A Cardiovascular Technician or Technologist uses imaging technology and other procedures to diagnose cardiac (heart) and vascular (blood vessel) problems in patients. Works closely with cardiologists and medical sonographers. Works in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
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 90 days 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.
