Cardiac ultrasound technicians provide diagnostic support to cardiac patients.
Cardiac ultrasound tech jobs are rapidly expanding, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and will experience a 24 percent increase in demand by 2018. Cardiac ultrasound techs operate sonographic equipment for cardiac laboratories and are employed by hospitals or private practice doctors to help in diagnostics. They further support physicians by answering any questions patients have regarding the ultrasound tests that they are about to undergo.
Performing Sonographic Tests
Cardiac sonographers provide sonographic images of the heart and the surrounding areas for cardiac patients. Cardiac ultrasound techs should be qualified in M-mode, Doppler ultrasound, color flow imaging, stress echoes and transesophageal ultrasound studies. You use a transducer to direct the flow of sound waves entering the patient's body.
People Skills
Although not a career that requires a large amount of public speaking, cardiac ultrasound techs need to relate to people and make them feel comfortable about their upcoming procedure. You explain the procedure before it begins and answer the patient's questions.
Assist in Diagnosis
Cardiac ultrasound techs assist in diagnosis in two ways. First, you use your knowledge of ultrasound technology to produce the clearest images possible to provide to a physician. Second, you use your knowledge of ultrasound testing to look for subtle cues and irregularities in sonographic images to point out to physicians.
Heavy Lifting
Some physical lifting is required for cardiac ultrasound techs. The machinery involved in this job can be large, so maneuvering it safely and quickly is important for accurate sonographic tests. Further, some patients need assistance to get into the testing area (such as climbing into a bed). You assist in this or pick up patients if they have fallen when the situation calls for it.
Tags: ultrasound techs, Cardiac ultrasound, Cardiac ultrasound techs, your knowledge ultrasound, cardiac patients, cardiac patients Cardiac, Cardiac ultrasound
