Student Cardiovascular Technologist Extern

Job Description

Job Title: Student Cardiovascular Technologist Extern – Echocardiography Department

Company: Sentara Heart Hospital (Part of Sentara Health)

Location: Norfolk, VA

Work Shift: First (Days)

Job Type: Flexi Day shift

Hours: Operating hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Shift times can vary and are expected to be around 4 hours per week minimum, based on availability.

Overview:

Sentara Heart Hospital is seeking a Student Cardiovascular Technologist Extern for its Echocardiography department. This is a unique training role designed for students currently enrolled in an accredited cardiovascular technology / echocardiography program. Under direct supervision, the extern will assist in and perform selected echocardiography procedures, gaining invaluable hands-on clinical experience. A key requirement is having completed sufficient clinical hours in an accredited program such that the employed hours can contribute towards graduation requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation of patients for echocardiography procedures (e.g., 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:

Education:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited cardiovascular technology or echocardiography sonography program.
• Must have completed sufficient clinical hours so that some work may count toward program graduation requirements.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.

Certification:

• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required.

Experience & Skills:

• Good communication skills: ability to interact empathetically with patients and work collaboratively with the medical team (preferred).
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to follow direction and protocols strictly.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Desired Outcomes by the end of 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.

Keywords: Student, Externship, Echo, Cardiovascular Tech, Technologist, Echocardiographer, Echocardiography

Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career

Sentara is committed to enhancing training, advancement tracks, and work-life benefits to ensure an exciting and fulfilling career experience. Eligible colleagues may also have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria are met.

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility, and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance – $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down – $10,000
• Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan

About Sentara:

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 525-bed tertiary care facility. It is home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in Hampton Roads and serves as the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School. In addition to the high-quality heart program at Sentara Heart Hospital, the facility houses Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance and other dedicated specialized services. As a recognized accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, Sentara Norfolk General specializes in heart and vascular, neurosciences, neurosurgery, urology, oncology, spine care, advanced imaging, behavioral health, maternity, and women’s health, including a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.

Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer, priding itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its nearly 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging are guiding principles to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves. In support of its mission “to improve health every day,” this is a tobacco-free environment.

For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states: Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.