Sonographer

Nature of Duties:

Independently performs a variety of routine and advanced ultrasound duties associated with an invasive, non-invasive, and interventional cardiovascular practice.

Qualifications:

1. Completion of studies at an accredited cardiovascular ultrasound school, completion of X-Ray school with post ultrasound training, completion of cardiopulmonary school with post ultrasound training, or completion of Bachelor’s degree with post ultrasound training.

2. ARDMS or CCI registry in Vascular and Cardiac Ultrasound.  Eligibility will be considered.

3. Basic Life Support certification (BLS) is required.

4. Good communication skills.

Specific Duties:

1. Operates ultrasonographic equipment to obtain diagnostic images and blood flow data following established protocol.  Manually controls the equipment to obtain proper diagnostic information from the area of the body being studied.  Deciphers normal from abnormal in order to obtain appropriate tests and to show any abnormality in its entirety.  Has knowledge of cross-sectional as well as sagittal anatomy and is familiar with normal and abnormal flow characteristics to evaluate for optimal testing quality.

2. Informs patient of the test to be performed, reviews clinical data from the medical record and patient interview, and performs appropriate examination.  Records patient information in a daily logbook, completes work sheet on each patient, and records initial impression to aid in diagnosis.  Reviews study with the physician, clarifies any discrepancies, and performs additional testing if necessary.  Dictates studies, as needed, for transcription after review by reading physician.

3. Demonstrates proficiency and remains current in the field of vascular technology by reading appropriate technical journals and participating in educational programs and becoming registered in the field of vascular technology (RVT) and maintaining that status.

4. Helps coordinate patient scheduling.  Maintains good rapport with the patient, ensuring cooperation during the procedure.  Maintains a safe environment for the patients. Maintains patient comfort with positioning, pain medication, etc.

5. Create accurate and complete electronic ultrasound reports in the electronic medical record (EMR) on studies and enter appropriate electronic messages to other departments to assist with patient flow and documentation of patient wait times.

6. Maintains a clean and orderly work area and ensures that proper supplies are available.  Prepares examination room for the patient and regularly restocks with linen and other required supplies. Maintains test equipment in clean working condition including the cleaning of the unit, screens, control board, camera, video processor, and probes.

7. Provides clinical training for others when needed.

8. Assist in staffing other clinics and departments when needed.

9. Performs all other related duties as directed. (e.g., Escorts patient to the next station: next testing area, review with physician, or check-out) and serves in whatever other capacity deemed necessary for successful completion of the mission and goals of CIS and in concordance with its patient philosophy.