In this episode of Sonographers After Dark, Lara sits down with Carlton Hartwell, ACS, RDCS, FASE and they dive into the evolving role of the Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) and what it truly means to move beyond scanning into leadership, education, and quality-driven practice.

While the ACS credential has been around for years, many healthcare organizations are still trying to define how to fully utilize these highly trained professionals. We explore the real-world responsibilities of the ACS—from protocol development and lab leadership to research involvement and advanced procedures like TEE.

They also break down the pathway to credentials like ACS and American Society of Echocardiography fellowship, and why these designations are becoming increasingly important in today’s echo landscape.
The conversation expands into:

• The growing need for leadership—not just technical skill—in echo labs
• The role of ACS in quality improvement, accreditation, and appropriate use
• The integration of AI in echocardiography and where human expertise still matters
• The future of echocardiography training, including immersive programs and cross-training pathways

Lara highlights innovative tools like the iHeartEcho™ EchoAssist™ app, designed to bring guideline-based clinical intelligence directly to the bedside.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s next in your career as a sonographer—or how to elevate your role within your lab—this episode is for you.

​Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite platform:
 Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio
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