Tech - Echo Tech
Company: St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center
Location: Meridian
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
An Echo Technologist (also known as an Echocardiogram
Technologist or Cardiac Sonographer ) is a specialized healthcare
professional responsible for performing echocardiograms (ultrasound
of the heart). These diagnostic procedures create images of the
heart's structures and blood flow to aid in the diagnosis of heart
conditions. Echo Technologists work closely with cardiologists and
other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality imaging while
providing excellent patient care. Key Responsibilities :
Pre-Procedure Preparation : Review patient medical history and
physician orders to determine the type of echocardiogram procedure
required (e.g., transthoracic, transesophageal). Explain the
echocardiogram procedure to the patient, ensuring they understand
the process, its purpose, and any necessary preparations. Verify
patient identity and ensure informed consent is obtained before the
procedure. Prepare and check the echocardiogram machine and related
equipment, ensuring it is functioning correctly. Position the
patient appropriately for the procedure, explaining the steps to
help them remain comfortable during the imaging process. Performing
Echocardiograms : Operate ultrasound equipment to obtain
high-quality images of the heart’s structures, including the
chambers, valves, and blood vessels. Use a handheld transducer
(probe) to capture real-time images of the heart, ensuring proper
positioning and technique for clear images. Assess the heart's
functionality, including examining blood flow, valve performance,
and the heart's size, shape, and movement. Adjust settings on the
equipment, such as depth, focus, and gain, to ensure optimal image
quality for accurate diagnosis. Perform specialized techniques such
as doppler imaging to assess blood flow and color flow mapping to
visualize blood flow through the heart. Patient Safety and Comfort
: Ensure the patient’s safety and comfort during the procedure by
explaining each step and addressing any questions or concerns.
Monitor the patient during the procedure for signs of discomfort,
anxiety, or distress, adjusting the procedure as necessary. Provide
reassurance, especially for patients who may be anxious about the
procedure or have claustrophobia or discomfort. Maintain a sterile
and clean environment in the echocardiogram room to ensure patient
safety. Image Analysis and Reporting : Review images captured
during the echocardiogram for quality and completeness before
submitting them for analysis by the cardiologist. Ensure images are
properly labeled with patient information, and follow protocols for
accurate documentation. Assess the quality of images and repeat any
sections as needed to ensure the best possible diagnostic
information. Provide preliminary impressions to the supervising
physician or cardiologist based on images, adhering to professional
standards. Post-Procedure Care : Assist the patient after the
procedure, ensuring they are stable and comfortable before leaving
the imaging area. Clean the equipment and patient area according to
infection control protocols, ensuring all necessary disinfection is
completed. Provide the patient with any necessary post-procedure
instructions, including follow-up care or the need for additional
tests or treatment. Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting :
Ensure the echocardiogram equipment is regularly maintained and
properly calibrated for accurate imaging. Perform minor
troubleshooting of the equipment, addressing any issues that may
affect image quality or performance. Report any malfunctioning
equipment to the appropriate personnel for repair or replacement.
Documentation and Record-Keeping : Maintain accurate and thorough
documentation of patient information, procedure details, and images
in the electronic health record (EHR) system or other patient
databases. Ensure that images and diagnostic reports are stored
correctly and are accessible to cardiologists and other healthcare
professionals as needed. Complete and document any required patient
notes, ensuring compliance with healthcare facility standards and
regulations. Collaboration with Medical Team : Work closely with
cardiologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to
ensure that echocardiogram results are accurately interpreted and
used to guide patient care. Communicate effectively with the
medical team to report any findings that may require immediate
attention or further investigation. Provide support to physicians
during the echocardiogram review process, assisting in analyzing
data and discussing findings as necessary. Professional Development
and Training : Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in
echocardiography techniques, equipment, and best practices through
continuing education. Obtain and maintain certifications in
echocardiography and cardiac sonography from recognized
organizations such as ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic
Medical Sonography) or CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing
International). Assist in the training and mentorship of new
technologists, students, or interns, ensuring they are familiar
with procedures, equipment, and patient care standards.
Keywords: St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center, Caldwell , Tech - Echo Tech, Healthcare , Meridian, Idaho