Contents
Echo techs are ultrasound technicians who specialize in echocardiography, which is the use of ultrasound to study the heart.
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Job Description
An Echo Tech, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, is a health care professional who uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the inside of the body. These images are then used by doctors to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Echo techs typically work in hospitals, but may also work in private clinics or diagnostic centers.
Duties
Echo techs, also called diagnostic cardiovascular sonographers or cardiac sonographers, are ultrasound technicians who specialize in imaging the heart and nearby blood vessels. They use specialized ultrasound machines, called echocardiography machines, to produce images, or echoes, of the heart that are then interpreted by a physician to diagnose cardiovascular conditions.
Echo techs typically work in hospitals, but may also work in outpatient centers or private offices. They usually work during regular business hours, but may be required to work evenings or weekends if they are working in a hospital setting.
The duties of an echo tech include preparing patients for procedures, positioning them on examination tables, applying gel to their skin to help with conductivity, and operating echocardiography machines. They must be able to identify anatomical structures on ultrasound images and must be familiar with a variety of imaging techniques. In some cases, echo techs may also be responsible for performing vascular ultrasounds or breast ultrasounds.
Skills
In order to work as an Echo Tech, you will need to have excellent communication skills. You will be working with patients of all age groups, and you will need to be able to explain the procedures clearly and accurately. You should also be able to work well under pressure, as you may have to deal with a high volume of patients on a daily basis. Furthermore, it is important that you are able to maintain a high level of accuracy when performing your duties.
Salary
Echo techs are cardiac sonographers who use diagnostic ultrasound equipment to produce images of the heart that are then interpreted by a physician. As of May 2019, the median salary for an Echo tech was $72,510 per year, with the top 10 percent of earners making more than $96,070 annually.
Pay by Experience Level
In general, salaries for diagnostic medical sonographers/echocardiographers will increase with experience. Entry-level salaries (1-3 years of experience) are typically lower than the average salary. After 3-5 years of experience, salaries will increase and plateau around the $60,000-$70,000 range. Experienced diagnostic medical sonographers/echocardiographers (5-9 years of experience) can expect to earn an average total compensation of $67,000. The most experienced workers (10+ years of experience) can earn upwards of $80,000 per year.
Pay by Geography
The salary for an echocardiogram technician, or echo tech, can vary based on geographic location. In general, techs in metropolitan areas earn more than those working in rural areas. The cost of living is also a factor, with techs in cities with a high cost of living earning more than those in cities with a lower cost of living. Here is a breakdown of average salaries for echo techs by state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
-Alabama: $52,810
-Alaska: $64,550
-Arizona: $58,760
-Arkansas: $50,780
-California: $66,610
-Colorado: $61,860
-Connecticut: $68,140
-Delaware: $62,280
-District of Columbia: $70,560
-Florida: $57,070
-Georgia: $54,660
-Hawaii: $75,920
-Idaho: $55,950
-Illinois: $64,070
-Indiana: $52170
-Iowa: $53200 Kansas :$54500
Education and Training
Echocardiographers are health care professionals who use ultrasound technology to produce images of the heart. They are also known as echo techs, cardiac sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists. Most echo techs have at least an associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology, and many have a bachelor’s degree. Some echo techs also have certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Prerequisites
Echo techs are medical professionals who use special equipment to create images of patients’ hearts. Also known as cardiac sonographers, they often work closely with cardiologists to help diagnose and treat heart conditions. Although there are no specific educational requirements to become an echo tech, most Employers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited training program and hold certification from a professional organization such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Programs
Echo tech programs are offered at many community colleges, technical schools and universities. Programs typically last from one to two years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree. Many programs include an internship in a hospital or other medical facility.
Some four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography that include courses in echocardiography. These programs typically last four years and lead to a bachelor’s degree.
Certification
Echocardiography, also known as cardiac ultrasound or cardiovascular ultrasound, is an imaging modality used to visualize the heart. An echocardiogram (echo) is a diagnostic test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce images of the heart.
Echocardiographers are health care professionals who specialize in performing echocardiograms and other non-invasive cardiac tests. In order to become an echocardiographer, one must complete a rigorous training program and pass a certification exam.
There are two main types of echo techs: diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists. Diagnostic medical sonographers focus on using ultrasound technology to study different areas of the body, while cardiovascular technologists focus specifically on the heart and blood vessels.
Both types of echo techs must be competent in performing echocardiograms, but cardiovascular technologists typically have more training in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
Job outlook
The job outlook for Echo Techs is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for Echo Techs will grow by about 24 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to the aging baby-boomer generation, who are more likely to need health care services as they age.
