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The practice of ultrasonography is performed by an ultrasound technologist responsible for the administration of high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to humans of all ages (newborn to geriatric) for medical purposes. A Sonographer/Technologist performs ultrasonography procedures and related techniques, producing images at the request of and for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner. Ultrasonography integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction, and compassionate care resulting in diagnostic information. A Sonographer/Technologist recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of a procedure.

The Sonographer/Technologists must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology. The Sonographer/Technologists recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of the procedure and exercised independent professional and ethical judgment. The Sonographer/Technologists are the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners, and other members of the support team. The Sonographer/Technologists must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills. Participation in quality improvement processes and continuous assessment of performance is expected.

Sonographer/Technologists think critically and use independent, professional, and ethical judgment in all aspects of work Engagement in continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence is expected in this role.

The scope of practice for the Sonographer/Technologist includes:
Performing diagnostic ultrasound procedure or examination upon the order of, or for diagnostic interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP). Determining ultrasonic frequencies and appropriate transducers for the anatomic area of interest. Maintaining records, respecting confidentiality and established policy Applying the principles of patient safety during all aspects of procedures, including assisting, and transporting patients. Receiving, relaying, and documenting verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient’s medical record. Corroborating patient’s clinical history with the ordered procedure while ensuring information is documented and available for use by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP). Verifying informed consent. Assuming responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures. Preparing patients for procedures. Applying principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others. Performing venipuncture per procedural protocol based on imaging order from a licensed independent practitioner as applicable. Starting and maintaining intravenous access per procedural protocol based on an imaging order for a LIP as applicable. Identifying, preparing, and /or administering medications generally associated with diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a LIP as applicable. Evaluating images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded. Identifying and escalating emergency situations and managing until appropriate LIP, EMS, MERT, RRT, or Code Team arrives to assume control. Providing patient education related to imaging procedure. Educating, mentoring, and general oversight of students and other learners in the environment. Participating and/or performing ongoing quality assurance activities

Essential Job Statements

Independent action(s) required: Cardiac Sonographer/Technologists with minimal assistance or independently performs or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of ultrasound imaging exams. Cardiac Sonographer/Technologists with minimal assistance or independently complete imaging exams based on physicians written order, department protocols, and institutional safety standards. Cardiac Sonographer/Technologist represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System. Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role. Resolves basic service delivery issues.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A

Additional position requirements: Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor. Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system. Weekend and other after-hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system. Sonographer/Technologists are considered “Essential Employees” who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit.   

Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Infant (1-12 months), Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years). Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: Certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography [RDCS (AE and/or PE)], or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCS or RCCS).

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Current Certification by RDCS (ARDMS) or RCS or RCCS (CCI) Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers)

Experience REQUIRED: One (1) years of previous work experience as a Cardiac Sonographer Technologist

Experience PREFERRED: One (1) three (3) years of previous work experience as a Cardiac Sonographer/Technologist Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment.

Education/training REQUIRED: Graduation from an allied health education programs specific to sonography meeting educational requirements for certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography [RDCS (AE and/or PE)], or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCS or RCCS); OR Graduation from an CAAHEP or CMA Accredited Program in cardiac sonography, or Graduation from a minimum of a 2-year JRC Accredited Program in Cardiac Sonography that is recognized by the ARRT or Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, JRC-DMS, OR Graduation from a bachelor’s degree program and hold at least one certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography [RDCS (AE and/or PE)] or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCS or RCCS);

Education/training PREFERRED: Bachelor’s Degree in cardiac sonography. Independent action(s) required: Cardiac Sonographer/Technologists independently performs or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of ultrasound imaging exams. Cardiac Sonographer/Technologists independently complete imaging exams based on physicians written order, department protocols, and institutional safety standards. Cardiac Sonographer/Technologist represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System. Ensures adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to role. Resolves basic service delivery issues. Lead technologists may perform “lead technologist” functions such as coordinating work assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift/area; serve as clinical or technical resource; provide training.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A

Additional position requirements: Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor. Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system. Weekend and other after hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system. Sonographer/Technologists are considered “Essential Employees” who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.

Age Specific groups served:  All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate): Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.

Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Walking (distance), Repetitive motion, Prolonged computer interaction

Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speak clearly, write legibly, reading, Logical thinking

Other: fast-paced environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Varies by Need (United States of America)

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4.