ULTRASONOGRAPHER-RADIOLOGY

POSITION TITLE:                       Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

DEPARTMENT:                           Radiology

FLSA STATUS:                           Non-exempt

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:   Lead Sonographer and Director of Radiology

Job Summary: Under supervision of Lead Sonographer and Radiology Director, provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures.  The scope of practice includes those procedures, acts and processes permitted by law for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, has demonstrated competency, and has completed the appropriate ARDMS certification(s) which is the standard practice of ultrasound.

Essential Functions:

• Consistently uses an outward mindset and puts forth exemplary effort in accomplishing his/her goals and objectives in a manner that helps others to achieve their goals and objectives.
• Responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography ordered by physicians. 
• Responsible for daily operations of the sonographic laboratory, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). 
• Prepares preliminary reports and contacts referring physicians and/or Radiologist when required according to established procedures. 
• Addresses problems of patient care as they arise and makes decisions to appropriately resolve the problems. 
• Organizes daily work schedule and performs related clerical duties as required.  Provides in-service or on the spot education on requirements of sonographic procedures as requested by other members of the health care team. 
• Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician. 
• Coordinates work schedule with Department Director, Lead Sonographer, and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage. 
• Responsible for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in the Sonographers care, assists with the daily operations of the sonographic laboratory, along with establishing and maintaining ethical working relationships and good rapport with all departments and outside agencies. 

Minimum Qualifications: Graduate of formal ultrasound technology training which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).  Active certification by American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the specialty(ies) (ABD, OB/GYN) or registry eligible as appropriate.  Must become registered in at least one specialty within one year of hire.  Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies), as appropriate. Vascular knowledge and ability to perform general vascular exams.  American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:   Uses independent judgment during the sonographic exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.  Maintains a high standard of medical ethics at all times and is self-motivated to increase level of understanding and knowledge of the field, disease, and the new procedures as they evolve.  Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological diagnostic information and images.  Ability to effectively operate ultrasound equipment and techniques. Knowledge of anatomy/physiology and disease process, quality control in Ultrasound Department, all contrast media used in Imaging, i.e., dosage, precautions, adverse reactions, and examination appropriateness. Must demonstrate competency in administration of lidocaine. Ability to tactfully perform transvaginal exams on women from teenagers to geriatrics. Working knowledge of sterile technique. Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information, to integrate diagnostic sonograms, laboratory results, patient history and medical records, and adapt sonographic examination as necessary. 

Ability to use independent judgment to acquire the optimum diagnostic sonographic information in each examination performed and to evaluate, synthesize and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician and/or Radiologist.  Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patients’ needs. Strong interpersonal relationships with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.  Skilled in monitoring patient responses, assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.

Working Conditions:  May be occasionally exposed to hazardous materials or infectious diseases.

Physical Requirements:   Constantly walk, see/visual acuity, handle/grasp/feel, bend/twist, talk/hear.  Frequently stand, reach, push/pull, stoop/kneel/crouch, lift/carry 50+ lbs.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.