Echo Sonographer II

About the Role

At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the Echo Sonographer II position is an experienced and fully competent sonographer who performs a variety of routine to complex echocardiograms, including but not limited to:

• Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) with Color, Spectral Doppler, and 2-D imaging
• Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
• Plain Stress Echocardiogram or Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
• TTE with bubbles and TTE with Contrast
• Advanced TTE such as TTE with 3D imaging

This role supports both inpatient and outpatient studies, as well as pharmacologic and exercise stress procedures, Holter testing, EKG, cardiac event monitoring, and advanced procedures (e.g., TAVR). The Echo Sonographer II locates, evaluates, and records pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data using ultrasound equipment, transmits exams to DICOM storage, processes preliminary technical data, and communicates significant findings to the attending physician. Availability for on-call duties is required.

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit.
• Collaborates with the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information.
• Assists with training new staff and mentoring clinical students.

Service

• Performs cardiac echo studies, ensuring precise and accurate data transmission for physician review.
• Provides support for pharmacologic and exercise stress procedures, Holter testing, EKG, cardiac event monitoring, and advanced procedures (e.g., TAVR).
• Addresses patients' physical needs during cardiac echo studies.
• Educates patients on the purpose and techniques of inpatient or outpatient echo exams.
• Proactively identifies and addresses issues for optimal outcomes.
• Assists physicians and healthcare team members during procedures, including patient preparation and sterile techniques.

Quality/Safety

• Accurately identifies and recognizes cardiac structures, including calculating valve area, pressure gradients, and ejection fraction.
• Ensures study quality is concise and clear for optimal imaging.
• Identifies abnormal findings and takes corrective action or communicates them to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains proper sterile techniques and complies with infection control procedures.
• Adheres to job, departmental, and hospital safety standards and practices.
• Ensures all patient care equipment undergoes required quality control and is in safe working order.
• Reports malfunctions and performs preventive maintenance as needed.
• Assists with implementation and education of departmental safety initiatives and standards.

Finance

• Provides accurate and complete documentation of patient procedures.
• Enters charges at the time of service delivery.
• Uses resources efficiently and avoids waste of supplies.
• Manages time effectively and prioritizes daily tasks independently.

Growth/Innovation

• Participates in departmental projects and shared governance activities.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies.
• Fosters a positive teaching environment by engaging in valuable learning opportunities for students and co-workers.

Requirements

Education: Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required certification(s).

Experience: Three years of experience as a Cardiac/Echo Sonographer; may consider Houston Methodist Echo Sonographers with two years of experience, one of which is as an Echo Sonographer with Houston Methodist.

Qualifications

Certifications: Must hold one of the following certifications:

• RDCS – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (ARDMS)
• RDCS-AE – Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer – Adult Echocardiography (ARDMS)
• RVT – Registered Vascular Technologist (ARDMS)
• RCS – Registered Cardiac Sonographer (CCI)
• RVS – Registered Vascular Specialist (CCI)

Additional: Basic Life Support (BLS) or Instructor certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job.
• Basic computer knowledge, including operation of Hospital/Radiology/Cardiology Information Systems and Office software.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with a focus on excellent customer service.
• Ability to adapt to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision, organize workflow, and participate in problem-solving.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to ensure patient and employee safety.
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a customer-focused manner.

Schedule

Full-time evenings. Availability for on-call duties during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather events) is required.

Travel

May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area.