ECHO TECH

Job Duties

Echo technicians are responsible for preparing patients and diagnostic equipment for imaging procedures. They also explain procedures to patients. After positioning the patient, an echo tech applies gel that aids in sound transmission to the patient's skin before using the diagnostic equipment to create images of the patient's heart. Afterward, the echo technician helps physicians interpret the data from the images and determines which images should be saved and which should be discarded. Echo technicians may also be responsible for ensuring that records are kept properly.

Career and Education Requirements

There is not a specific education program required to work as an echo technician, but employers may prefer to hire those who have a completed a 2-year degree in diagnostic medical sonography from a program accredited by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Certificate programs specific to echocardiography are also available, but students typically need to have a degree in a related area to enroll. Coursework typically covers cardiac anatomy, cardiac disease recognition and patient positioning.

A number of professional certifications are available for echo techs, and while these may not be necessary for employment, professional certification may lead to higher wages and career advancement. Certifications specifically for echo technicians include the Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer certification from ARDMS.

Echo techs typically first complete a degree in medical sonography. They can later pursue further specialization or certification in echocardiography, and certain specialized fields of echocardiography. Once working, they position patients, use echo technology, and produce images that show 2D and 3D views of a patient's heart.