The Cardiac Exercise Stress Testing Technologist functions as a healthcare provider under the delegated authority of the supervising physician of the Noninvasive Laboratory. The technologist performs and supports noninvasive diagnostic services within the scope of their education, training, facility policies, approved protocols and applicable professional standards. The primary focus of this position is exercise stress testing, nuclear cardiology stress testing, enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP), Holter analysis and ambulatory cardiac monitoring.

ROLE CLARIFICATION: This is not an echocardiography or cardiac sonographer position. The technologist performs the treadmill, patient assessment and ECG-monitoring portion of exercise stress echocardiograms. Echocardiographic images are obtained by a qualified cardiac sonographer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primary Clinical Responsibilities

• Conduct and administer cardiac exercise stress testing, including treadmill tests and the exercise and ECG-monitoring portion of stress echocardiograms, using approved procedures and protocols.


• Conduct and support nuclear cardiology stress testing and EECP treatments in accordance with approved procedures, protocols and physician direction.


• Ensure the supervising physician is present and available as required by facility policy and applicable standards.


• Assume responsibility for patient safety throughout the examination or treatment.


• Review the patient's medical history, medication information, testing order and relevant clinical documentation before beginning the procedure.


• Identify contraindications, inadequate preparation, abnormal baseline findings, or the patient's inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination, and escalate concerns appropriately before testing.


• Perform a pre-test clinical assessment, including baseline symptoms, vital signs and ECG review, to support a safe examination.


• Provide clear patient education and instructions in a manner appropriate to the patient's ability to understand.


• Monitor and integrate cardiac rhythm, ECG changes, vital signs, symptoms and exercise response throughout testing; promptly report significant findings according to protocol.


• Prepare accurate preliminary exercise-test documentation and computerized reports for review and interpretation by the physician.


• Scan Holter monitor recordings using approved procedures and prepare preliminary Holter findings for the interpreting physician.


• Manage MCOT device operations and communicate alerts or significant findings to the appropriate clinical staff according to established escalation procedures.


• Manage enrollment, application procedures and tracking logs for extended Holter and event-monitoring services, including Biotel, iRhythm and other approved vendors.


• Ensure patient understanding of and compliance with remote-monitoring equipment requirements.


• Maintain a clean, organized and properly stocked clinical workspace and perform related clerical duties as needed.

Departmental Support Responsibilities

• Support the interpreting physician by providing accurate technical data, preliminary observations and relevant professional knowledge to facilitate completion of the final diagnostic report.


• Operate the applicable archiving, communication and reporting systems and ensure accurate data entry.


• Maintain familiarity with the Noninvasive Department schedule, room assignments and staffing plan to assist with routine scheduling and reception questions.


• Connect and perform basic troubleshooting of clinical equipment and computers using approved technical-support resources.


• Assist with ordering, receiving, stocking and distributing medical supplies used by the Noninvasive Department and other SDCC departments, as assigned.


• Participate in departmental and staff meetings and support the daily operations of the Noninvasive Laboratory.

DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING

• Document patient assessments, test performance, symptoms, rhythm changes, interventions and outcomes accurately and within required timeframes.


• Enter accurate and precise information into the electronic health record, archiving systems and computerized reporting platforms.


• Prepare preliminary findings for physician review without independently issuing a final diagnostic interpretation.


• Follow established communication and escalation pathways for urgent or abnormal findings.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT

• Confirm that exercise tests, Holter scans and related documentation meet facility Quality Assurance standards before findings are released for interpretation.


• Ensure medical equipment is functional, clean, appropriately maintained and ready for patient use; report equipment concerns promptly.


• Work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, sonographers, clinical staff and administrative staff to promote safe, high-quality patient care.


• Carry out Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement protocols within the Noninvasive Department.


• Provide patient-centered care that supports a positive patient experience.


• Participate with the Noninvasive Cardiology Manager in applicable accreditation activities.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Demonstrate professional growth and lifelong learning through continuing education relevant to the specialty areas performed.


• Maintain required certifications and complete assigned competencies within established timeframes.


• Foster a professional, respectful and collaborative environment within the Noninvasive Cardiology team.


• Participate in approved research protocols coordinated by the Research Department, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology; or


• Associate degree in Cardiovascular Technology; or


• Current paramedic certification and license.

Training and Experience

• Strong foundation in exercise science, graded exercise testing, cardiac physiology and patient monitoring.


• Twelve months of accumulated experience within the previous three years in a comparable job classification may be required.


• Demonstrated ability to recognize and interpret ECG tracings, monitor cardiac rhythms, calculate required test parameters and identify findings that require escalation.


• Completion of a basic cardiac arrhythmia or ECG course with certification, or completion within 90 days of hire.


• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Workers or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.


• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic health records, computerized testing systems and software used for documentation and report generation.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when interacting with patients, physicians and staff at all levels.


• IV certification is preferred but not required.


• Echocardiography scanning experience and cardiac sonography credentials are not required for this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Equipment Operated

Standard medical examination and office equipment, treadmill and ECG stress-testing systems, ambulatory cardiac-monitoring equipment, EECP equipment, computers, electronic health records and practice-management systems.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in medical office, examination and procedure-room settings that are generally well lighted, well ventilated and appropriately spaced. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant odors, cuts, infections, communicable diseases, hazardous materials, strains and injuries involving patients or equipment. Flexibility in scheduling is required, and occasional evening or weekend clinics and travel between SDCC locations may be necessary.

Mental and Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and the ability to remain standing for extended periods.


• Ability to lift and carry a laptop computer and up to 20 pounds of supplies.


• Adequate hearing and vision to safely monitor patients, equipment and ECG displays.


• Ability to manage occasional workload-related stress while maintaining patient safety and professional communication.

SDCC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Individuals needing an accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department.

SDCC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal requirements, SDCC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities.