The Echocardiography Technician (Cardiac Sonographer) performs diagnostic echocardiographic procedures to assist physicians in evaluating cardiac anatomy and function. The role requires obtaining high-quality images, ensuring patient safety and comfort, and accurately documenting results in compliance with facility policies and District of Columbia healthcare regulations, including licensure and certification requirements for ultrasound/sonography.
The Echocardiography Technician works under the supervision of a licensed physician and collaborates with the cardiology team to support patient care, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.
- Performs echocardiography which involves the ability to distinguish various cardiac structures and determine the quality of the tracings obtained.
- Performs advanced tests, such as 2-D and M-mode echocardiograms and Doppler studies.
- Performs daily inspection of equipment and arranges for repairs.
- Trains technicians, residents, and fellows in routing and specialized equipment procedures and in interpreting echocardiography test results.
- Responds to cardiovascular emergencies that occur during testing.
- Sets up and maintains the Echocardiological Laboratory.
- May perform other non-invasive cardiological tests, such as exercise/stress testing, Holter monitoring, stress echo, dobutamine stress echo, and Optison Stress.
- Generate Cardiology reports for review by cardiologists.
Additional Duties:
- Maintain records, files, and linen inventory; order supplies.
- Prepare Optison contrast under NP or MD supervision.
- Assist with research studies as assigned.
- Perform IV insertion and other non-invasive cardiology testing (Holter monitoring, exercise/stress testing).
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and perform administrative tasks (faxing, copying).
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- High school diploma or GED required
- Completion of an accredited echocardiography or cardiac sonography program (CAAHEP or equivalent).
Experience:
- A minimum of 1 year of experience in the performance of echocardiographic procedures
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) required.
Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR certification required.
Physical Requirements
- Stand, walk, bend, and reach above the shoulder for long periods of time in a clinical setting.
- Must be able to occasionally lift or carry and frequently push or pull up to 100 lbs. as part of the role
- Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment
- Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment
About GW MFA
MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.
The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
