Cardiac Sonography Technologists help doctors in diagnosing and treating cardiac patients. They use high-frequency sound waves to form images of the heart and circulatory systems. They work closely with both physicians and patients to diagnose and assess various cardiac difficulties. They perform ultrasound imaging to evaluate different aspects of the heart, such as chamber size, valve function and blood flow patterns.
Besides, their other responsibilities include scheduling appointments, explaining procedures to patients, reading the images, reporting their findings to a cardiologist, maintaining ultrasound equipment etc. Some of these professionals also assist physicians and surgeons during surgical procedures.
Cardiac Sonography Technologists work in both government and private medical settings. They are employed at hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician’s offices, medical laboratories, cardiac rehabilitation facilities. In some cases, they have to work even in weekends, evenings or overnight shifts.
Educational Requirements
To become a Cardiac Sonography Technologist, the aspiring candidates must have to earn at least a 2-year associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. The course work includes anatomy, physiology, physics, pathology, diagnostic testing, electrocardiography, echocardiography imaging and techniques etc.
Students can also pursue a 4-year degree program in diagnostic medical sonography to find better job opportunities in this field.
Licensure & Certification
Since many states in USA require a Cardiac Sonography Technologist to be licensed, the aspiring candidates need to pass a licensing exam and complete a state-approved training program. These professionals can earn examination-based certification through American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Skill Set
Apart from clinical knowledge, Cardiac Sonography Technologists possess variety of skills such as dexterity to perform procedures, attention to detail, empathy towards patient, high medical ethics, ability to work with compassion and accuracy, physical stamina for lifting and positioning the patients and equipments, tolerance for long working hours, pleasant communications and interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge etc.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Cardiac Sonography Technologist remains excellent in the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for this profession may rise 39% from 2012 to 2022, higher than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Cardiac Sonography Technologist was $65,860 in 2012.