Cardiac Sonographer Job Description

Ultrasound technology has brought about an astonishing change in diagnostic methods. Earlier, doctors used to rely on basic physiological indicators like heart rate, pulse rate, body temperature, etc. for a particular diagnosis. But with the advancement of technology, doctors now advise an ultrasound test that helps diagnose a condition accurately.

An ultrasound sonogram gives you an exact picture of the internal structure of an organ. These days, every doctor relies on the sonography report and then plans the surgery or the treatment. Reflections of high-frequency sound waves help get the sonogram. Let us first take a look at what is meant by cardiac sonography.

The number of patients diagnosed with heart diseases is increasing day by day. Patients complain about chest pain, irregular/fast or slow heartbeat, breathing difficulty, heart murmur, etc. Cardiac sonography helps diagnose these heart problems in adults and newborn infants and young children who have a defective heart. It gives a clear picture of the internal structure of the heart and doctors or diagnostic sonographers can find out the underlying cause of the disease easily.

It can be a defective valve, clogged artery, hardened artery or anything else; that can lead to weakening of heart function. Cardiac sonography involves knowing the anatomy of the heart and its functions. Similarly it involves handling the sonography equipment in such a way that detailed image of the heart and its parts are captured.

These days, most renowned schools offer a certificate or degree in echocardiography. You can become a Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) or a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). For that you are expected to get certificates from the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) respectively.

What does a cardiac sonographer do? A cardiac sonographer helps the doctor to diagnose heart defects or the exact cause of impaired blood circulation. He should have a thorough knowledge about the anatomy of the human heart. Taking ultrasound images, and detailed pictures of the human heart, is the main job of a cardiac sonographer.

By using latest ultrasound equipment, the sonographer is expected to perform echocardiograms. Before that, he has to explain the procedure to the patient. Although the ultrasound test is a non-invasive procedure, the patient needs to be in a relaxed and comfortable position to get the best possible images.

While examining the heart the sonographer has to check the chamber size, valve function, blood flow, etc. He should be able to spot and identify the abnormalities in the heart, as the sonographer is expected to assist the doctor in analyzing the condition. He has to select correct images that are to be stored. The sonographer is expected to show the digital stills or short movie clips to the doctor. He should also keep a proper record of the images and produce them whenever required.

Cardiac sonographers work in private clinics or large hospitals. As they deal with heart patients, sometimes they might have to handle a 'life and death' situation. In case of an emergency, a sharp and stable minded person only can offer the best service to the patient.

These days, sonographers are in great demand. A sonographer's job is one of the highly paid medical jobs as it involves knowledge, skill, sincerity, hard work and perfection. The sonographer has to work very carefully, even a slightest mistake or delay can cost the life of a patient.