Cardiac Sonographer Full-Time

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

401(k) matching

Lifecycle benefits

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Cardiac Sonographer to perform echocardiography procedures at a technical level with appropriate supervision. This full-time, on-call position requires weekend coverage and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

The role emphasizes ARDMS standards, patient safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration across hospital departments. Responsibilities include operating ultrasound equipment, maintaining records, and supporting physicians with diagnostic

Qualifications

• Completion of ARDMS accredited program specializing in Cardiovascular Ultrasound.
• Experience in Adult and Pediatric Echocardiography; Adult Stress Echos; TEE’s.
• ARDMS (RDCS) Registration or eligible and/or an appropriate credential in echocardiography.
• CCI (RCS) – Registered Cardiac Sonographer within 9 months of employment.
• Verbal and written communication skills necessary to understand instructions, medical terminology, and concepts.
• Ability to use proper body mechanics in lifting, pushing, and pulling.

Responsibilities

• Operate the ultrasound equipment with in-depth knowledge and select appropriate transducer frequency.
• Document the permanent record and maintain quality control of equipment.
• Recognize diagnostic scans and provide initial interpretations to referring physicians.
• Assist in related examinations and maintain sterile technique.
• Provide safe, professional patient care and explain procedures as needed.

Skills

ARDMS RDCS

Echocardiography

Communication

Body mechanics

Independent judgment

Education

ARDMS accredited Cardiovascular Ultrasound program

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Cardiac Sonographer Full‑Time

On‑Call required, every fourth weekend.

Response time: Report to the hospital within 45 minutes.

Performs Echocardiography procedures at a technical level not requiring constant supervision of technical detail. The technologist may be involved with patients of physicians in any medical setting for which the physician is responsible. It is a requirement of the position that call be taken as assigned, including evening, weekends, and holiday call. This position may include rotation of weekend coverage.

II. The Cardiac Sonographer provides care that is consistent with the following:

• A. The ARDMS Ultrasound Practice Standards
• B. The Patient’s Bill of Rights
• C. The ARDMS Code of Ethics
• D. The Policies and Procedures set forth by Kishwaukee Community Hospital

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organizational Standards of Performance: Employee is responsible for meeting the Living Our Values—Values & Standards of Behavior Guidelines.
• Job Standards:
  • Technical Duties – Operates the ultrasound equipment with an in‑depth knowledge of the machine and a capability of selecting the proper transducer frequency for performance of the examination
    • Understand technology usage in the documentation of the permanent record.
    • Maintain quality control of the equipment.
    • Possess a high degree of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, evidenced by recognizing the significance of all structures that are visualized and differentiating artifacts from anatomic/pathologic structures, including age‑specific differences.
    • Handle equipment in a responsible, professional manner.
    • Select appropriate equipment and proper technical factors on an individual patient basis according to specific orders, and age‑specific criteria.
    • Assist patient on an individualized basis in assuming physical position for required examination.
    • Capable of recognizing a diagnostic scan and rendering an initial interpretation to the referring physician.
    • Be able to deviate from normal techniques on difficult cases in order to complete exam.
  • Patient Duties – Maintain a safe, positive, and professional atmosphere for patient demonstrating interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients of various age and developmental levels who may be under physical or emotional stress
    • Gather and exchange patient information with nursing personnel and physicians that may affect tolerance or performance of procedure.
    • Explain test procedure to patient, allay apprehension utilizing age/developmentally appropriate communication.
    • Monitor patient’s condition during exam and report unusual occurrences, including potential signs of abuse, to supervisor or ordering physician.
    • Assist physicians in performance of other related examinations.
    • Practice sterile techniques and prevent cross contamination.
    • Perform emergency examinations at the bedside or in the Emergency Department.
  • Clerical Duties – Perform a variety of related clerical tasks as necessary
    • Answer telephone promptly and courteously.
    • Check requisition for complete information on procedure requested; refer any questions to cardiologist before performing procedure.
    • Amend order if necessary and complete information needed in the computer system.
    • Keep records on Echocardiograms for cardiologist.
  • General/Personal Duties – Prepare exam room, equipment accessories, and materials as needed for various procedures
    • Maintain orderliness and cleanliness of exam room; keep room stocked with necessary supplies and accessories.
    • Maintain professional appearance by adhering to dress and grooming policy.
    • Consistently organize and execute daily tasks in proper priority.
    • Report equipment failure directly to the Technical Director and the service representative.
    • Keep current regarding development in trends and techniques of diagnostic echocardiography by reading technical journals and participating in in‑service education programs.
  • Performance Improvement
    • Understand the hospital PI Program of Focus—PDCA.
    • Participate in PI activities through use of idea log and participation in department and/or house‑wide PI activities as appropriate.
• Marginal Functions/Responsibilities:
  • May be asked to help train new staff.
  • Takes advantage of opportunities for continuing education as provided by health system.
  • May assist in the use of a variety of equipment or procedure not routinely performed following orientation to that equipment or procedure.
  • Desire for furthering one’s education in the various specialties directly related to ultrasound.

REQUIRED

• Completion of ARDMS accredited program specializing in Cardiovascular Ultrasound.
• Experience is necessary in the following areas: Adult and Pediatric Echocardiography; Adult Stress Echos; TEE’s.
• ARDMS (RDCS) Registration or eligible and/or an appropriate credential in echocardiography.
• CCI (RCS) – Registered Cardiac Sonographer within 9 months of employment.
• Verbal and written communication skills necessary to understand instructions, medical terminology, and concepts.
• Communication skills in order to talk with a patient, family, or hospital staff.
• Ability to use proper body mechanics in lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in time of need and emergency situations.
• Commitment to the maintenance of positive and effective working relationships with all hospital personnel.
• Knowledge of abuse/neglect.
• Knowledge of normal characteristics of growth and development through the life span.

PREFERRED

• 1 year experience in hospital setting.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign‑on Bonus Eligibility (if sign‑on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign‑on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.