JOB SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Director of Cardiopulmonary, the Echocardiograph Technologist provides direct patient care and diagnostic imaging services using high-frequency sound waves and non-invasive cardiovascular testing equipment to evaluate cardiac structure and function. This position performs diagnostic cardiac ultrasound procedures in accordance with physician orders, Joint Commission standards, departmental policies, IAC/ICAEL laboratory protocols, and established professional guidelines. The Echocardiograph Technologist works collaboratively with cardiologists and other clinical staff to support the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac conditions, including valve disorders, heart failure, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular concerns. Responsibilities include obtaining high-quality diagnostic images, performing accurate measurements and hemodynamic assessments, assisting with specialized cardiac procedures, maintaining equipment and supplies, following patient safety and infection prevention standards, and supporting efficient departmental operations. The Echocardiograph Technologist exercises independent judgment, technical expertise, and professional communication to promote quality patient care, strong clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and excellent customer service.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
Diagnostic Imaging and Procedure Performance
- Positions patients and selects appropriate anatomic and technical parameters to independently perform high-quality echocardiographic examinations in accordance with IAC/ICAEL laboratory protocols, physician orders, departmental standards, and established professional guidelines.
- Performs transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), stress echocardiography studies, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) support procedures, and other cardiac ultrasound procedures accurately, safely, and efficiently.
- Uses non-invasive cardiovascular imaging techniques to evaluate heart valves, chambers, blood vessels, cardiac structure, and cardiac function.
- Obtains complete diagnostic image sets, accurate measurements, hemodynamic assessments, data analysis, and patient information necessary for physician interpretation.
- Recognizes abnormalities, abnormal rhythms, or changes in patient condition and promptly notifies the physician, cardiologist, supervisor, or appropriate clinical staff as required.
- Exercises sound clinical judgment to determine whether images and procedures are sufficient for diagnostic interpretation or whether additional imaging is needed.
Patient Preparation, Care, and Safety
- Obtains relevant patient history, explains procedures, addresses patient questions or concerns, and follows established pre-screening policies and procedures.
- Verifies patient identity and examination orders before performing procedures.
- Prepares patients for echocardiography procedures, positions patients appropriately for the prescribed examination, and assists patients safely at the completion of the procedure.
- Arranges immobilization and support devices as needed to ensure proper positioning, patient comfort, and optimal image quality.
- Monitors the patient’s physical condition throughout the procedure and reports changes in status or emergency situations to clinical staff, the supervisor, and/or the cardiologist.
- Uses established patient safety, infection prevention, and standard precaution practices while maintaining patient dignity, comfort, privacy, and confidentiality.
Specialized Procedures and Contrast Administration
- Assists cardiologists with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), stress imaging studies, and other specialized cardiac imaging procedures.
- Prepares equipment, patients, procedure rooms, and supplies to support safe, efficient, and timely examinations.
- Recognizes the need for contrast-enhanced imaging based on established laboratory criteria.
- Administers ultrasound contrast agents only when appropriately trained, credentialed, and verified as competent in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulatory requirements.
- Monitors patients during contrast administration and reports adverse reactions according to departmental procedures.
- Maintains competency and follows established protocols for specialized cardiac imaging procedures.
Equipment Operation, Quality Control, and Infection Prevention
- Operates ultrasound systems, cardiovascular testing equipment, information systems, and department databases proficiently.
- Enters required demographic, examination, and procedure information accurately and completely.
- Performs required equipment quality control testing, calibration, and documentation in accordance with institutional and laboratory requirements.
- Maintains imaging equipment in proper working condition and reports malfunctions promptly.
- Troubleshoots equipment issues, documents errors or equipment malfunctions, and escalates concerns to the engineer, supervisor, and/or cardiologist as appropriate.
- Cleans and disinfects ultrasound equipment, including TEE probes, according to laboratory-approved infection prevention protocols, manufacturer guidelines, and regulatory standards.
Documentation, Department Operations, and Compliance
- Maintains accurate patient documentation, including computerized documentation and required procedure records.
- Records procedure codes and supporting information for billing and departmental reporting purposes.
- Maintains adequate inventory of supplies needed for efficient departmental operations and assists with supply monitoring and purchase quantity recommendations.
- Schedules patients and performs general office or department support duties as needed.
- Participates in quality improvement, accreditation readiness, continuing education, and departmental performance improvement activities.
- Ensures proper care, use, and maintenance of equipment and supplies while promoting workplace safety and continuous improvement.
- Performs duties within the scope of education, training, competency, organizational policies, facility requirements, and applicable local, state, and federal guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
