Variable (United States of America)

Ultrasound Technologist

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer utilizes high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and relate data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is required; graduation from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) – accredited program is preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

 
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE:

• Must be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in General Sonography or registered by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Registration by ARDMS must be obtained within first year of employment to include vascular technology (i.e. abdomen, OB/GYN). Current compliance with continuing medical education (CME) requirements for specialties as appropriate.        

• Previous experience as a certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is preferred.

• Ability to make independent decisions; performs well under stress.  Must be skilled in providing care for newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete medical history and/or assessment of general condition is performed and documented prior to examination.  Documents two forms of patient identification meeting Joint Commission Standards.  Participates in and documents time outs.  Assure appropriate informed consent is completed

• Possess knowledge and skills to care for the following patients in a medical center setting: newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric

• Answers patient’s questions and assists with patient scheduling as required.  Assures efficient throughput and productivity while assuring quality patient care

• Pre-procedure patient screening is completed.  Examination room is set up properly according to physician, radiologist, or procedure requirements

• Procedure is completed using cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.  Patient safety and comfort is maintained throughout procedure.  Radiologist or physician is assisted; knowledge and skill of semi-special procedures, sterile techniques, and special instrumentation is demonstrated.  Portable examinations are performed in surgery or patient rooms in an effective and efficient manner.  Assists with patient transit as needed.  Proper hand off communication is documented.  Hand hygiene, standard precautions and isolation procedures are followed as appropriate for all patients.  Applies professional ethics

• Conducts clinical teaching/image critique and observation of student sonographers and technologists in clinical education.  Provides direct and indirect supervision to students and personnel

• Procedure documentation is produced utilizing all imaging equipment and is appropriately placed/retrieved for the Radiologist’s interpretation.  Evaluates images for quality, demonstration of anatomical structures sand legal requirements for each procedure

• Equipment set up for procedure is accurate and timely.  Computer knowledge and skill is demonstrated.  Acquisition and processing of images is effective and efficient.  Maintains adequate stock of supplies and equipment in assigned room or area

• Completes radiology requisition with appropriate information and initials.  Performs required office/clerical duties and procedure documentation

• Performs QA testing as requested.  Provides quality care with appropriate documentation

• Attends departmental meetings as required and participates in developmental/continuing education meetings to maintain and improve skills

• Continually updates education as required for National professional certification

• Continually updates education as required by HHMC/Joint Commission/OSHA, etc. standards

• Assists in more than one specialized modality examination after competency is approved

• Completes specialty certification/registration such as RVT for individual modality certification

• Pursues ongoing continuing education in professional practice and certification.  Active participation in off-site professional seminars, etc

• Conducts cross-training of personnel/students as assigned