Echocardiographer

UPMC•Cumberland, MD

About The Position

UPMC Western Maryland is seeking an Echocardiography Sonographer to perform imaging procedures at a technical level without constant supervision. The role requires independent judgment, ingenuity, and the ability to recognize critical pathologies. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, day-shift position that includes weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations. A $10,000 sign-on bonus is available to eligible candidates in exchange for a two-year work commitment. The sonographer performs cardiac ultrasound procedures in accordance with Medical Director guidelines, department protocols, and industry standards. Procedures include transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiography, as well as echocardiography with contrast. The position also involves patient communication and care, documentation and exam processing, collaboration with physicians and colleagues, and assistance with invasive procedures as needed. The employee is expected to become able to work independently, cover off shifts and on-call responsibilities, and provide services at satellite facilities where applicable.

Requirements

Completion of formal training in an ultrasound program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is required.
Must obtain RDCS or RDMS within 12 months of hire.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Registered Cardiac Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).

Nice To Haves

RDCS, RCS, or RDMS registration or registry eligibility is preferred.
Completion of the Physics portion of the registry is preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate instructions and explain procedures to patients clearly and concisely to address fears and encourage cooperation.
Identify patients according to policy; review patient history and physician orders; apply departmental protocols; and document patient history in the electronic record as required.
Use appropriate ultrasound instrumentation and demonstrate knowledge of equipment operations, applications, and scanning techniques to optimize image data and documentation.
Interact respectfully and compassionately with patients and coworkers, and work collaboratively across departments to support efficient patient care.
Ensure completed exams are properly coded and identified for electronic processing and storage, and enter appropriate charges.
Perform cardiac ultrasound procedures according to Medical Director guidelines, established protocols, and required time frames, including transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiography and echo with contrast.
Follow system-wide and departmental values, policies, and procedures.
Develop the ability to function independently, cover off shifts and on-call responsibilities, and perform services at satellite facilities where applicable, while communicating with the lead and management team.
Assist physicians with invasive procedures as necessary and adhere to universal protocol standards.
Obtain echocardiographic images according to department policy and industry standards, including M-Mode, 2D, Doppler, Color Flow Doppler, transesophageal echo, echo enhancement, bubble and contrast studies, and stress echocardiography.