Cardiac Sonographer

Sanford Health•Bismarck, ND

About The Position

Sanford Health is seeking a Cardiac Sonographer to perform echocardiography tests and procedures in accordance with American Society of Echocardiography standards. The role prepares patients for exams, operates ultrasound equipment, produces and records images, and provides preliminary technical findings to interpreting physicians for use in medical diagnosis. The sonographer performs routine cardiac ultrasound procedures in clinics, hospitals, and mobile sites, depending on location, and may also perform ultrasonography based on the facility. The position may include outreach mobile services, which can involve travel to assigned sites, passenger flights, and occasional overnight stays. The role requires thorough knowledge of ultrasound equipment and use of new sonographic technologies when needed. It also involves professional interaction with health care professionals, support for Intersocietal Accreditation Commission accreditation, and supervision or training of students and cardiac sonographers as needed. The sonographer must follow Sanford safety, infection-control, and internal privacy and procedural standards.

Requirements

Education and experience requirements vary by state: South Dakota requires graduation from an accredited two-year Cardiac Ultrasound Program.
North Dakota requires graduation from an accredited cardiac sonography school or one year of cardiac sonography work experience (preferred); on-the-job training may be considered with appropriate leadership approval and an allied health certificate/diploma in an imaging modality.
Minnesota requires graduation from an accredited two-year Cardiac Ultrasound Program or a bachelor’s degree and one year of equivalent work experience.
In all other states, a minimum of one year of equivalent work experience or an allied health certificate/diploma is required.
In South Dakota, ARDMS or CCI credentialing, or registry eligibility, is required within 12 months of starting; leadership may require an earlier deadline based on department needs.
In all other states, ARRT, ARDMS, or CCI credentialing, or registry eligibility, is required within 18 months of hire; leadership may extend this period based on department needs.
In North Dakota, employees performing medical imaging or radiation therapy procedures must have licensure through the North Dakota Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board.
Employees providing outreach mobile services must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record and comply with applicable Sanford driver’s license policies and medical guidelines.
BLS certification is required within six weeks of employment and must be renewed as necessary.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients for examinations by explaining procedures, transferring them to the ultrasound table, applying gel, and positioning them.
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses.
Perform echocardiograms and provide oral and/or written preliminary summaries of technical findings to interpreting physicians.
Understand ultrasound machine operation and use new sonographic technologies when needed.
Perform routine cardiac ultrasound procedures in clinics, hospitals, and mobile sites, depending on location.
Interact professionally and effectively with fellow health care professionals.
Assist with submission and/or maintenance of Intersocietal Accreditation Commission accreditation when necessary.
Supervise or train students and cardiac sonographers as needed.
Follow Sanford safety and infection-control policies and established internal standards and procedures related to protected health information.
Perform ultrasonography where facility responsibilities include it.