the development of standing orders and specific protocols. The cardiac Sonographer’s role in performing contrast echocardiography consists of 4 components: 1. A thorough understanding of microbubble physics, instrumentation, and the application of cardiac ultrasonographic scanning techniques for the acquisition of high-quality images during contrast administration. 2. Recognition of the indications for use of a contrast agent for left heart-chamber border delineation, enhancement of Doppler signals, and intracardiac/intrapulmonary shunt detection. 3. Obtainment of intravenous (IV) access or evaluation of an existing IV line for administration of a contrast agent by a Sonographer. Guidelines for the Cardiac Sonographer in the Performance of Contrast Echocardiography: Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography Council on Cardiac Sonography
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guidelines for cardiac Sonographer education recommendations of the american society of echocardiography Sonographer training and education committee
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Donna Ehler, Dennis Carney, Ann L Dempsey, Rick Rigling, Carol D Kraft, Sandra A Witt, Thomas R Kimball, Eric Sisk, Edward A Geiser, Cris GresserAbstract:In 1992, the American Society of Echocardiographypublished a report of the Sonographer Education and Training Committee's recommendations for education of Sonographers who perform echocardiographic procedures. Since the publication of the original document, there has been continual progress in technology with the development of more sophisticated diagnostic applications that allow more information to be obtained from echocardiographic procedures. These recent changes in the clinical application of echocardiography should be included in all cardiac Sonographer education programs. The American Society of Echocardiography, a professional society that currently represents approximately 2500 cardiac Sonographers, provides these updated guidelines.
Cris Gresser - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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licensure of the cardiac Sonographer an overview of issues and activities
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Judy Rosenbloom, Carol D Kraft, Cris Gresser, Anne L Dempsey, Linda D Gillam, Cristy L Davis, Elizabeth Mcilwain, Sara Ann Rutlege, Alan D WaggonerAbstract:Abstract The impact of echocardiography on the continuum of cardiovascular health care is well established. Ongoing concerns regarding costs, accessibility, quality, and appropriateness of services rendered by practitioners of echocardiography have prompted various legislative proposals and regulatory policies from government, medical professional groups, and health plans. Specifically, there continues to be a drive to enact law for licensure of Sonographers. These activities require continuing advocacy for the profession with active leadership. As part of its mission statement, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) states, "ASE strives to be a leader in public policy in order to create a favorable environment for excellence in the practice of echocardiography." As such, the ASE is committed to an increase in their interaction with legislators, payers, and policy makers. This article describes the historical perspective of state, federal, and provincial Sonographer licensure issues to provide an understanding of the political perspectives. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:1212-9.)
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guidelines for the cardiac Sonographer in the performance of contrast echocardiography recommendations of the american society of echocardiography council on cardiac sonography
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Alan D Waggoner, Donna Ehler, Cris Gresser, Judy Rosenbloom, David H Adams, Sally Moos, Julio E Perez, Pamela S DouglasAbstract:The impact of contrast agents (transpulmonary and agitated saline) on the clinical applications of echocardiography has been dramatic over the last decade.Currently, the Food and Drug Administration– approved indications for transpulmonary agents include the enhancement of left ventricular endocardial border definition.The augmentation of Doppler signals and intracardiac shunt detection can also be enhanced with the administration of contrast agents. The use of contrast agents in each of these clinical situations is well established and has become standard practice in many echocardiography laboratories.1 The development of newer agents promises to bring additional advances in the utility of contrast echocardiography, including the real-time assessment of myocardial perfusion2; coronary flow detection and flow reserve measurements3,4; the delivery of pharmacologic or genetic therapy5; and in combination with continuous ultrasonography,as a therapy for discriminatingly dissolving life-threatening blood clots.6 As these applications continue to expand, so must the role and responsibilities of the cardiac Sonographer. Contrast echocardiography requires a high level of competence and expertise, in addition to the skills frequently required in standard cardiac sonography practice, such as assisting with transesophageal echocardiography and performing stress echocardiography, interventional and/or interoperative procedures, and fetal echocardiography.7 The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) highly recommends that cardiac Sonographers take the appropriate steps to become trained in the administration of the contrast agents used in echocardiography.The Sonographer is often the first person to recognize the need for contrast, but the physician is ultimately responsible for ordering its use, which ideally should be done on a case-by-case basis. However, we recognize that there are situations in which the physician is not immediately available, and in such instances, another option might be the use of standing orders,with explicit indications listed as to when to use a contrast agent.This alternative would require active involvement of the laboratory medical director for the development of standing orders and specific protocols. The cardiac Sonographer’s role in performing contrast echocardiography consists of 4 components: 1. A thorough understanding of microbubble physics, instrumentation, and the application of cardiac ultrasonographic scanning techniques for the acquisition of high-quality images during contrast administration. 2. Recognition of the indications for use of a contrast agent for left heart-chamber border delineation, enhancement of Doppler signals, and intracardiac/intrapulmonary shunt detection. 3. Obtainment of intravenous (IV) access or evaluation of an existing IV line for administration of a contrast agent by a Sonographer. Guidelines for the Cardiac Sonographer in the Performance of Contrast Echocardiography: Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography Council on Cardiac Sonography
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guidelines for cardiac Sonographer education recommendations of the american society of echocardiography Sonographer training and education committee
Journal of The American Society of Echocardiography, 2001Co-Authors: Donna Ehler, Dennis Carney, Ann L Dempsey, Rick Rigling, Carol D Kraft, Sandra A Witt, Thomas R Kimball, Eric Sisk, Edward A Geiser, Cris GresserAbstract:In 1992, the American Society of Echocardiographypublished a report of the Sonographer Education and Training Committee's recommendations for education of Sonographers who perform echocardiographic procedures. Since the publication of the original document, there has been continual progress in technology with the development of more sophisticated diagnostic applications that allow more information to be obtained from echocardiographic procedures. These recent changes in the clinical application of echocardiography should be included in all cardiac Sonographer education programs. The American Society of Echocardiography, a professional society that currently represents approximately 2500 cardiac Sonographers, provides these updated guidelines.
