Echocardiographic Technician Trainee (#TH5010)
$26.25-$31.90 Hourly / $4,549.37-$5,529.79 Monthly / $54,592.55-$66,357.59 Yearly

Under immediate supervision, learns to use specialized equipment to perform cardiac diagnostic tests utilizing high frequency sound waves to study movement and size of various cardiac and vascular structures including the most complex echocardiographic procedures; learns to perform quantitative analyses of echocardiographic studies to produce written reports; works with medical staff to guarantee optimal echocardiography and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

This is a temporary trainee level class in which incumbents learn to operate equipment to perform tests of cardiac activity.

• Learns to perform specialized procedures such as echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter electrocardiogram recording and scan, Dobutamine stress echocardiogram, and transesophageal echocardiograms; operates and monitors equipment; observes patients, noting vital signs and reactions.
• Sets up equipment for tests; lays out supplies and instruments.
• Obtains pertinent clinical information from the patients, referring physician, patient's record, cardiac-related physical findings and laboratory data to apply the necessary sonographic techniques to obtain comprehensive diagnostic information; explains procedure to patient; monitors patient during procedure; notifies charge nurse or physician if patient shows signs of distress; initiates appropriate action to maintain patient or correct distress.
• Selects the appropriate operating mode for the specific ultrasonic examinations of cardiac motions, recognizes abnormal conditions, and adjusts recording techniques to obtain appropriate display.
• Learns to operate computer systems for report generation and image storage systems; learns to select correct images for acquisition and stores appropriately in database; learns to perform echocardiography on children, infants and adults; disassembles, cleans and reassembles all equipment; makes minor repairs, replaces defective parts.
• Mounts and labels records of procedures; makes photocopies; routes to physician for review and interpretation; maintains file of reports.
• Maintains inventory of supplies; orders as needed.
• Maintains a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art technology, equipment and/or systems.
• Performs routine periodic quality assurance and safety checks on the ultrasound equipment.

Education: Completion of an approved training course in echocardiography technology or ultrasound technology.

Anatomy and physiology of cardiovascular disease; echocardiography principles and procedures; guidelines and regulations pertaining to provision of echocardiography symptoms of seizures, cardiac distress, and normal vital signs; medical equipment and apparatus; sterile techniques; resuscitation techniques; basic filing systems.

Establish and maintain a sterile field; skill in the use and maintenance of specialized echocardiographic equipment; demonstrate knowledge of physiology and recognize the disease process and notify appropriate physician of problems, abnormalities and signs of patient instability; explain technical procedures to patients; deal with patients sympathetically and tactfully; record information; perform accurately and quickly in stressful situations; follow verbal instructions; work independently to obtain required images; train others.

Mobility-Occasional use of data entry devices; sitting and standing for long periods; climbing stairs and crawling; frequent walking, bending squatting; Lifting-Frequently from 5 to over 70 pounds; frequently restrains, lifts and turns heavy objects; Visual-Constant use of color perception, hand/eye coordination, depth perception, reading/close-up work, and peripheral field of vision; Dexterity-Constant holding, reaching and grasping; frequent repetitive motion; occasional writing; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing of normal speech and talking in person; occasionally talk and hear on the telephone; hear faint sounds; Emotional/Psychological-Occasionally deals with emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief and death; occasional public contact and constant contact with patients; frequent decision making and constant concentration; Special Requirements-Occasionally work alone; work nights, weekends and overtime; occasional travel; Environmental Conditions-Frequent exposure to noise; occasional exposure to dirt, dust, fumes and poor ventilation, and hazardous materials.