Sonographer

Ultrasound Technologist

Competently operates ultrasound equipment to perform general, vascular and/or cardiac procedures/studies. Accurately differentiates between normal and pathologic findings.

Reviews patient's medical record to obtain necessary clinical information including patient history, lab results, and physician orders, obtains necessary clinical information from patients, and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.

Positions patient and selects proper transducer and technical factors for accurate ultrasound procedures. Adjusts factors to attain the appropriate images. Ensures safety, mental and physical comfort of patient.

Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.

Accurately identifies and labels images identifying patient name, medical record unit (MRU) number, and location or position of scan on all images.

Maintains records in accordance with various regulatory agencies and enters patient and study information into the radiology information system, and documents billing codes of procedures performed to ensure accurate patient charges.

Identifies equipment performance issues, communicates to appropriate staff, and evaluates new products and equipment for possible future use.

Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.

Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with Abdomen issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Medical Sonographer (RDMS) registration with OB/GYN issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Med Sonography (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Vascular Technologist (RVT) registration issued by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Vascular Sonography (VS) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Vascular Specialist (RVS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 3 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS-AE) registration with Adult Echo issued by the ARDMS needs to be obtained within 18 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, or
• Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) registration issued by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) needs to be obtained within 18 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months.

Education Required:

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Sonography.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Competency in all general and/or vascular sonographic procedures routinely performed in the hiring department.
• Ability to use independent judgment to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers using excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of and adherence to department, facility and organization policies and protocols.
• Ability to prioritize, work independently and manage simultaneous assignments.
• Ability to be flexible in schedule and adaptable to constant change.