ECHO Tech Trainee in San Angelo, Texas at Shannon Health

Job Summary

An Echocardiography Intern assists cardiac sonographers and physicians in performing Echocardiographic examinations to evaluate heart structures and function. Under supervision, the trainee prepares patients, operates ultrasound equipment, acquires diagnostic images, and ensures patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The role provides hands-on clinical experience while developing technical skills, knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, and adherence to professional, ethical, and infection control standards. The intern also assists with documentation, equipment maintenance, and other departmental duties to support high-quality patient care.

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Perform Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE’s under the direct supervision of a registered cardiac sonographer or physician, in accordance with departmental protocols.
• Prepare patients for echocardiographic examinations by verifying patient identity, explaining procedures, obtaining relevant clinical history, and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Demonstrate developing proficiency in operating echocardiography equipment to obtain diagnostic-quality images and doppler recordings.
• Recognize normal cardiac anatomy and basic pathological findings, escalating concerns to the supervising sonographer or physician.
• Accurately document examination findings, measurements, and patient information in the electronic medical record and echocardiography reporting system.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, infection prevention, and safety policies.
• Clean, disinfect, and prepare ultrasound equipment and examination rooms according to established protocols,
• Assist with stress echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography procedures as appropriate and under supervision.
• Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and compassionate patient care while interacting with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare team members.
• Participate in clinical education and quality improvement activities.
• Maintain accurate logs of completed examinations and clinical competencies required by the training program.
• Seek and incorporate feedback to improve technical skills, image acquisition, clinical judgment, and workflow efficiency.
• Adhere to departmental productivity, attendance, and performance expectations while completing assigned training objectives.
• Perform other duties assigned that are consistent with the educational objectives of the trainee role.

Performance Expectations:

• Progressively demonstrate competency in image acquisition and cardiac measurements throughout the training period.
• Produce complete, diagnostic-quality examinations with decreasing need for instructor guidance as competency develops.
• Maintain a high standard of care, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Consistently follow departmental policies, accreditation standards (IAC), and applicable professional guidelines.

Certification/Registry Examination

• Successfully complete all required clinical and educational components of the echocardiography training program and become eligible to sit for a nationally recognized cardiac sonography credentialing examination (e.g., ARDMS or CCI).
• Maintain certification and continuing education requirements once credentialed, in accordance with the issuing credentialing body and organizational standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Must be actively following an ARDMS or CCI Approved eligibility pathway leading to the RDCS and RCS credential and be able to satisfy all educational requirements for registry eligibility

Experience:

• Preferred
  • N/A

Certification/Licensure:

• Required
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
    • Must obtain within ninety (90) days of start date
  • Must obtain professional registry as a RDCS or RCS within twelve (12) months of successful completion of the trainee program