Echocardiography Certification
Echocardiography is a branch of cardiovascular technology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Cardiovascular technology is a noninvasive way to produce pictures of a patient's internal organs and systems without entering the body. With echocardiography, technologists focus on producing pictures of a patient's heart. There are various certifications offered for people interested in specializing in this field.
Other People Are Reading
-
Certification Options
-
The National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) offers seven certifications in various types of echocardiography, including transthoracic 2-D and Doppler echocardiography interpretation alone; transesophageal echocardiography; transthoracic plus transesophageal echocardiography; transthoracic plus stress echocardiography; comprehensive (which involves the previously mentioned three); advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography; and basic perioperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Eligibility
-
To be eligible for any of the seven certification options, there are basic requirements that you must meet before you can take the examination. According to the NBE, you must also hold a current medical license when you submit your application as well as be currently certified by a medical board. You also must have a current medical board certification, with training in both cardiovascular disease and echocardiography, as of April 2010. After you've been deemed eligible, you may take the test.
-
Examination
-
The examination for certification is extensive. As of April 2010, the test has two main areas: a patient case and multiple-choice questions. The patient case may last 1½ hours, while each of the three multiple-choice sections are approximately an hour long. The multiple-choice questions cover 20 areas, including ultrasound, Doppler ultrasounds, transducers and imaging. It also covers cardiomyopathies (both hypertrophic obstructive and dilated or restricted) and the assessment of heart valves in perioperative.
Notes on the Test
-
To take the test for certification in echocardiography, you can't just walk into a testing center. You must first be granted permission to take the test by the NBE. It will issue a scheduling permit. The NBE recommends that you schedule to take the test immediately after the permit. You should also confirm your test reservation a week before you're scheduled to take it. On the day of the test, show up 30 minutes early with your permit and government-issued identification.
Recertification
-
After receiving your certification, you must maintain it through recertification. As of April 2010, to be eligible for recertification, your initial certification must have been granted within 10 years of your recertification application and you must still hold a medical license. Also, you must have maintained your echocardiography skills and education. Finally, after demonstrating all of the eligibility requirements, you must pass a recertification test from the NBE.
-
References
- Photo Credit beim kinderarzt image by Anja Greiner Adam from Fotolia.com
