Jonak passes Echo boards

Valley County Health System (VCHS) Registered Vascular Technologist in Radiology Blair Jonak, RT (R), RDMS, RVT, RDCS, recently passed her Echocardiogram (Echo) registry exam through the American Registry of Diagnostic Sonography (ARDMS).

Jonak has been a vascular technologist at VCHS for four years. While it is not required to become a board certified registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer, Jonak wanted to take this extra step to further her certifications. Specialty Clinic Cardiologist Dr. McGowan has been working alongside Jonak during this process to evaluate and sign off on her work allowing Jonak to sit for the Echo exam after gaining on the job experience. Jonak is the first Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer at VCHS.

The 140 question certification exam requires hours of studying and preparation.  It consists of five categories: anatomy and physiology, pathology, clinical care, techniques and instrumentation.  The purpose of the ARDMS exam is to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the performance of the tasks typically required of staff technologists.

“Having echocardiography available in our area is a great benefit to our community,” Jonak said. “I am excited to use my extended knowledge to continue providing high quality exams for our patients and providers.”

For more information regarding Imaging Services at VCHS, call 308.728.4249.

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Pictured (L-R): Blair Jonak, RT (R), RDMS, RVT, RDCS; VCHS Imaging Manager Kristen Ryschon, RT (R) (CT).