The Cardiovascular Sonographer Trainee is responsible for learning to perform all types of procedures within the Department.

I. Qualifications:

A. Education:

High school diploma is required and some college coursework is highly preferred. The trainee may be asked to audit or take specific coursework that will improve their ability to learn and pass a registry course. Certification in basic cardiac life support required. During the course of training the trainee will be expected to take the Basic EKG course and complete the coursework and benchmarks to become a competent cardiovascular sonographers.

A. Training Schedule:

The trainee will be selected by the Echo Lab Supervisor, The Divisional Director of the Center for Heart Disease and the Medical Director of the Echo Lab.

1. Echo Intern will cover the material in the Echo Training Manual

2. The Echo Intern will begin scanning patients under supervision and will advance and directed by the echo lab supervisor.

3. Benchmarks:

· The Echo Lab Trainee should be able to perform an uncomplicated adult scan after six weeks of full time training.

· At or before 12 weeks of full time scanning the goal should be to achieve a minimum of 20 echo's per week with minimal assistance and supervision. If the Intern is not progressing at this time the probation should be continued or the Internship should be terminated.

· At or before the six month point the Intern should be able to advance to the Cardiovascular Sonographer Job Description and have reached to number of studies required to become Eligible for a registry.

A. The goal of training will be to become eligible in at least one of the two of the following specializations:

1. CV Technology - RVT (non-invasive, echo, and/or vascular)

2. Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography - RDCS (adult and/or pediatric)

B. Job Knowledge:

Preferred candidate will acquire extensive knowledge of all diagnostic procedures performed within the CV Sonography section. Strong knowledge of indications and contraindications for all procedures performed within the CV Sonography section. Basic knowledge of all diagnostic procedures performed within the Department. Fluency in English required; bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

I. Unusual Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

A. Possible exposure to pathogenic organisms, hazardous or toxic chemicals, and ionizing radiation.

B. Possible need to function satisfactorily within a stressful environment.

C. Work hours may exceed forty hours per week with irregular duty hours likely.

D. May need to lift, turn or position patients in order to optimize a particular procedures outcome.