"Diagnostic Sonographer"

Functions as a healthcare provider who, working under the delegated authority of the supervising physician, serves as a medical imaging professional, providing clinically relevant information to assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The role and responsibilities include providing diagnostic medical sonography services and its various clinical specialties. Activities are performed consistent with incumbent's education and training, and in accordance with the practice's policies and procedures and applicable professional standards.

• Prepares exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infectious disease, sterilization and patient safety protocols, policies and procedures.
• Reviews patient medical history, conducts patient clinical assessment and performs diagnostic medical sonography examination as ordered by supervising physician in accordance with professional and practice protocols.
• Applies independent, ethical judgment and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures. Ensures that appropriate anatomical, pathological and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images.
• Uses proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer.
• Ensures that the sonography examination order is complete, contains relevant information and meets the standard of 'medical necessity.' Identifies and documents any limitations to the sonography examination.
• Reviews images, synthesizes results and prepares preliminary findings for interpreting physician. Except as authorized, refers specific diagnostic, treatment or prognosis questions to the appropriate physician or healthcare professional.
• Ensures that sonography examination results meet practice standards for Quality Assurance before findings are released for interpretation.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA) and practice policies and procedures.
• Assists with daily operations. Performs quality control procedures to ensure that ultrasound equipment operates at optimal levels. Performs preventative maintenance and initiates calls for equipment service as necessary.
• Works with appropriate staff to ensure quality patient care. Carries out Quality Assurance protocols and Quality Improvement measures within the practice.
• Assists with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.

Education: Associate's Degree

Experience: Sonography education, training and experience in the specialty area(s) to be performed. Academic-hospital based experience is preferred. Completion of a two-year Allied Health degree and successful completion of a 12-month CAAHEP approved program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, or equivalent education. Demonstrated competence in the specialty area(s) to be performed, including sonographer certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). For roles in OB/GYN: Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR) certification is expected to be obtained within 12-18 months of hire. For roles in echocardiography: minimum of two years work experience; American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and/or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) desired. BLS certification, issued by the American Heart Association, is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to foster a collaborative atmosphere with other members of the healthcare team. Demonstrated proficiency with computer skills and software programs used for documentation activities and report generation.

Licenses and Certifications: State sonographer licensure, where applicable. Sonographer certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and/or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).

Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. Must be able to move 350 pound wheeled equipment as needed. Ability to travel to various work locations and work variable shifts as needed.