In 2007, ASE sponsored a sonographer needs survey which indicated that 94% of respondents were interested in acquiring information about an educational program providing advanced cardiovascular sonography curriculum, and that 86% of respondents were interested in returning to school to become an advanced cardiovascular sonographer. Since this time, ASE has heard the call to action and supported the development of a new career ladder for sonographers.
An ASE Advanced Cardiovascular Sonographer Task Force published a paper in 2009 describing the definition, role and education required for one to become credentialed as an Advanced Cardiovascular Sonographer (ACS). The role of the ACS was outlined as being different from that of a technical director, lead or manager. Rather than having administrative responsibilities as a core component, persons functioning in the ACS role would primarily “(1) teach staff sonographers who are less experienced with current technology how to assess cases that require the use of specific echocardiographic methods; (2) review studies that have been performed by staff sonographers; (3) provide in-service education for staff sonographers concerning new methods that are to be incorporated into the echocardiographic examination; and (4) ensure that the necessary echocardiographic data are obtained for the patient on the basis of the clinical history and presentation.” Because, among other items, the role is not primarily technical acquisition of echocardiographic images, it is recognized as a separate profession which “(1) renders a unique and essential service; (2) requires a rigorous education and training program to prepare its practitioners; (3) achieves self-regulatory status for both the group and individual; and (4) establishes high standards for member selection.”
In April of 2011, the Committee on the Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) was petitioned by ASE’s Advanced Cardiovascular Sonography (ACS) Task Force to recognize Advanced Cardiovascular Sonography (ACS) as a new profession and provide accreditation to programs to provide the educational curriculum necessary. Since this time, a Committee on Accreditation for the ACS was developed under the umbrella of CAAHEP, with ASE as the sponsoring organization. The standards for programs applying for accreditation are expected to be released in 2012, with programs being allowed to apply and subsequently provide accredited educational curriculum for the ACS.
What is an Advanced Cardiovascular Sonographer (ACS)?
The ACS is a career pathway for sonographers which includes advanced education and internship above and beyond the minimum of criteria for receiving a credential. There are sonographers working across the country with the job description of “ultrasound practitioner” or “advanced cardiac sonographer.” The educational curriculum accredited through CAAHEP helps to standardize the educational background and requirements for becoming an ACS and provides the knowledge base and internship to fully perform in this role.
Sonographers currently working under the job description of “ultrasound practitioner” or “advanced cardiac sonographer” usually receive the compensation one to two pay grades above the “credentialed with experience” sonographer level. Although neither ASE or CAAHEP can dictate job descriptions or pay ranges (as this is more often dictated by needs and local factors), the ACS level sonographer will be involved less in the daily performance of a required number of echocardiograms, and more in the review of studies performed by staff sonographers and serving as a resource for difficult, congenital or advanced image acquisition. Other duties might include teaching, research, or technology implementation. Additionally, this role is not meant to replace that of physicians by providing interpretive reports or to compete with physicians for reimbursement of services. Rather, people currently working in this role complement the work of physicians and make physician services more efficient.
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