Cardiac Sonographer

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Under the direction of the echocardiography laboratory leadership, the Cardiac Sonographer I is responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies.
• Assists with complex congenital cardiac studies; works towards competency of complex congenital anatomy and physiology.
• Demonstrates knowledge of normal cardiac anatomy, physiology, and hemodynamics.
• Works towards knowledge of congenital cardiac abnormalities, cardiac pathology, and palliative/corrective congenital heart procedures.
• Collaborates with laboratory leadership to understand the diagnostic imaging necessary to answer clinical questions.
• Performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasound studies on assigned patients of all ages and across all hospital environments.
• Assists in gathering ultrasound, and other medical data necessary to allow the physician to reach a medical diagnosis.
• Shows a high capacity for critical thinking, judgement, and skill throughout the role.
• Engages leadership to ensure that equipment remains functional.
• Participates in outreach clinics, weekend, holiday coverage, and on-call services as assigned.
• Maintains records and reports on equipment, procedures performed and billing.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews indications for exam and other pertinent medical information in preparation for the echocardiogram.
• Responsible for the performance and acquisition of structurally normal cardiac ultrasound studies. Assists with complex congenital cardiac studies.
• Performs appropriate infection prevention.
• Identifies patient per policy, including an introduction and explanation of the examination process to the patient, creates a warm environment for patients and family, instructs and assists patient throughout the procedure.
• Utilizes ultrasound equipment to obtain diagnostic images on patients with anatomy ranging from normal to complex in accordance with imaging protocols.
• Presents and reviews echocardiographic studies with physician and obtains additional images as requested.
• Performs quantitative assessment of echocardiographic data in accordance with imaging protocols.
• Assists in gathering ultrasound, and other medical data necessary to allow the physician to reach a medical diagnosis
• Completes studies in an efficient manner.
• Utilizing the cardiology PACS, documents observations and quantifications made during the study for final review and interpretation by the reading physician or other qualified medical professional.
• Ensures studies are archived on the cardiology PACS network. Engages with leadership when technical issues arise.
• Assists leadership to ensure ultrasound equipment & accessories maintain functionality.
• Attends regular quality improvement meetings.

Required Education:

• Successful completion of an accredited cardiac ultrasound program.

Preferred Education:  

• Bachelor’s degree.

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), Pediatric Echocardiography (PE) credential with American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
• Registered Congenital Cardiovascular Sonographer (RCCS) credential with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Required Skills & Experience:

• Knowledge of ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation.
• Ability to interpret physician instructions and patient medical and clinical records to determine type of ultrasound procedure to be performed.
• Ability to perform echocardiography on varied patient population.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and congenital/acquired cardiac pathology as they relate to the use and interpretation of ultrasound diagnostic procedures.
• Ability to apply judgement and make informed decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with widely diverse groups, including individuals at all levels both within and outside the organization and Product their cooperation.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player.
• Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area.
• Knowledge of principles of the PACS network and/or other electronic image processing and image development systems.
• Knowledge of principles of ultrasound physics.
• Knowledge of safety principles and procedures related to ultrasound procedures and equipment.