Advanced Cardiovascular Sonography

Occupation Description

An advanced cardiovascular sonographer (ACS) is a highly skilled professional qualified by education, experience, and certification. The ACS works directly under physician supervision, applying clinical knowledge to the echocardiography examination to ensure that all information is obtained from the exam to answer the clinical question.

Job Description

The ACS professional renders a unique and essential service beyond technical performance. The role of an ACS includes the following but is not limited to assisting staff sonographers during routine and complex echo exams to ensure necessary data is acquired according to patient clinical history and presentation; reviewing studies and providing a preliminary report to the interpreting physician; providing in-service education for staff sonographers on applications to be incorporated in echo exams, and establishes quality assurance measures to maintain the highest standards of care of a lab by closely monitoring sonographers’ performance and training needs.

Employment Characteristics

Advanced cardiovascular sonographers (ACS) may be employed in hospitals, as well as employees of a group practice. They typically work during the weekdays but depending on the needs of the practice may work alternative shifts. Patients will be better served by echocardiography labs using the services of Advanced Cardiovascular Sonographers (ACS) who have the education, training, and experience to review echocardiographic examinations and provide more consistent measurements and potentially accurate cardiac diagnostic information for interpreting physicians. Clinical practice will be enhanced by improvements to the quality of the examinations and by the availability of professionals who can assist with the teaching and incorporation of advancements in the field into daily practice.

Education Programs

Length: Programs are generally 16-18 months, depending on the program design, objectives, prerequisites, and student qualifications. Certificate programs must ensure that the graduates have obtained or will obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and a cardiac sonography or vascular specialist/technologist entry-level technical credential upon completion of the program. Prerequisites. Prerequisites vary depending on the length and design of the program. The student entering the program should hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent educational credits) and a sonographer credential (RDCS/RCS). Curriculum. The curriculum for an ACS will include advanced cardiovascular hemodynamics/physiology/pathophysiology; acquired heart disease in the adult; surgical and medical options, new ultrasound technologies, including contract agents, comparative imaging analysis; research methods and biostatics, pharmacology; curriculum and instruction for the adult learner; and a clinical internship.

Certification/Registration Organization(s)

For information on the National Certification Examination, visit Cardiovascular Credentialing International Website: www.cci-online.org

Careers/Curriculum

Before embarking on your allied health journey, delve into the essential requirements of your desired profession. Understanding the certification, registration, or licensure process will help you select the right education program and confidently pursue your career goals. The following organization(s) can assist you in becoming an allied health professional: American Society of Echocardiography 919-861-5574 Website: www.asecho.org Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 301-738-8401/800-541-9754 Website: www.sdms.org

For information on the National Certification Examination, visit Cardiovascular Credentialing International Website: www.cci-online.org