November 2005

ASE believes that there are three primary elements involved in assuring the competence of a cardiac sonographer: 1) 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. 2) Technical Competence: A cardiac sonographer must demonstrate and document technical competence in the performance of those types of echocardiographic examinations that the sonographer performs. 3) Continuing Education: A cardiac sonographer must maintain his or her skills through participation in appropriate continuing education