Sr. Cardiac Sonographer

University of California - San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution is seeking a skilled cardiac sonographer to perform a variety of echocardiographic procedures while providing exceptional patient care. The ideal candidate will demonstrate significant competency in ultrasound techniques and possess strong communication skills. Responsibilities include preparing patients for procedures, performing stress echoes, and contributing to teaching efforts within the department. Applicants must have a cardiac sonographer training program completion and relevant registration from ARDMS or CCI.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year post-graduate experience performing adult cardiac echocardiograms.
• Flexibility in scheduling and ability to rotate shifts and cover weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and position patient for ultrasound procedures.
• Perform various echocardiographic tests and assessments.
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff.

Skills

Independently work in outpatient and acute care settings

Knowledge of ultrasound principles and anatomy

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Completion of an approved cardiac sonographer training program

Current registry through ARDMS (RDCS) or CCI (RCS, RCCS, ACS)

Job description

Recognizes normal and pathological conditions and modifies the exam accordingly to ensure complete and accurate information is obtained. Prepares and positions patient for procedure by using established standards to achieve the highest quality image. Interprets acquired data and creates preliminary reports according to departmental procedures and job standards. Completes job duties with minimal clinical supervision. Works alongside other sonographer staff in a collegial manner to facilitate the completion of scheduled or ordered echocardiographic exams. Proficient skillset in providing all clinical modalities offered in the UCSF Echo Lab. Contributes to the team dynamic through communication, initiative, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an outpatient clinic environment or an acute care hospital‑based echo laboratory.
• Supports the inpatient services and outpatient ambulatory clinics with echocardiography studies for UCSF Health.
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of ultrasound principles and theory, anatomy and pathology processes utilizing the most appropriate techniques.
• Performs ultrasound tests on inpatients, outpatients, research patients utilizing 2‑dimensional, 3‑dimensional, M‑mode, spectral Doppler, color flow Doppler, tissue Doppler, strain imaging, speckle tracking, and other post‑processing functionality at a proficient level.
• Performs stress echo exams (treadmill, supine bicycle, and dobutamine) at proficient level.
• Places peripheral intravenous catheters and administers ultrasound enhancement agents.
• Communicates effectively with patient to obtain history, explains purpose and procedure of each test to the patient answering questions about the process in a professional and friendly manner.
• Communicates professionally with staff, faculty, referring physicians, office personnel, and other individuals/organizations that utilize the laboratory services.
• Completes a preliminary clinical report based on study findings. This includes data entry and analysis of study data into the standard format used by the lab.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize clinical and/or emergent problems and takes appropriate action to communicate preliminary clinical report findings to reading team.
• Participates in teaching of fundamental echo principles and/or POCUS examination workflow to housestaff and/or ultrasound students.

Qualifications

• Completion/graduate of an approved cardiac sonographer training program.
• Flexibility in scheduling, ability to rotate shifts and coverage for weekends and holiday work at all UCSF Medical Center locations.
• Minimum of one (1) year post‑graduate experience performing adult cardiac echocardiograms at UCSF or in a similar healthcare setting.
• Previous experience performing adult cardiac echocardiograms.
• Current registry through ARDMS (RDCS) or CCI (RCS, RCCS, ACS).
• Excellent communication skills.
• Attention to detail.

Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.