Cardiac Sonography Careers in Virginia – VA

By Susan Maphis, allied health world contributing writer
Published: August, 2 2010

The Virginia Department of Health’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (HDSP) Project is focused on the public education and prevention of heart disease and stroke in the state. Part of their mandate is to provide resources, training and technology that will help in this effort. It follows, then, that there are many cardiac sonographer jobs in Virginia that need to be filled. Cardiac sonographers (sometimes called echocardiographers) can help to find and diagnose heart disease early, thus preventing some problems later on. The state has identified health districts where heart disease is the most prevalent: Cumberland Plateau, Eastern Shore, Mount Rogers, Lenowisco, Southside, Chesterfield and Portsmouth. One can surmise that the need for cardiac sonographers would be greatest in these areas of Virginia.

Cardiac sonographers perform ultrasound imaging of the heart to assist the physician in identifying cardiac abnormalities. Using computerized equipment, they direct high frequency sound waves at the heart and blood vessels. This produces images that reveal cardiac anatomy and function. Echocardiographers record these images on digital equipment for evaluation by a physician. It is not mandatory that echocardiographers are licensed or certified in Virginia, but they must complete the proper training (usually 2 to 4 years). After graduation, you can find employment in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, imaging centers, operating rooms, clinical research laboratories and the biomedical industry across Virginia.