Echo Sonographer II
Schedule
Full Time Days, Friday – Monday, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
About the Role
At Houston Methodist, 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, TTE with Contrast and advanced TTE such as TTE with 3D imaging, for both inpatient and outpatient studies. The role provides additional support for pharmacologic and exercise stress procedures, Holter testing, EKG and/or cardiac event monitoring as well as advanced procedures when needed (e.g., TAVR). The Echo Sonographer II locates, evaluates and records pertinent anatomical, pathological and functional data, transmits exams to DICOM storage, processes preliminary technical data, and communicates significant findings to the attending physician. The position actively participates in unit‑based or system quality and compliance initiatives and requires on‑call availability.
Qualifications
- Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s).
- Three years of experience as a Cardiac/Echo Sonographer (or two years as a Houston Methodist Echo Sonographer, with at least one year as an Echo Sonographer).
Licenses and Certifications
- Current BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (American Heart Association).
- 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)
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform assigned duties, assessed through ongoing evaluations.
- Basic computer proficiency; ability to operate multiple systems including hospital, radiology, cardiology information systems and office software.
- Strong interpersonal and team‑player skills; provides excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians and co‑workers.
- Adaptable to multiple priorities with minimal supervision; organizes workflow and participates in problem solving.
- Proficient in spoken, written and reading English, especially regarding patient and employee safety.
- Effective communication with patients, physicians, families and co‑workers using a customer‑service focus and positive language principles.
People Essential Functions
- Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team‑focused unit.
- Collaborates with the patient‑care team, communicating pertinent information comprehensively.
- Assists with training new staff members and mentoring clinical students.
Service Essential Functions
- Performs cardiac echo studies and ensures precise data transmission for physician interpretation.
- Supports pharmacologic and exercise stress procedures, Holter testing, EKG and cardiac event monitoring, and advanced procedures such as TAVR.
- Provides patient care during echo studies, including preparation and sterile technique as needed.
- Educates patients about the purpose and techniques of inpatient and outpatient echo exams.
- Identifies issues proactively and addresses them for optimal outcomes.
- Assists physicians and team members during studies, including patient preparation and sterile technique.
Quality & Safety Essential Functions
- Accurately identifies cardiac structures, calculates valve area, pressure gradients and ejection fraction.
- Ensures study quality is concise and clear for optimal imaging and interpretation.
- Recognizes abnormal findings and takes corrective action or communicates immediately to appropriate personnel.
- Maintains sterile techniques and complies with infection‑control procedures.
- Adheres to departmental and hospital safety standards, policies, and equipment QC requirements.
- Reports equipment malfunctions and participates in preventive maintenance.
- Assists with implementation and education of safety initiatives.