Cardiac Sonographer

EDUCATION

• Graduate from an accredited Cardiac Sonography Program.
• OR Graduation from an accredited formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or equivalent education that meets the credentialing requirement pathway

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE

Level I or II:

• RCS (CCI)-Registered Cardiac Sonographer OR ARDMS (RDCS AE for adult or RDCS PE for pediatric)
• BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider

Level III

• BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider
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Plus 2 of the following:

• RCS (CCI)-Registered Cardiac Sonographer
• ACS (CCI) - Advanced Cardiac Sonographer
• ARDMS - RDCS(AE) - Adult
• ARDMS - RDCS(PE) - Pediatric
• ARDMS - RDCS(FE) - Fetal
• ARDMS - RVT - Registered Vascular Technologist

 OR Performs one of the following:

• Acquisition and post processing high complexity 3D/4D imaging and strain imaging
• Imaging pre and post structural heart transthoracic echocardiograms
• Left ventricular Assist Device and ECMO Imaging
• Cardiac transplant patients
• Adult congenital patients
• Involvement in cardiac research projects that incorporate echocardiography
• Vascular modalities in addition to cardiac imaging
• Cardiac MRI acquisition and analysis

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AS TYPICALLY ACQUIRED IN:

• Level I - No work experience required.
• Level II - Minimum of 2 years of work experience.
• Level III - Minimum of 5 years of work experience.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE (will vary by level)

• Intermediate knowledge of diagnostic cardiac sonography principles, procedures, and views as well as the operation and maintenance of imaging equipment, including some experience responding to traumas and various hospital emergencies.
• Proficient in performing cardiac sonographic examinations with a solid understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology so as to recognize, prioritize and communicate suspicious or abnormal results.
• Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.
• Well-developed time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments and work within standardized operating procedures and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadline
• Working knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) and related information systems (Radiology (RIS), laboratory (LIS), electronic health records (EHR), EPIC, and picture archive and communication system (PACS).
• Prioritize assignments and work within standardized policies, procedures, and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
• Work independently, as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.
• Identify, evaluate and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options.
• Ensure the privacy of each patient’s PHI.
• Build collaborate relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to achieve departmental and corporate objectives.