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Echocardiographer - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe term, echocardiography denotes the use of ultrasound to assess the cardiovascular anatomy. An echocardiographer, also known as a cardiac sonographer, is specially trained to perform exams on patients for diagnostic purposes.
The echocardiographer operates the ultrasound equipment that uses echos and Doppler signals to generate images and spectral tracings of the heart, so that its functions can be assessed to detect any abnormalities.
Like most technicians, the echocardiographer prepares the patient for the procedure, talks them through the procedure, and may provide them with a degree of aftercare to ensure their comfort after the procedure.
The echocardiographer is responsible for performing basic maintenance on the echocardiogram and for preparing the data for physicians to review it. They are expected to integrate data for optimal diagnoses.
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Career RequirementsEchocardiographers must graduate from a recognized ultrasound program. They are generally required to have either a high school diploma or an equivalent GED for entry into any such training course.
After graduating from an accredited program, echocardiographers are required to register with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Most positions require considerable knowledge of medical terminology and functions, in addition to a ready ability to work with others.
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Job OutlookHeart disease remains one of the most common diseases in the United States. The need for echocardiographers is not only firmly established, it is likely to be relatively long-term. Employment prospects for echocardiographers in hospitals and clinics are likely to remain very good in the foreseeable future.
Employment of echocardiographers is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2010. Career opportunities will also expand as advances in echocardiography reduce the need for more costly and invasive procedures.
Hospitals will remain the principal employers of cardiac sonographers. Additional job growth will occur in physicians’ offices, clinics and diagnostic imaging centers due to increases in outpatient care.
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Career TrackMost echocardiographers work in hospitals, along side cardiologists and general physicians. Their primary function is diagnostics and they are an important part of the diagnostic team. Other echocardiographers find employment in clinics.
Promotion is possible with appropriate experience and skills. Most promotions are to supervisory positions although some qualified individuals may be promoted to work as educators, assisting in the training of students of echocardiography.
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CompensationIn 2004, the US Department of Labor reported the average income for echocardiographers was between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. Standard benefits are available in most positions and include medical and dental insurance, sick leave, and paid vacations.
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