The Cardiac Catheterization Technologist is a technical resource and provides scrub assistance to the cardiologists in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic interventional cardiac and peripheral vascular procedures. The Cardiac Catheterization Technologist will prepare for and perform all cardiac and vascular imaging procedures displaying knowledge of exams and equipment; troubleshoot minor equipment malfunctions; keep accurate records of all patients, equipment, quality control, and maintenance; and maintain appropriate levels of supplies.
Essential Duties:
- Organizes, plans and directs activities relating to patients and procedures for their designated area when assigned to do so by the Department Coordinator or Department Manager.
- Serve as scrub assistant or circulate for diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures.
- Serve as scrub assistant or circulate for structural heart repair procedures including pulmonary and aortic valvuloplasty, VSD, ASD, PFO, and PDA closures.
- Serve as scrub assistant or circulate for transcatheter valve replacement, Mitraclip and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion procedures and participate in clinical trial studies.
- Serve as scrub assistant or circulate for implant procedures such as Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator.
- Setup, maintain, and operate rotational atherectomy (Rotablator) and thrombolysis (EKOS) equipment
- Setup, maintain, and operate all interventional electrophysiology equipment for ablation, trans-septal ablations, mapping, and Electro-physiology studies.
- Assist cardiovascular tests and record patients' hemodynamic activity using specialized electronic test equipment, recording devices and laboratory instruments.
- Monitor and document all physiological monitoring/recording equipment and document all actions during the procedure.
- Recognizes cardiac arrhythmias and hemodynamic waveforms and alerts credentialed provider and other team members during procedures and according to protocol.
- Manage patient arterial and venous access sites post-procedure, including removal of sheaths and safe management of hemostatic devices.
- Prepare, maintains and operate ventricular assist device and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump.
- Prepare, maintain, and operate Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE), IVUS, and ultrasound machine.
- Adjusts technical factors in proportion to patient age and body part being examined while minimizing radiation.
- Assists in training and guidance of technologist cross-training in the Cath Lab department in a positive manner.
- Confirms patient identification by checking name and birthdate.
- Reviews physician notes and/or special instructions, reviews with cardiologist and patient if necessary, to assure safety and appropriateness.
- Recognizes emergency situations, initiates code and properly administer aid as needed.
- Provides radiation protection to patient, staff and self-according to prescribed safety standards.
- Practices sterile technique and prevents cross contamination to patient and instruments.
- Records pertinent patient information and completes all paperwork as required and assists in maintaining files. Ensures images are successfully archived on the cardiology PACS. Performs billing functions timely and accurately.
- Keeps Cath Lab rooms and work stations neat, orderly and prepared, and assures exam room is stocked with appropriate supplies. Assists with ordering and stocking of department supplies and equipment.
- Required to participate in after-hours uncontrolled standby and call back. Position requires the use of a pager while on duty and while on standby.
- Willingly performs other related duties, task or project outside immediate work area as assigned or required (i.e., scheduling, transport, clerical) by the Department Coordinator, and Department Manager.
- Assist in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation with other departments, medical staff and fellow employees.
- Uses the chain of command appropriately to communicate any concerns with the department, co-workers or medical staff.
- Accepts change as an opportunity for growth, learning and development; adapts to changing procedures and goals in a cooperative and positive manner.
- Exhibits organizational skills and utilizes time efficiently.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Req High school or equivalent
- Req Specialized/technical training Graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology Program.
- Req 2 years Experience as a Radiologic Technologist, previous angiography or cardiac cath experience required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pref Electrophysiology (EPS, A-Fib/SVT/VT ablation, 3D Mapping) experience desired.
- Pref Interventional peripheral vascular (PTA, Stent, Laser atherectomy, Carotid Stenting) experience desired.
- Pref Structural heart repair (TAVR, TMVR-MitraClip, Watchman, Pulmonic Valve insertion, Septal Closure) experience desired.
- Pref Cardiac Support device (IABP, Impella, Tandem Heart, ECMO) experience desired.
- Pref Advanced ARRT Certification in Vascular, Cardiac, or Cardiovascular Radiography
- Pref Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
Required Licenses/Certifications:
- Req Certified Radiologic Technologist (CA DPH)
- Req Radiologic Technologist Fluoroscopy Permit (CA DPH)
- Req Radiography (ARRT)
- Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
- Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
- Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only).
The hourly rate range for this position is $49.30 - $83.81 When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
