"When I realized all of the opportunities that being a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) provides - the versatility you get with only one degree - I said sign me up! It's a really wonderful career."
The Cardiac sonographer (Echocardiographer) functions as a healthcare provider who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising Cardiology physician, serves as a medical imaging professional providing clinically relevant information to assist the Cardiologist with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The Cardiac Sonographer role and responsibilities include providing diagnostic medical sonography images of the heart, cardiac chambers, valves, and vessels. The Cardiac Sonographer activities are performed consistent with their education and training, and in accordance with facility policies and procedures and applicable professional standards.
Accountability:
Prepare exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies and procedures
Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information
Assume responsibility for the safety of the patient during the sonographic examination
Conduct patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional facility protocols
Apply independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captures in the examination images
Except as authorized by written facility policies and procedures, refer specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis question to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional
Review examination images, synthesize examination results, and prepare the preliminary findings for use by the interpreting physician
Perform quality control procedures to ensure that the ultrasound equipment operates at optimal levels
Exercise responsibility to ensure that the ultrasound equipment is functioning accurately
Exercise responsibility for the maintenance and accuracy of facility reports, database records and logs
Ensure the sonography examination results meet the facility standards for Quality Assurance before findings are released for interpretation
Carry out Quality Assurance protocols and quality improvement measures within the facility
Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with co-workers, administrators and members of the healthcare team
PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"
Education Requirements:
Associate's Degree in related discipline
Allied Health and Accreditation program graduate or equivalent
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
NM Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Program Licensure (NMMIRT)
Addendum - Pediatric Echocardiography Certification w/in 24 months of position
(ARDMS) American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or Ultrasound Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) certification
CPR Certification for Healthcare/BLS Providers or for Professional Rescuers or must obtain within 30 calendar days of date of position
Physical Demands Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
Testing Requirements:
Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and additionally as required
Working Conditions Requirements:
Med Haz: Mod exposure to chemicals, dangerous equipment and/or materials requiring basic safety precautions
May be required or is required to perform on-call duties
