local echo tech nurse working on a patient

Local Echo Tech Careers

An echocardiogram technician (echo tech) is an allied health professional who uses ultrasound equipment to take pictures of patients’ hearts, take scans, and collect data. They collaborate with doctors to diagnose heart conditions of all types. Local echo techs take on long-term postings in their area.

Local Echo Tech

Scope

Education

Salary

Ultrasound examination in the Operating Room

Scope of practice

By using ultrasound technology, echo techs help to diagnose patients. The imaging technology can reveal how the patient’s heart is working and how healthy the valves and chambers are. They have many tasks, including:

Preparing equipment for procedures
Explaining the procedure to patients
Answering questions and concerns
Positioning patients for examinations
Scanning patients
Searching for abnormalities in the scans
Ensuring patient comfort
Producing high-quality scans
Maintaining patient records

Echo techs work in hospital settings, as well as in outpatient centers, and rehabilitative clinics.

Required education and training

To become an echo tech, you must have your high school diploma or its equivalent. This will then allow you to pursue further education in the form of an associate or bachelor’s degree. Most echo techs choose to get an associate degree in sonography or echocardiography.

If you’d like to start working sooner, you can choose a certificate program at a vocational school. You may need to complete work hours to be eligible to take the certification test.

Not all echo tech jobs require that you have certification, but it’s always a good idea to get it anyway. It will allow you to have more job opportunities. You can get certification via Cardiovascular Credentialing International or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Utltrasonographic examination devices at hospital

Echo tech salary and benefits

Echo tech salaries fluctuate depending on the state. If you have certification or a bachelor’s degree, you are more likely to receive a higher salary.

By working with Prolink, you also receive benefits that can make pursuing an echo tech career even more enticing. We provide comprehensive health insurance as well as life insurance, retirement planning, referral bonuses, some tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.

Local Echo Tech FAQs

How long does it take to become an echo tech?

The answer depends on what educational path you choose. An associate’s degree takes two years, while a bachelor’s takes four. Certificate programs are often just one year. At the most, it’ll take four or five years before you can become an echo tech. The majority of people do so in about two years, however.

Do all states require certification for echo techs?

No. Most states don’t require certification, though your employer may ask for it. In many instances, it’s a good option to pursue because it can open up further job opportunities.

Where do echo techs work?

Local echo techs take on long-term positions in hospitals, medical clinics, doctors’ offices, and diagnostic imaging centers.