The Student Echocardiographer is a training role designed for a student enrolled in an accredited cardiovascular technology / echocardiography program. Under supervision, the student will assist in and perform selected echocardiographic procedures as appropriate, gaining hands-on clinical experience. The student’s hours worked may be applied toward required clinical hours for graduation.

Sentara Obici Hospital is a 175-bed, full service facility located on Godwin Boulevard in Suffolk, VA. It is part of the Sentara Health system. The hospital offers a wide range of services including heart and vascular care, advanced imaging, and non-invasive diagnostic services

Key Responsibilities

Assist in preparation of patients for echocardiography procedures (explaining the procedure, positioning, ensuring patient comfort, obtaining patient history)

Operate specialized ultrasound / echocardiography equipment under supervision to perform basic echocardiogram studies

Assist or act as first assistant during diagnostic and therapeutic vascular or echo-related procedures, under physician or registered sonographer guidance

Maintain accurate patient records, image data, and documentation as required by the lab and hospital policy

Adhere to established protocols for patient safety, infection control, and equipment maintenance

Observe and assist in advanced echo procedures when appropriate (e.g. Doppler, stress echocardiography) under supervision

Participate in educational activities, seminars, and in-service training to enhance knowledge of cardiac anatomy, physiology, pathology, and echo imaging techniques

Qualifications & Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited cardiovascular technology or echocardiography sonography program

Have completed sufficient clinical hours so that some work may count toward program graduation requirements

High School diploma or equivalent required

BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required

Good communication skills: ability to interact empathetically with patients and work collaboratively with medical team

Attention to detail, ability to follow direction and protocols strictly

Willingness to learn and adapt in a clinical environment

By the end of the placement / student assignment, the Student Echocardiographer should be able to:

Conduct basic transthoracic echocardiograms under supervision with acceptable image quality

Understand major cardiac anatomy and common pathologies as they present in echocardiographic imaging

Demonstrate competency in patient preparation, equipment setup, and documentation

Work effectively within the echo lab team; understand workflow and safety protocols

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, and benefits. The base pay rate for Full Time employment is:$18.62 - $27.92. Additional compensation may be available for this role such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.