Ultrasonographer

Overview

Under direction, and with the guidance of an American College of Radiology Board Certified Radiologist, performs Ultrasound procedures as requested by a physician. All procedures will be performed in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)

Assists physicians with biopsy and other invasive procedures, utilizing Ultrasound as guidance for needle placement and maintaining sterile technique as appropriate.

Organizes daily schedule ensuring patient throughput is efficient with patients studies being performed in the chronological order they were requested, with STAT examinations taking precedence over all others.

Performs a variety of complex specialized ultrasound exams in the specialties of abdomen, ob/gyn, breast, vascular, and neurosonography according to department protocol. Utilizes high frequency soundwaves to differentiate normal form abnormal anatomy in a timely manner, while still maintaining excellent exam quality.

Prepares a sonographer impression form for each study performed to include a detailed patient history and diagnoses pertinent to the particular exam executed and obtains stat preliminary results on abnormal exams according to department protocol.

Reviews and correlates patient’s exam orders with patient’s current history and prior exam history to ensure that the appropriate exam is being performed.

Verifies correct transfer of images and exam information through PACS and RIS for interpretation by the Radiologists and ensure correct charging.

Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned.

Qualifications

Job Specific (Minimum Requirements)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates standard knowledge of normal vs. abnormal anatomy.
• Recognizes and diagnoses disease processes pertinent to exams performed.
• Cognizant of critical findings and situations, as well as how to address them competently in conjunction with critical thinking skills and good decision making.
• Excellent knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to abdominal, ob/gyn, vascular, breast, and neurosonography.
• Ability to adapt scanning technique to enable performance of exam requested at all levels of difficulty.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently displaying confidence in diagnoses and images obtained.
• Ability to physically assist patients on and off the table.
• Ability to perform exams in the Ultrasound department, in surgery or cath lab, and at the patient’s bedside.
• Must have integrity, compassion, confidentiality, a high discretionary level, and professionalism.
• Self-motivation incorporated into a strong spirit of teamwork is required.

Education

Associates degree in Allied Health is Required* 

*We will consider direct experience in lieu of education for certified candidates.

Experience

1 year of Healthcare-Ultrasound experience is Preferred.

Certifications and Licensures 

Title and Description

In keeping with the American College of Radiology requirements, the technologist must meet one of the following:

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): RDMS(AB), (OB/GYN), or (PS), and/or RVT(VT);  [Breast (BR) specialty earned prior to 2011 will be accepted; RMSKS credential is not accepted]
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT): RT(S) or RT(VS); [Breast (BS) specialty earned prior to 2011 will be accepted]
• Performing ultrasound prior to and continuously since October 1996 ANDevaluated by responsible physician to assure competence

      2. CPR – Basic Life Support

Annual Mandatory Competencies 

• Trophon Competency

Model of Care and Conduct

Methodist Hospitals strives for excellence and insists on high standards of conduct and performance in everything we do. Our Model of Care and Conduct is designed to create a positive work environment which Methodist desires for all employees. This is foundational to the high level of patient, family and physician satisfaction we strive for each day. As part of all position’s duties at Methodist Hospitals, all employees are responsible to conduct themselves in accordance with the Model of Care and Conduct and will be evaluated according to these standards of behavior.