Cardiac Sonographer (Echo Tech)

• POSITION PURPOSE
  • Performs echocardiograms, stress echoes and TEES at the request of the ordering physician
    Skilled in the interpretation of echocardiography for the purpose of creating a preliminary report to be read by the cardiologist.
• MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED
  • Completion of accredited Echocardiographic school (CAAHEP accredited program)
• MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
  • No experience required
  • 1 to 3 years’ experience preferred
• LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
  • RDCS or CCI registered 
  • Current BLS and/or CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
  • Demonstrated proficiency in performing Echocardiograms preferred.
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology and clerical function related to scheduling, order entry, record keeping and interaction with patients.
  • Ability to read, write, hear, and speak the English language fluently.
  • Must be able to demonstrate competence with all associated equipment used.
  • Demonstrate knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of the heart.
  • Ability to perform under stress when confronted with emergent, urgent, unusual, or dangerous situations, or situations in which work speed and sustained attention are necessary.
• PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Explains echocardiogram procedure, including the details of the exam and duration of the test
    Answers logistical questions without giving preliminary results and provides ambulatory and check-out assistant to patients, always keeping in mind patient safety.
  • Positions patients, applies ultrasound gels and electrodes, connects and adjusts equipment and verifies accurate ECG.
  • Produces high-quality echocardiographic images in adherence to facility protocol and IAC standards
    Accurately positions transducer to get on-axis US images
    Optimizes 2D images by adjusting depth, focus, TGCs, gain, frequency, etc
    Optimizes color and spectral Doppler by adjusting color gain, PRF, color box, sweep speed, etc.
  • Acquires 2-3 beat acquisitions of cardiac structures
    Produces measurements of cardiac wall thickness, chamber size, ejection fraction, diastolic parameters and hemodynamics, including, but not limited to direction of flow, velocity and pressure gradients.
  • Reviews previous echocardiogram images and results to compare to most recent images and measurements for a comparative evaluation.
  • Observes and adheres to hospital policies and protocols.
  • Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by following established procedures to safeguard confidential information.
  • Participates in IAC meeting and quarterly QA requirements.
  • Stays current with CME requirements and yearly license renewal.
  • Performs basic maintenance checks on machine and reports if there are any problems, checks inventory of supplies, and replenishes stock as needed.
  • Reviews inpatient and outpatient physician orders and medical reasoning for the exam, prints and reviews old echocardiograms of the patient
    Reviews daily schedule of patients being performed and plans day accordingly.
  • Assists cardiologists and anesthesiologists with transesophageal echocardiograms in the outpatient and inpatient settings.
  • Proficient in stress echocardiography, including dobutamine stress and treadmill stress echocardiograms.
  • Uses Definity contrast when appropriate, explains the need for its use to the patient.
  • Performs bubble study (saline contrast) with the aid of an RN, when appropriate.
  • Displays positive communication skills, able to successfully interact with staff, continually demonstrates courtesy to patients
    Able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Froedtert South is a comprehensive regional healthcare system that has served southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois communities for more than 100 years
Froedtert South provides services primarily through the Froedtert Kenosha Hospital and the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital and several other clinic locations


Froedtert South is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Froedtert South does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law
All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.