Job Title: Echocardiographer / Echo Technician (Cardiac Sonographer)
Department: Cardiology – Medical Department
Reports To: Chief Medical Officer
Location: Shasta County - Redding
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: [ ☒ Full-time / ☐ Part-time ]
INDIAN PREFERENCE
Indian Preference in hiring is given to Greenville Rancheria Tribal Members, and qualified American Indians in accordance with the Indian Preference Act, Title 25, U.S. Code Sections 472 & 473.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Echocardiographer (Cardiac Sonographer/Echo Tech) is responsible for obtaining high-quality ultrasound recordings of the heart and related structures for interpretation by the cardiologist. This is a technical position requiring a highly skilled operator with a thorough knowledge of ultrasound physics, cardiac anatomy and physiology, and the various types of echocardiographic procedures. The Echocardiographer performs non-invasive cardiac ultrasound examinations following American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines, ensuring accurate, complete, and diagnostic studies while providing compassionate, age-appropriate patient care.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical / Diagnostic
· Perform transthoracic echocardiograms (2-D, M-Mode, pulsed-wave and continuous-wave Doppler, color-flow Doppler, tissue Doppler, and strain imaging) to ASE and laboratory standards.
· Perform stress echocardiograms (treadmill and pharmacologic/Dobutamine) and acquire post-exercise images within benchmark time standards.
· Assist the physician in the performance of transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) and contrast/bubble studies as required.
· Review patient records and clinical history prior to each examination; tailor the exam to maximize diagnostic value while minimizing patient discomfort.
· Accurately position patients and adjust equipment settings to obtain complete anatomic and functional images of the heart and related structures.
· Recognize cardiac abnormalities and pathology during the study to ensure complete image acquisition for diagnostic interpretation by the reading cardiologist.
· Complete the echocardiography worksheet with quantitative calculations, measurements, and descriptive findings for each study, and report pertinent findings or changes in patient condition to the physician.
Patient Care & Safety
· Provide quality patient care considering the age-specific, developmental, physiological, emotional, and cultural needs of each patient.
· Explain procedures to patients, address concerns, and ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the examination.
· Monitor patient status during procedures and respond appropriately to changes in condition.
· Follow all infection-control, cleanliness, and safety policies and regulations.
Equipment & Documentation
· Operate, troubleshoot, clean, and maintain ultrasound equipment; perform quality-control checks and report malfunctions.
· Retrieve orders from and accurately input examination data into the electronic medical record (EMR).
· Perform related clerical duties, including scheduling, answering phones, notification of interpreting cardiologists, preliminary report circulation, supply stocking, data entry, and charge capture.
· Maintain adequate sonographic and departmental supplies.
Professional / Departmental
· Adhere to Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC/ICAEL) echocardiography laboratory accreditation standards.
· Maintain the confidentiality of all information pertaining to patients, physicians, employees, and visitors, in compliance with HIPAA.
· Participate in department performance-improvement and quality-assurance activities.
· Maintain competencies and complete continuing education to retain registry/credential status.
· This position requires an awareness and keen appreciation of American Indian traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs and the ability at all-times to meet and deal effectively in contact with Indian Health organizations which requires tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and good judgment in handling functions of a sensitive nature.
· Perform all other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Credentials
· Graduate of an accredited program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Cardiovascular Technology, or a related allied-health field (accredited through CAAHEP preferred).
· Strong understanding of Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology and proficient in operating ultrasound equipment.
· Registered or registry-eligible as a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). Registry-eligible candidates are typically required to obtain certification within one year of hire.
· Current certification, or ability to obtain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, in a time frame that is agreed upon at the time of hire.
Experience
· One (1) to two (2) years of cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) experience preferred.
· Proficiency in all modalities of adult echocardiography, including 2-D, M-Mode, CW/PW and color Doppler, tissue Doppler, strain, contrast echocardiography, and bubble studies.
· Experience with stress echocardiography and TEE preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
· Thorough understanding of the physical principles of ultrasound and ultrasound systems.
· Strong knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
· Skill in making quantitative calculations and measurements from echocardiographic data.
· Proficiency with computers and electronic medical records; general office software.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills; ability to interact compassionately with patients and families.
· Detail-oriented, accurate, and able to maintain complete records.
· Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative healthcare environment and adapt to varying patient needs and schedules.
· Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred; ability to translate, interpret, and effectively communicate with members of the Spanish-speaking community.
· Strong knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR), Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, general office software applications, and any other applicable software utilized by the company.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
· Physical stamina and manual dexterity to operate equipment and assist/position patients, including lifting, pushing, and transferring patients as needed.
· Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods, and to perform repetitive transducer/scanning motions.
· Work is performed in a clinical/hospital or outpatient cardiology setting; may require flexible scheduling, rotating weekends, or on-call responsibilities depending on department needs.
· Exposure to patients with communicable conditions; adherence to standard precautions required.
· Occasional travel for meetings or training courses.
Pay: From $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
