Summary of Training Requirements for Performance and Interpretation of Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography
Recommendations from COCATS 4 Task Force 5: Training in Echocardiography
| Level | Duration of Training∗ (Months) | Cumulative Duration∗ of Training (Months) | Minimal No. of TTE Examinations Performed | Minimal No. of TTE Examinations Interpreted | TEE and Special Procedures |
| I | 3 | 3 | 75 | 150 | Yes† |
| II | 3 | 6 | 150 (75 Add) | 300 (150 Add) | Yes‡ |
| III | 3 | at least 9 | 300 (150 Add) | 750 (450 Add) | Yes |
∗Typical duration assuming acceptable progress toward milestones and demonstrated competency.
†Exposure to TEE and other special procedures.
‡Completion of Level II and additional special training are needed to achieve full competence in TEE and other special procedures.
Add = additional; TEE = transesophageal echocardiography; TTE = transthoracic echocardiography.
The writing committee was selected to represent the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and included a cardiovascular training program director, an echocardiography training program director, early-career echocardiography experts, highly experienced specialists practicing in both the academic and community-based practice settings, and physicians experienced in defining and applying training standards according to the 6 general competency domains promulgated by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and endorsed by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
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