Summary

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of a physician and the department supervisor, the Cardiac Sonographer performs complex diagnostic ultrasound procedures of the cardiovascular system for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular disease in accordance with industry, Federal, State, and Joint Commission, ICAEL requirements. The Cardiac Sonographer participates in the implementation of Care Standards and physician orders to achieve the goal of effective utilization of services and improved patient outcomes. In conjunction with leadership, this position is responsible for recommending the delivery of patient care through proper execution of care standards, physician orders, and advanced imaging skills.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: Following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Responsible for performance of all types of cardiac ultrasound examinations: Adult Echocardiography, Pediatric Echocardiography, Stress Echo imaging studies, Pharmacologic Stress Echo imaging studies and Contrast Echo studies.

2. Assists a Cardiologist with Transesophageal studies.

3. Function as a role model, professional resource, and coach for the new department staff and Cardiac Sonography students.

4. Integrate the imaging needs of the patient with other care providers to achieve desired results.

5. Responsible for keeping current on technological advances within cardiovascular imaging and is well versed in appropriate clinical area.

6. Actively participate and cooperate in the accreditation application (ICAEL) and re-application process.

7. Reviews images for identification, technique, and completeness according to the American Society of Echocardiography, Inter-Societal Commission on Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories and laboratory policy and procedures.

8. Participates in educational sessions, contributing technical and professional knowledge to; students, allied health personnel, and physicians.

9. Perform ultrasonic exams on the heart, great vessels, and other cardiovascular structures at all campuses and clinics operated or affiliated with Alameda County Medical Center. The medical center campus location may include testing studies to be performed at but not limited to; in the department, at the patient's bedside, in the Emergency Room, and in the Operating Room.

10. Use appropriate technique and procedures for ultrasound contrast media administration when the use of contrast is required.

11. Acquire the necessary skills to perform new ultrasonic examinations and modalities as they are added to the department product line.

12. Greets patients, physicians, peers, and the general public in a manner consistent with the Values and Standards of Conduct of Alameda County Medical Center.

13. Operate a variety of sophisticated ultrasonic imaging units and diagnostic reading and reporting systems.

14. Performs other duties and assignments as requested by the department supervisor or Cardiologists.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed. Typically equivalent to: Education: Associate Degree in Cardiovascular Technology (Preferred) or Certificate of Completion from a Cardiovascular Ultrasound Program. Experience: 0-3 years of cardiac ultrasound testing experience required.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:  Must be eligible to take exam in Adult Echocardiography and pass within one year of hire, from the American Registry for Diagnostic Sonography- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS/RDCS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International-Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI/RCS).  American Heart Association BCLS certification for health care providers is required.