Echo Technician Non-Registered

HCA Healthcare•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Echo/Cardiac Ultrasound Technologist works under the direction of the Non-Invasive Cardiology Manager or designee to perform physician-ordered diagnostic cardiac examinations using non-invasive cardiac technology. The role includes echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs), carotid imaging, tilt-table testing, and related examinations in accordance with hospital standards and practices. The technologist operates, troubleshoots, cleans, stores, and maintains diagnostic equipment; documents accurately according to hospital policies; and communicates relevant information promptly to members of the patient care team. Candidates must meet one of the stated registry-eligibility pathways or hold the specified credentials. The employee must complete initial and ongoing training and competencies defined by the service line, facility, and department for the patient population served. The position requires technical proficiency in echocardiography, stress echocardiography, TEEs, carotid imaging, and support of tilt-table testing. The technologist also maintains patient reports and exam data, performs high-level disinfection when required, takes scheduled call, supports the Cardiology PACS system and disaster recovery procedures, and helps maintain department supply levels. The role includes following safety policies, complying with the MHS Code of Conduct, and supporting the mission and goals of the Methodist Healthcare System.

Requirements

Meet one of the listed registry-eligibility pathways: associate degree or two-year patient-care-related allied health program plus one year of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular ultrasound experience; graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic cardiac sonography, or vascular technology program; bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent plus six months of full-time clinical ultrasound/vascular experience; bachelor’s degree in sonography or vascular technology; current RCS, RCCS, or RVS through CCI; high school diploma or GED plus two years of full-time on-the-job cardiac or vascular ultrasound experience; or graduation from a non-accredited cardiac medical sonography program with at least one year of specialty training, including 800 clinical hours.
Meet the stated registration requirements: Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI and ARDMS registration in an applicable RDCS category (Adult, Fetal, and/or Pediatric) or RDMS-FE, as applicable to the patient population served.
Complete initial and ongoing training and competencies specified by the service line, facility, and department.
Demonstrate technical proficiency in echocardiography, stress echocardiography, TEEs, and carotid imaging.
Demonstrate basic diagnostic equipment troubleshooting, cleaning, storage, and maintenance skills.
Communicate effectively with patients and members of the patient care team and maintain accurate documentation.
Take scheduled departmental call.

Responsibilities

Obtain a signed physician order and patient consent for each exam; prioritize STAT orders appropriately and explain procedures to patients without discussing clinical findings.
Ensure equipment operates properly during exams and perform basic troubleshooting, cleaning, storage, and preventative maintenance.
Perform adult and, where applicable, pediatric echocardiograms using 2-D, M-mode, color Doppler, pulsed-wave Doppler, and continuous-wave Doppler; obtain measurements and views needed for complete studies and additional views when clinically useful.
Perform exercise and chemical stress echocardiography, acquiring images for evaluation of wall-motion abnormalities.
Set up equipment and supplies for TEEs, assist the cardiologist with probe insertion as directed, record requested data, and clean and disinfect the probe immediately after the procedure according to departmental policy.
Assist with head-up tilt-table testing, including patient preparation, confirming NPO status, transport, electrode and blood-pressure cuff placement, confirming a patent saline lock, arranging monitoring and lab draws as needed, and remaining with the patient to assist under RN direction.
Perform carotid imaging with color and pulsed-wave Doppler, obtaining required images and measurements for both carotids.
Maintain patient reports and exam records according to hospital policy, including retrieving prior reports and images, presenting images to the correct reading physician, communicating requests, entering charges in Meditech, performing database and operating-system backups, reviewing error logs, modifying hemodynamic-monitoring data fields, and storing archived exam data properly.
Perform high-level disinfection according to established policies and procedures when required.
Take call as scheduled by the department Director or designee.
Assist the Cardiology PACS Administrator with disaster recovery procedures for Image Archive Servers and serve as a resource to physicians and staff for the Cardiology PACS system.
Order department supplies as directed and maintain PAR levels to meet patient needs.
Follow system and facility safety policies, use appropriate safety equipment and procedures, report unsafe conditions, and consult supervisors when safety procedures are unclear.
Adhere to the MHS Code of Conduct, demonstrate ethical behavior, report suspected violations, support the Methodist Healthcare System’s mission and goals, and complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine plans
Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
Paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence
401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay, based on years of service
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Flexible spending accounts
Preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling
Tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
Fertility and family-building benefits
Adoption assistance
Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans
Auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts