Echocardiographer

Echocardiographer

The Echocardiographer (cardiac sonographer) is responsible for obtaining high quality recordings of ultrasound images of the heart and related structures for the cardiologist who will interpret the examination. This is a technical position requiring a highly skilled operator with knowledge of the various types of ultrasound procedures. Work situations require clinical interpretive knowledge, independent judgment, initiative, and ingenuity in performing procedures. External contacts include patients, family members, and physicians. Internal contacts are basically within the work group.

Responsibilities:

• Performs echocardiographic studies on patients
• Completes the echocardiography worksheet with quantitative calculations, measurements, and descriptive information acquired while performing the study on each patient
• Performs clerical procedures, to include scheduling, answering phones, filing, notification of interpreting cardiologists, preliminary report circulation, material stocking, data basing, and charging
• Performs cleaning and maintenance of ultrasound and other equipment
• Knowledge of and a thorough understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound and ultrasound systems
• Knowledge of cardiac abnormalities in order to produce diagnostic echocardiograms
• Skill in the performance of the technique so as to produce complete anatomic and functional information for the interpreting cardiologist
• Skill in making quantitative calculations from echocardiograph data obtained while performing the study
• Skill in interacting and communicating with fellow employees, physicians and patients
• Skill in the techniques of CPR
• Skill in good oral, written and interpersonal communication, grammar and spelling
• Ability to perform routine quality checks on ultrasound equipment
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to set priorities and use good judgment
• Ability to share on-call hours evening and weekends and be able to work overtime in emergency situations

Requirements:

• Registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Cardiovascular Credentialing International; or
• Must be currently enrolled or have completed an ultrasound technology training program and obtain the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Cardiovascular Credentialing International within 12 months from hire into the position
• Previous experience as an Echocardiographer preferred
• Current BLS required