Exercise Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Division of Cardiology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), a major teaching hospital of University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is recruiting for a combined Adult Echo (Cardiac) Sonographer and Stress Testing Technologist position. We are seeking an outstanding professional with a record of excellence in cardiovascular diagnostics and patient care, and a motivated candidate who is eager to learn treadmill stress testing and grow within a collaborative cardiology team.

The echocardiography and stress laboratory at ZSFG is a friendly and collegial place to work. We believe in teamwork, providing excellent service, and supporting the overall mission of UCSF and SFDPH in delivering exceptional patient care while promoting education and research.

This position combines adult echocardiography and treadmill stress testing responsibilities. Approximately 50% of the role will involve cardiac ultrasound studies and 50% will involve treadmill stress testing, stress echocardiography, and pharmacologic stress testing. Candidates are not required to have prior treadmill stress testing experience but must demonstrate willingness and ability to learn. For candidates without prior treadmill testing experience, the department will provide dedicated training time, mentorship, and financial support for professional development and certification.

Responsibilities include performance of transthoracic echocardiograms in the echo lab and at bedside, exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, ambulatory ECG monitoring support, patient preparation and monitoring, preliminary reporting, quality improvement, and participation in teaching and research activities. This position offers the opportunity to work independently while collaborating closely with physicians, sonographers, trainees, and other members of the cardiovascular care team.

Required Qualifications:

Qualifications that must be possessed by any candidate to be considered for the position.  These qualifications will be included in the job posting and will be used to screen applicants.  Please include qualifications that are objective and quantifiable such as years of experience required, educational degrees, etc. 

Please list:

• Two years of college, preferably with courses in physiology, psychology and electronics, and one year of experience in diagnostic ultrasound technology which includes successful completion of a traineeship in ultrasonic technology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

• Graduation from an accredited Cardiac Sonography program

• Experience with stress echocardiography

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

Licenses and certifications that a candidate must possess to be considered for the position.

Please list:

• Successful completion of the ARDMS and/or CCI examination or equivalent training certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Qualifications that an ideal candidate would possess, but are not minimally required for a candidate to be considered for the position.

Please list:

• 2 years of working and scanning experience in an echocardiography lab after graduation
• Familiarity with both GE and Philips equipment
• Fluency in a second language
• Previous work in research, teaching/mentoring, or quality improvement projects.
• Knowledge of Basic medical terminology
• Ability to work independently in an acute care hospital-based exercise stress laboratory
• Knowledge of ECG interpretation - QRST morphology
• Knowledge of ischemic responses to exercise
• Knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias and which ones are potentially lethal
• Knowledge of important history and physical examination findings including which ones preclude safe exercise testing
• Knowledge of how to take manual blood pressures
• Knowledge of contraindications to exercise testing
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work with a diverse patient population
• Adequate strength to physically support patients who are exercising

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Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

50

Cardiac Ultrasound Studies

• Perform ultrasound studies of the heart including 2D/3D, M-mode, Doppler, and color interrogation in the echo lab, a combined inpatient/outpatient setting.
• Perform portable/bedside studies in the ICU, patient care units, emergency department, cath lab or operating rooms as required.
• The average number of studies per day per sonographer is 6, but can vary.
• Use IV injection of agitated saline or echo contrast in appropriately selected patients.
• Collect accurate images and measurements, using the ultrasound machine to process echocardiograms including data entry, editing, record keeping, and data management.
• Interpretation of studies and creation of preliminary reports.
• Maintain quality, consistency, hygiene and follow laboratory and hospital protocols.
• Participate in hazardous waste management including proper disposal of waste materials, disinfecting and cleaning probes (TTE and TEE) and filing necessary forms.

Stress Testing

• Performance of exercise and pharmacologic stress echocardiography with or without contrast.
• Oversee data output for accuracy and identify artifacts on tracings to maintain equipment quality and data integrity.
• Ensure consistency between computer-generated data and real-time observations of the patient's condition, verifying that all data reflects the patient's actual state.
• Continuously monitor the patient for any arrhythmias, ischemic changes, vital sign variations, or adverse symptoms.
• Initiate 12-lead ECG at scheduled intervals and perform blood pressure and oxygenation checks
• Assess the patient's ability to complete the test, making real-time evaluations of endurance and physical response.
• Possess the authority to terminate the test based on independent assessment and judgment, adhering to established laboratory criteria for safety.
• Provide preliminary analysis of test results, identifying any abnormalities, arrhythmias, or significant findings. Inpatient reports completed same-day, outpatient reports completed within 24h.
• Communicate positive test outcomes, abnormalities, or noteworthy arrhythmias to the attending physician promptly for further action.
• Work with the echo techs and other team members to perform stress tests
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment

35

Stress test & Evaluation (Stress Treadmill, Stress Echo, Pharmacologic Stress) for both outpatients and inpatients:

Pre-Test Coordination

Review patient's medical history and current medications to identify any contraindications for stress testing.

Determine readiness to proceed with testing; consult or notify attending and referring physicians as needed based on medical assessment.

Test Monitoring & Data Quality

Oversee data output for accuracy and identify artifacts on tracings to maintain equipment quality and data integrity.

Ensure consistency between computer-generated data and real-time observations of the patient's condition, verifying that all data reflects the patient's actual state.

Patient Monitoring During Test

Continuously monitor the patient for any arrhythmias, ischemic changes, vital sign variations, or adverse symptoms.

Initiate 12-lead ECG at scheduled intervals and perform blood pressure and oxygenation checks

Test Progress Evaluation

Assess the patient's ability to complete the test, making real-time evaluations of endurance and physical response.

Possess the authority to terminate the test based on independent assessment and judgment, adhering to established laboratory criteria for safety.

Preliminary Results Interpretation

Provide preliminary analysis of test results, identifying any abnormalities, arrhythmias, or significant findings. Inpatient reports completed same-day, outpatient reports completed within 24h.

Communicate positive test outcomes, abnormalities, or noteworthy arrhythmias to the attending physician promptly for further action.

5

Ambulatory ECG Monitor Placement 

 Coordinate and administer ambulatory ECG monitor patch studies including placement, patient education, preliminary reporting, and communication of urgent findings.

5

Communication, Scheduling & Administrative Duties

  Assist with patient scheduling, appointment reminders, and communication with referring providers and clinics.

  Respond promptly to emails, Epic messages, phone calls, and voicemails

. Maintain equipment, restock supplies, and support daily laboratory operations.

  Maintain required professional licenses, certifications, and compliance trainings.

3

Research, Quality Improvement & Protocol Development

  Participate in quality improvement initiatives, protocol development, and laboratory process enhancement. 

Support clinical research studies and maintain integrity of research data and protocols.

  Assist with quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities.

2

Teaching & Teamwork 

Provide orientation and hands-on teaching to fellows, residents, sonography students, and new staff.

  Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment focused on teamwork and patient-centered care.

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