Registered Echo Technician

Mosaic Life Care•Saint Joseph, MO

About The Position

The Registered Echo Technician works under the supervision of leadership and performs non-invasive ultrasound diagnostic procedures of the heart, including echocardiograms, transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), and stress echocardiograms. The role involves evaluating sonographic findings during examinations and obtaining sufficient diagnostic information for the physician to direct patient management and make a final diagnosis. The technician assesses patient charts and performs patient assessments related to ultrasound procedures, prepares preliminary report worksheets for physicians, starts IVs as needed, and transports patients to and from the department. The position may also include limited preventative maintenance of equipment at specified locations. Travel between system facilities and off-site locations is required as needed. The work requires precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for transducer manipulation and image acquisition; the ability to explain procedures to patients and report patient status to physicians; physical ability to reach around patients, assist patients onto a treadmill, perform CPR, and lift at least 50 pounds; and the ability to measure and analyze cardiac anatomy and physiology. The technician must visually assess echo and ECG images, hear Doppler flows, distinguish colors on a screen, understand ultrasound physics and disease status, and maintain knowledge and skill in caring for patients of all age groups. Potential hazards include exposure to blood and blood products, nuclear radiation, and needle sticks.

Requirements

Successful completion of an accredited Cardiac Ultrasound program, or equivalent work experience paired with ARDMS or CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer credentials.
Experience performing echocardiograms is preferred.
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) certification required within 1 1/2 years, or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification required within 1 1/2 years.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of employment.
Ability to travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed.
Precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for echo transducer manipulation, equipment preparation, and image acquisition.
Ability to explain test procedures to patients and report patient status to physicians.
Ability to reach and extend arms around patients, stoop, perform CPR including chest compressions, assist patients onto a treadmill, and lift at least 50 pounds.
Ability to calculate numbers and measure distances on echocardiograms; interpret and analyze cardiac anatomy and physiology; comprehend disease status; and understand ultrasound physics.
Ability to visually interpret echo and ECG images, hear Doppler flows, and distinguish colors on a TV screen.

Nice To Haves

Three months to one year of experience performing echocardiograms (Maryville-specific).

Responsibilities

Perform echocardiographic studies, stress echocardiograms, TEE, and contrast echocardiograms.
Recognize sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues, structures, and blood flow.
Adjust scanning techniques to optimize image quality and spectral waveform characteristics.
Analyze sonographic findings during examinations to complete a comprehensive study and provide sufficient data for physician management and diagnosis.
Assess patient charts and prepare preliminary report worksheets for physicians.
Perform patient assessments related to diagnostic ultrasound procedures.
Begin IVs as needed.
Transport patients to and from the department.
Perform limited preventative maintenance of equipment at the specified location.
Travel between system facilities and off-site locations as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patients in all age groups.