Model Job Description

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

The following is a recommended MODEL job description for the position of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. This model job description is basic and may be used as is or modified as necessary to meet other specific requirements of employment.

For additional related information, see the Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional (http://www.sdms.org/positions/scope.asp) and the Diagnostic Ultrasound Clinical Practice Standards (http://www.sdms.org/positions/clinicalpractice.asp).

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JOB TITLE

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

JOB DESCRIPTION

• A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional that is qualified by professional credentialing and academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. The scope of practice of the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer 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 of practice in ultrasound.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

• Administrative Supervisor: Chief Sonographer *
• Medical Supervisor: Attending or Supervising Physician *

* As defined by institution.

JOB SUMMARY

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the independent operation of sonographic equipment, and for performing and communicating results of diagnostic examinations using sonography.
• The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for daily operations of the sonographic laboratory, patient schedule, equipment maintenance, the report of equipment failures, and quality assessment (QA). The sonographer 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 new procedures as they evolve.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record, and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images.
• Uses independent judgment during the sonographic exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings.
• Analyses sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information and medical history, and communicates findings to the appropriate physician.
• Coordinates work schedule with Departmental Director and/or scheduling desk to assure workload coverage.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in the sonographer's care.
• Assists with the daily operations of the sonographic laboratory.
• Maintains a daily log of patients seen / completes exam billing forms.
• Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area, and maintains adequate supplies.
• Participates in the maintenance of laboratory accreditation.
• Establishes and maintains ethical working relationships and good rapport with all interrelating hospitals, referral or commercial agencies.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs all requested sonographic examinations as ordered by the attending physician.
• Prepares preliminary reports and contacts referring physicians when required, according to established procedures.
• Coordinates with other staff to assure appropriate patient care is provided.
• 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.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety and well-being of all patients in the sonographic area/department.
• Reports equipment failures to the appropriate supervisor or staff member.
• Provides in-service education team on requirements of sonographic procedures as requested by other members of the health care team.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Cardiovascular Technology Program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is required.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is desirable.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Active certification by American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the specialty(ies) as appropriate.
• Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for specialty(ies) as appropriate.

Experience

• As defined by institution.

Demonstration of Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively operate sonographic equipment.
• Ability to evaluate sonograms in order to acquire appropriate diagnostic information.
• Ability 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.
• Ability to evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending physician.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the patient and the health care team, recognizing the special nature of sonographic examinations and patient's needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and health care team.
• Ability to follow established departmental procedures.
• Ability to work efficiently and cope with emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be physically capable of carrying out all assigned duties:

• Emotional and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
• Strength sufficient to: lift some patients, move heavy equipment on wheels (up to approximately 500 lbs), and to move patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
• Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.

RISK OF EXPOSURE TO BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS

• Category I - Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

SALARY/BENEFITS

• As defined by institution.

(Note: Salary should be competitive for geographic location, practice setting, and practice specialty. Refer to the latest edition of the SDMS Sonography Salary and Benefits Report for specific information.)

Date Reviewed:	_______________

DEPARTMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES APPROVAL:



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Department Approval             Human Resources Approval