Echo Tech

Department/Unit:
Non-Invasive Cardiology

Work Shift:
Day (United States of America)

Salary Range:
$70,068.00 - $108,605.00

The Echocardiogram Technician functions as a cardiac sonographer who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising physician, serves as a medical imaging professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of patients by using sophisticated ultrasound technology to produce detailed images of the heart. The Echocardiogram Technician role and responsibilities include providing diagnostic cardiac sonography services. The Echocardiogram Technician activities are performed consistent with their education and training, and in accordance with the hospitals policies and procedures and applicable professional standards. The Echocardiogram Technician should be able to perform all adult cardiac ultrasounds for both outpatient and inpatient bedside exams throughout the facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform echocardiogram testing and procedures in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography standards.
• Conduct patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic cardiac ultrasound examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols.
• Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct echocardiography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization and patient safety protocols, policies and procedures.
• Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination.
• Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information.
• Use proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Use strong technical skills to operate and troubleshoot echocardiography equipment.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with current HIPPA standards.
• Relay any incidental findings that might impact patient care and provide that information to the interpreting physician.
• Maintain continuing education credits for annual recertification and Intersocietal Accreditation Commission purposes.
• Works with all echo and respiratory students, as well as cardiology, pulmonary and anesthesia fellows to help facility training in echo.
• Develops and achieves annual departmental goals and assigned organizational objectives, which support the system goals and mission statement.
• Assists in the development of evidence-based departmental and program goals and works collaboratively with the department chairs and practice medical directors for faculty sites.
• Facilitates departmental plans to achieve overall goals of the organization, and participates in identification of indicators to measure accomplishments of strategic plan.
• Supports and communicates the organizational plan to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.
• Provides assistance to ensure long term objectives are achieved efficiently and successfully, and willingness to be flexible and make modifications to revise plans as needed.
• Maintains all policies, procedures, and systems in compliance with regulatory standards; specifically, AOTA and APTA and NYS licensure requirements.
• Encourage continuous learning to expand personal and organizational growth.
• Participates in the education of current and new employees, and serves as a positive role model/positive influence to other staff members.
• Has acquired basic Lean strategies and understands the influence it can have on department/organization.
• Follows proper chain of command for conflict resolution, and consistently demonstrates sound judgement and seeks guidance as needed.
• Demonstrates and educates others of safe patient handling, and safe use of equipment.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree of an approved sonography education program - required
• Bachelor's Degree of an approved sonography education program - required
• 1-3 years of experience in a clinical setting - required
• Must be proficient in all modalities of Adult Echocardiography including 2-D, 3-D, M-mode, CW/PW and color Doppler, tissue Doppler, strain, Definity and bubble studies.
• Must be able to perform stress, dobutamine and transesophageal echocardiograms, as well as protocols for ECMO, LVAD and Impella.
• Must be able to perform structural heart echocardiograms post procedure in the Cath Lab including TAVR, mitral clips, Watchman's and PFO closure devices.
• Must be able to perform echocardiogram protocols for all chemotherapy, amyloid, sarcoid and Covid patients.
• Must have detailed knowledge of ultrasound physics, cross-sectional cardiac anatomy and Doppler techniques to perform independent procedures to Cardiologist standards.
• Must be able to communicate with the medical/technical personnel and patients in an appropriate manner.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and healthcare software.
• Must be able to complete the competency-based orientation tool to administer ultrasound enhancing agents.
• Stay updated with advancements in cardiac sonography techniques and equipment.
• ARDCS - Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer Upon Hire - required
• RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer Upon Hire - required

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Physical Demands

• Standing - Constantly
• Walking - Constantly
• Sitting - Rarely
• Lifting - Frequently
• Carrying - Frequently
• Pushing - Occasionally
• Pulling - Occasionally
• Climbing - Occasionally
• Balancing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Frequently
• Kneeling - Frequently
• Crouching - Frequently
• Crawling - Occasionally
• Reaching - Frequently
• Handling - Frequently
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Constantly
• Talking - Constantly
• Hearing - Constantly
• Repetitive Motions - Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Constantly
• Hazards - Frequently
• Temperature Change - Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
• Vibration - Rarely

Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical Center!

Albany Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.