A cardiac sonographer uses ultrasound imaging to take pictures of the heart and cardiovascular system. They work in medical settings and require a minimum two-year associate’s degree in echocardiography. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important.
A cardiac sonographer, also called an echocardiographer or cardiac ultrasound technologist, is a medical professional whose specialty is taking ultrasound images of human hearts and cardiovascular systems. He usually works alone performing the procedure and recording the results. Your work is usually carried out in a medical setting, such as a clinic, hospital or doctor’s office.
Ultrasound imaging is often called ultrasonography. It is achieved by bouncing high frequency sound waves from an organ or tissue to be evaluated. The procedure allows a cardiac sonographer to record images that normally reveal the heart’s beat and movement and the size and configuration of its chambers. He can usually assess how quickly and evenly the patient’s blood flows to the heart valves. Any heart muscle irregularities or deterioration are usually revealed on an ultrasound of the heart.
Before a cardiac sonographer performs his work, he usually talks with the doctor to confirm which cardiovascular areas to focus on when he does the ultrasound. Once he has determined this, he usually prepares his equipment and operates the switches and dials. The sonographer usually meets with the patient to explain the procedure and answer any related questions.
To get a clear picture of the heart and cardiovascular system, the sonographer typically places probes at various locations on the patient’s upper body. This provides several views and different angles of the region to be photographed. The procedure is considered non-invasive and the patient usually does not need to fast or ingest any substance beforehand. A cardiac ultrasound usually takes less than an hour to complete.
At the conclusion of the ultrasound, the cardiac sonographer typically records the results and transmits them to the cardiologist for evaluation. He is normally not authorized to interpret the report for the patient or physician. If results are inconclusive, the sonographer may be asked to repeat the test.
Success in this position typically requires good communication skills to interact with doctors and patients. Attention to detail is generally preferred to properly record patient test results. The ability to put patients at ease before and during the procedure is generally considered an asset.
A cardiac sonographer position typically requires a minimum two-year associate’s degree in echocardiography. Some employers may require applicants to have a four-year degree to work as a cardiac sonographer. This additional education is typically considered necessary to keep pace with rapidly advancing ultrasound technology. Some regions also require licenses or certifications from applicants for this position.
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