Registered Echo Quality Specialist

The Echocardiography Quality Specialist works under the supervision of leadership. Performs non-invasive ultrasound diagnostic procedures on the heart (echo, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and stress echo).

• Performs echocardiographic studies, stress echo, TEE, and contrast echo studies.
• Recognizes sonographic characteristics of normal and abnormal tissues, structures and blood flow; Adjusts scanning technique to optimize image quality and spectral waveform characteristics.
• Analyzes sonographic findings throughout the course of the examination so that a comprehensive exam is completed and sufficient data is provided to the physician to direct patient management and render a final diagnosis.
• Assesses patient charts and prepares preliminary reports for physicians.
• Conduct regular image audits, review completed echocardiograms for technical excellence and track diagnostic error rates to optimize the diagnostic accuracy and image quality.
• Mentor cardiac sonographers on advanced acquisition techniques, artifact troubleshooting, and workflow efficiency.
• Assist Lead Echocardiology Technologist in the maintenance and management of departmental compliance with standards from regulatory bodies like the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).
• Perform patient assessments as it relates to the diagnostic ultrasound procedure.
• Begin IVs as needed
• Transports patients to and from department. 
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• Successful completion of accredited Cardiac Ultrasound program - Required
• Equivalent work experience paired with ARDMS or CCI Registered Cardiac Sonographer - Required

Work Experience

• 3 Years - experience performing echocardiograms - Required

Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) - Required OR
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) - Required 
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Required within 90 Days

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel between various system facilities and off-site locations as needed. - Required

Skills and Abilities

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Precise hand/eye coordination for echo transducer manipulation and equipment preparation; fine-tuned motor skills for quality echo image.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to explain test procedures with patient and able to report to physicians on patient status.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Must reach and extend arms around patients while balancing transducer on patient's chest for echo imaging.
• Ability to stoop and perform CPR including chest compressions.
• Reaching 3-5 feet to assist patient on treadmill and reach around patient while doing echo.
• Minimum lifting requirement is 50 lbs.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Must calculate numbers and measure distances on echoes.
• Must interpret and analyze cardiac anatomy and physiology on echo for abnormalities.
• Must comprehend disease status and understand ultrasound physics.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Must visually interpret echo and ECG for quality analysis.
• Must be able to hear Doppler flows.
• Must be able to distinguish different colors on TV screen.

Exposure to Hazards

• Potential exposure to blood and blood products.
• Potential exposure to nuclear radiation.
• Needle Sticks

Other Skills and Abilities

• Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patients in all age groups.