Advanced Cardiac Sonographer

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking an experienced Advanced Echo Sonographer to perform cardiac echo sonography at an advanced level in Houston, Texas. This role involves accurate image acquisition, interpreting reports, and ensuring high-quality patient care.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience, strong skills in echocardiography, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of a credentialed education program.
• Seven years of experience as a cardiac echo sonographer is required.
• Licenses and certifications including RDCS are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform echocardiograms ensuring high-quality data.
• Prepare preliminary interpreting reports.
• Provide emotional support to patients during exams.

Skills

Echocardiogram proficiency

Patient care skills

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Graduate of an approved education program for required credentials

Advanced medical training

Tools

Ultrasound systems proficiency

DigiView reporting system

Hospital/radiology/cardiology systems

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Advanced Echo Sonographer (AES) position is an experienced and fully competent cardiac echo sonographer. The role requires physician trust and involves quantitation of echocardiographic images, pre‑reading of exams prior to submittal, and preparation of preliminary interpreting physician reports for final review and approval. The AES performs cardiac echo sonography at an advanced level, ensuring accurate anatomic and physiologic data for diagnosis, clinical decision‑making, and patient management. The AES reviews the indication and quality of examinations, assists with additional imaging as needed, and works under the supervision of a physician trained in echocardiography. The position also participates in research studies, performing scans, obtaining consent, and assisting clinical staff.

FLSA Status

Non‑exempt

Education

• Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below
• Advanced medical training acquired through medical school or higher level of medical background experience

Experience

• Seven years as a cardiac echo sonographer, with at least three years in a hospital‑based practice; or experience as a physician not actively licensed in the United States but in good standing
• Research experience in scanning, data processing, and maintaining technical logs preferred

Licenses & Certifications

• Certification as RDCS‑AE, RDCS, RSC, RCCS, RVS, or RVT
• ACS – Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (CCI) – Cardiovascular Credentialing International_PSV
• BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary for safe job performance, with ongoing assessment of knowledge and new advanced procedures
• Works independently, handles challenging diagnostic procedures and patient care while juggling multiple priorities; exhibits sound judgment and creativity
• Possesses knowledge of multiple ultrasound systems and can learn the DigiView reporting system; proficient with hospital/radiology/cardiology information systems and office software to maintain records
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team‑player skills with all levels of the health‑care team and delivers excellent customer service to patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers
• Demonstrates leadership and motivational skills to motivate employees and promote cooperation across clinical/research areas
• Maintains confidence and trust of applicable physicians
• Adapts to multiple priorities with minimal supervision, organizing workflow and solving problems actively
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for essential functions, especially where patient or employee safety is concerned
• Communicates effectively with patients, physicians, families, and coworkers using positive language principles

Essential Functions

• PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team‑focused unit that helps one another achieve optimal results.
  • Collaborates with all patient‑care team members by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information comprehensively.
  • Guides and mentors other cardiac echo sonographers to build confidence in skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Performs echocardiograms promptly, ensuring precise and accurate data according to departmental/research policies and procedures.
  • Quantitates images, pre‑reads studies, and prepares preliminary interpreting reports for final attending physician review.
  • Provides care for patients’ physical and emotional needs during exams, proactively identifying issues and initiating resolution for optimal outcomes.
  • Assists physicians and health‑care team members during studies and responds to laboratory needs as requested.
• QUALITY/Safety ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Recognizes normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy, determines necessary techniques, and applies them accurately during studies.
  • Ensures study quality is optimized and pre‑read per best imaging practices and policy, ensuring IAC accreditation requirements are met.
  • Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement, reports near misses, and documents errors promptly.
  • Ensures all equipment has undergone QB, is in safe condition, and reports malfunctions to appropriate departments until repaired.
• FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provides accurate and complete documentation of procedures and enters charges when applicable.
  • Uses resources efficiently, avoids waste, and manages time effectively with prioritization.
  • Adjusts personal timecard to reflect time spent on research projects when appropriate.
• GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Participates in departmental/research projects and studies submitted for research purposes.
  • Seeks opportunities to expand competencies, focusing on constant development as an Advanced Cardiac Sonographer.

Supplemental Requirements

• WORK ATTIRE
  • Uniform: No
  • Scrubs: Yes
  • Business professional: No
  • Other (department approved): No
• ON‑CALL
  • On Call? Yes
• TRAVEL
  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No

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