When it comes to our heart, keeping this vital source of life in tip-top shape is of utmost importance. Echo technologists or echocardiographers, otherwise known as "echo-techs," are charged with that mission, providing critical information that leads to life-saving interventions to keep our hearts beating strong.
Adrianne Little, echocardiographer at Renown Health, breaks down the echo-tech's role in the health system, the educational path it takes to get there and the unique perks that come with the profession.
What does an echo tech do?
“Echo techs play a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients,” said Adrianne. “We are members of the cardiovascular imaging team that perform ‘heart ultrasounds’ or echocardiograms. Although we are most commonly known as echo techs, our official title is either ‘cardiac sonographer’ or ‘echocardiographer.’”
Echo techs use imaging technology and sophisticated ultrasound equipment to produce images of the heart. These images show how well the heart functions, as well as the valves, chambers and blood flow. Echocardiograms are used to diagnosis and treat a variety of heart conditions such as murmurs, arrhythmias and heart failure.
At the end of the day, the main goal of echo techs is to help our cardiovascular team provide the quickest and most accurate diagnoses to help with patient management and help them receive the highest standard of care.
“When it comes to looking at the heart, we are part of the front-line team," said Adrianne. “We provide real time critical information that leads to life saving interventions down the road.”
What education or training do you need to become an echo tech?
While in the past, many echo techs were trained on the job, in the current landscape, graduation from a cardiac sonography program and one year of clinical experience are typically required to become credentialed. The credentialing process consists of two exams: one on sonography principles and instrumentation – basically covering all about how ultrasound works – and the other on adult echocardiography.
“Here at Renown, we look for job candidates with active credentials from either Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS),” said Adrianne.
Why should you think about becoming an echo tech?
Echo techs are in high demand and work in a fast-paced, ever-changing healthcare environment. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the echo tech field is expected to grow by 8 percent within the next seven years.
“You have the opportunity to become part of the growing team that replaces heart valves, helps those recovering from a heart attack, gives peace of mind to those who have had a stroke, and of course, helps make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities around you,” said Adrianne.
Renown Health is hiring for echo techs! We have several open positions, many of which are sign-on bonus-eligible. Renown is a care leader – embracing innovative technology that helps you grow in your career. I highly encourage you to apply!
