Sonographer Cardiac

Qualifications

Education Required: Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Cardiovascular Technology.

Experience

Required:

No experience required. Completion and certification from an AMA approved program in Cardiovascular technology, which includes echocardiography if acceptable credential not already obtained. Previous experience performing cardiovascular ultrasound procedures (which may include completion of an echocardiography internship with a minimum of 400 hours). Ability to perform echo cardiographic services and procedures in various modalities (site specific). May be hired within 90 days prior to completion of an Echocardiography program if internship hours are completed.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required: Ability to work independently. Knowledge and ability to apply ultrasonic principles and instrumentation and Doppler echo cardiographic technique. Knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints. Acceptance of call coverage assignments if applicable. Works well with ancillary departments (stress lab, EF, surgery, nursing floors, etc). Participates in professional development and contribution to a CQI atmosphere.

Licensure, Registration And/or Certification

Required:

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 1 year, or Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS~AE) registration with Adult Echo issued by the ARDMS needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Physical Requirements And

Working Conditions:

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Incumbent may be exposed to blood/body fluids or isolation precautions. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Performs optimal quality echo cardiographic studies on adult patients with known and or suspected cardiac anomalies. These studies may include the following modalities: M-mode, 2-Dimensional Echocardiography, Color Doppler, Transesophageal Echocardiography (including intraoperative TEE), Exercise Stress Echocardiography, Pharmacological Stress Echocardiography and Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography.

• Responsible for obtaining and recording accurate, high quality echo cardiographic scans of the heart for the purpose of identifying the presence or absence of cardiac abnormalities.
• Calculation of accurate measurements of cardiac structures, utilizing both online and offline analysis systems, during the various testing modalities ordered by the physician.
• Proficiency in the operation of the ultrasound equipment (i.e., proper transducer selection, pre and post processing settings, 2D and Doppler gain settings).
• Communicates with the Cardiologist on echo cardiographic studies discussing any questions regarding each patient study as required.
• Ability to recognize acquired cardiac malformations and provide the appropriate echocardiographi