Sr. Cardiac Sonographer

UCSF Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The UCSF Health Echocardiography Lab is seeking a skilled sonographer to perform and document routine echocardiographic studies in adults and geriatrics. You will operate diverse ultrasound equipment, optimize image quality, and generate preliminary reports under supervision.

Responsibilities include stress testing, contrast studies, data collection for IAC/IAP goals, and teaching/mentoring housestaff while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in a hospital/outpatient setting.

Qualifications

• Completion/graduate of an approved cardiac sonographer training program.
• Flexibility to rotate shifts and cover weekends/holidays at UCSF Medical Center locations.
• Minimum 1 year post-graduate experience performing adult cardiac echocardiograms.

Responsibilities

• Perform transthoracic echocardiograms on adult/geriatric patients.
• Perform echocardiographic stress testing (treadmill, bike, dobutamine).
• Interpret and prepare preliminary reports per departmental procedures.
• Assist onboarding of new staff and housestaff.
• Contribute to IAC/IAP data collection and research initiatives.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently in outpatient or acute care settings.
• Communicate history and procedure details clearly to patients and staff.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Flexibility in scheduling

Education

Completion/graduate of an approved cardiac sonographer training program

Job description

Job Description

Under the general supervision of the Medical Director of the Echocardiography Lab and Director of Echocardiography with direct supervision by the Adult Echo Lab Supervisor, performs and records routine echocardiographic ultrasound studies in accordance with departmental guidelines and protocols. Operates various types of ultrasound equipment, transducers, and adjunct devices on varied patient groups. 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

• Perform transthoracic echocardiograms on adult and geriatric patient populations.
• Perform echocardiographic stress testing (treadmill, bike, dobutamine).
• Perform cardiac ultrasound enhancement agent studies (saline, Optison, Definity, etc.).
• Perform pre‑reading of acquired echocardiographic exams.
• Participate in huddles, all‑staff meetings, noon conferences, and similar meetings.
• Contribute to IAC required data collection and IAP goal initiatives.
• Participate in research studies, including assigned specific research protocols.
• Assist with onboarding of new staff sonographers and housestaff.
• Other duties as assigned, including limited fundamental/POCUS instruction to housestaff/students.
• 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, and 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 a proficient level.
• Places peripheral intravenous catheters and administers ultrasound enhancement agents.
• Communicates effectively with patients to obtain history, explains purpose and procedure of each test to the patient, and answers questions 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.
• Recognizes clinical and/or emergent problems and takes appropriate action to communicate preliminary clinical report findings to the 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 provide 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.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate‑level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10‑campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. UCSF brings together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health and is home to five Nobel laureates.

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.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.