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This document is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions about the Diagnostic POCUS Certificate Program. Whether you're just getting started or looking for clarification on specific topics, you'll find helpful information here to support your learning journey. If your question isn't covered, don't hesitate to reach out to the course team at pocus@asahq.org for further assistance.
The program offers a comprehensive learning experience to build your skills in point-of-care ultrasound for cardiac, lung, gastric, and FAST exams. You’ll showcase your prior training in POCUS (we will provide access if you have no prior training), complete 140 exams (10% reviewed by your mentor), work through 160 interactive case-based exercises to interpret real ultrasound clips and apply findings to clinical decision-making. To earn your certificate, you’ll also pass an online assessment for each organ system, ensuring you’re confident and competent in POCUS practice. You’ll be able to claim a maximum amount of 60 CME if you complete the full program. You can claim partial credit at the end of each organ system section. Each organ system section will award badges and (if claimed), a CME certificate that illustrates all the hard work you accomplished within that section of the program.
This program helps you build practical ultrasound skills and clinical confidence. Through hands-on scanning and case-based interpretation, you’ll learn to acquire quality images and apply findings to real-world decision-making. These skills enhance your ability to diagnose quickly and accurately, leading to better-informed treatment choices and improved patient care.
The Diagnostic POCUS Certificate Program can take up to 60 hours to complete. The expiration date is listed in your Accreditation, Disclosure and Credit Information within the resources section of your product. If you need help finding the expiration date, please contact the ASA POCUS Team at pocus@asahq.org for assistance.
To complete the Diagnostic POCUS Certificate Program, you’ll conduct 140 ultrasound exams:
At least 10% of these exams must be reviewed by a mentor to ensure image quality. If you have a qualified mentor at your institution who is willing to guide you, you can enroll in the Local Mentor version. If not, choose the ASA Faculty version, where ASA mentors will provide the required reviews.
To help you determine which option is right for you, we’ve created a short quiz outlining mentor qualifications and guiding your selection. Begin Quiz!
At least 10% of your 140 exams must be reviewed by a mentor to ensure image quality. See qualifications below:
Lung Ultrasound – Must meet one of the following:
Gastric Ultrasound – Must meet one of the following:
Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) – Must meet one of the following:
FAST/Abdominal Free Fluid – Must meet one of the following:
No. This certificate does not automatically grant clinical privileges at any hospital. Each hospital or institution sets its own credentialing requirements for granting diagnostic POCUS privileges.
No. Once you’ve claimed your Certificate of Completion, it’s yours for good—it never expires.
Credentials: Documents that show you’ve completed training or demonstrated proficiency in a skill. Examples include board certifications. Credentials can be issued by local or national organizations.
Credentialing: The process of verifying your qualifications, typically done at the hospital or institutional level.
Privileging: The act of a hospital granting you the rights to perform specific types of care, based on its own requirements. This also happens at the local/hospital level.
If you still have questions, please email the ASA POCUS Team at pocus@asahq.org.
Date of last update: February 26, 2026
You do not have to make a payment at this time, but you can reach out to your practice/group leader to find out when they plan to pay your dues. Email or call the ASA Support team for assistance: (630) 912-2552 or info@asahq.org.
