CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

The Cardiac Sonographer operates under stringent standards, having graduated from an accredited school of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and possessing certifications such as RDMS or RT(US)(ARRT). This role demands proficiency in performing echocardiograms to the American Society of Echocardiography standards, including stress echo and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) exams. Additionally, effective data entry skills and the ability to communicate efficiently with healthcare team members and patients are essential.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Cardiac Sonographer Resume
  • Echocardiography Proficiency
  • Medical Imaging Techniques
  • Equipment Operation
  • Diagnostic Analysis
  • Medical Protocols Adherence
  • Registry Compliance
  • Data Entry
  • Emergency Response
  • Patient Positioning
  • Technical Troubleshooting
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-Solving
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Stress Management
  • Continuous Learning

Summary of Cardiac Sonographer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with 5 years of Experience

  • Completion of didactic coursework from an accredited Cardiac Sonography Program.
  • Completion of 60% of required clinical hours in an accredited Cardiac Sonography Program.
  • Competent and proficient in Transthoracic Echocardiography
  • Demonstrates good interpersonal and communication skills 
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
  • Working knowledge of the IT systems that support the modality
  • Ability to identify and flag abnormalities
  • Experience in noninvasive cardiology experience in echocardiography studies.
  • Demonstrated skills for advanced learning in echocardiology studies.
  • Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
  • Ability to work well with others and good communication

2. BS in Cardiovascular Technology with 4 years of Experience

  • Certification Completion of RDCS certification (ARDMS) or RCS (CCI) within 2 years of start date
  • Current licensure by the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging as a Sonographer required.
  • Must be registered by ARDMS or CCI within six (6) months of hire.
  • Must have BLS within 30 days of hire and ACLS within one (1) year of hire.
  • Six (6) months of echocardiography experience 
  • Graduate from an accredited cardiovascular school required.
  • Registered with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or with Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and Cardiac imaging experience
  • Prefer specific experience and training in cardiac ultrasonography
  • American Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS or BCLS) and Certification
  • Cardiovascular Credentl Int_CCI, Am Rgtry Diagn Med Sonographer
  • Registered by the American Registry to Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
  • Qualified candidates must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

3. BS in Radiologic Technology with 7 years of Experience

  • Registered or must obtain registry within one year of hire date by the American Registry to Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or CCI reg. 
  • Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation required. 
  • Must maintain active registry status.
  • Registered Noninvasive Cardiovascular Ultrasound Technologist (RCS or RDCS) or registry-eligible
  • Appropriate state licensure
  • Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
  • Current driver's license and Dependable transportation
  • Experience performing cardiovascular ultrasound examinations
  • Minimum of 800 exams using all imaging modalities available
  • Pediatric echocardiography experience
  • Familiarity with imaging support of advanced heart failure patients (mechanical support devices)
  • Experience with echo guided trans-catheter procedures.

4. BS in Medical Imaging with 3 years of Experience

  • Completion of a two-year college program with emphasis on imaging modalities or other associated medical program
  • American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) registration required.
  • Pediatric Registry required within one year upon hire
  • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
  • Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)
  • BLS/CPR from the American Heart Association with at least 6 months left before expiration is required upon hire
  • Degree or Certificate in Echocardiography or Degree in Non-Invasive Technology required.
  • One year of Hospital-based Echocardiography experience required.
  • One year of Intra-operative/Structural Heart Echo & TEE assistance experience.
  • One year of 3D and Strain Imaging knowledge.
  • Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) through CCI or Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through ADRMS required.
  • American Heart Association BLS Certification.

5. BS in Medical Imaging with 2 years of Experience

  • RDCS – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, or RCS - Registered Cardiac Sonographer
  • Completion of an accredited cardiac sonographer training curriculum program
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology
  • The flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Health locations
  • University/teaching hospital experience
  • Experience with adult congenital heart disease patients
  • Adult congenital, structural heart, heart and lung transplant, and advanced heart failure experience
  • Experience with LVAD, ECMO, TAVR, Mitra-Clip, and other advanced therapies
  • EPIC, EMR, and Syngo Dynamics system experience

6. BS in Biomedical Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Must have graduated from an accredited school of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
  • RDMS or RT(US)(ARRT) required plus additional certifications listed below.
  • Obtain all required portions of registry within 12 months of start date or be terminated.
  • American Heart Association or Red Cross BLS required
  • Performs an echocardiogram as per American Society of Echocardiography standards
  • Able to record an uncomplicated echocardiogram accurately within 30 minutes
  • Able to accurately perform uncomplicated adult congenital exams
  • Able to enter data electronically both accurately and quickly
  • Able to perform and troubleshoot stress echo exams
  • Able to perform and troubleshoot TEE exams
  • Good communication skills with physicians, nurses, fellow staff members and patients
  • Effectively reinforces good behavior and discourages negativity
  • Adheres to all C.A.R.E. Standards as set by the hospital

7. BS in Health Sciences with 7 years of Experience

  • Graduate from a formal Cardiovascular Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. 
  • Must be a Registered Cardiac Sonographer, credentials RDCS, CPR certification 
  • Must demonstrate thorough knowledge of echocardiography interpretation, echocardiography skills, and considerable echocardiography abilities. 
  • Communication skills and sensitivity to patient needs. 
  • Must have good eye hand coordination with a high level of patience and concentration. 
  • Will be expected to push or pull echocardiography equipment. 
  • Will be expected to occasionally work in a sterile environment. 
  • Will be expected to respond to STAT in cardiac emergency situations. 
  • Sonographers are rotated from the hospital to clinic sites. 
  • Responsible for rotation with call on weeknights, weekends and holidays. 
  • Requires climbing stairs and walking throughout shift. 
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