Career development for sonographers begins when one makes the choice to study how ultrasound can be used to image the heart. After this initial career step, individuals enter into an educational period marked by milestones of completion of training, graduation, becoming credentialed, participating in professional societies, earning advanced recognition in societies (such as fellowship status), and practice recognition, such as being the sonographer to identify an ultrasound finding that saved a patient’s life. These are all great accomplishments and are just a few examples of steps sonographers take to develop their career over time. These accomplishments are achieved through hard work, work which comes with a strong sense of personal and professional responsibility. Employers can be supportive, but in the end, it is the hard work of the individual and the career path they plan that leads to achievement of goals. Based on personal experience and observations, the following strategies are examples of how sonographers can develop their careers.
Credentials
As sonographers, it is important to understand the value of holding an echocardiography credential either through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and is an important step in being recognized as a professional. With that being said, it is essential for sonographers to sit for their registry. This is perhaps one of the most vital early career milestones one can achieve, and, in fact, the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) has changed the Echocardiography standards to reflect that a credential must be earned within one year of employment.
Advanced Practice
Sonographers can also advance their career through advanced practice. The advanced cardiac sonographer (ACS) is a credential offered through CCI. Requirements for sitting for this examination can be found online at cci-online.org/acs . Information regarding CAAHEP accredited ACS educational programs can be found at caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx .
Advanced Practice
Sonographers can also advance their career through advanced practice. The advanced cardiac sonographer (ACS) is a credential offered through CCI. Requirements for sitting for this examination can be found online at cci-online.org/acs . Information regarding CAAHEP accredited ACS educational programs can be found at caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx .
Volunteer Opportunities-American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
There are many volunteer opportunities through the ASE that are readily accessible for sonographers. Opportunities include serving on committees, council membership, and leadership opportunities, outreach, global health scanning, teaching, and professional speaking at national meetings. The ASE forum is a useful tool for communication and may provide information that is beneficial for career development; it is also a great informal opportunity to be a mentor for others. Members are also encouraged to check out the ASE Mentor Match program ( https://(connect.asecho.org/mentoring ). The ASE Mentor Match program was developed this past year with the main goal of matching mentors and mentees to facilitate sharing information regarding all aspects of echocardiography and career development.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
