Ultrasound Technologist

Cayuga Medical Center

36d

About The Position

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a qualified professional with academic and clinical experience who provides patient care services using diagnostic ultrasound. The role covers procedures and processes permitted by law for which the sonographer has received education and clinical experience and demonstrated competency. The sonographer reports to the Ultrasound Supervisor and Supervising Radiologist. The position performs diagnostic examinations using departmental protocols and supports daily ultrasound department operations, including patient scheduling, equipment maintenance, supplies, quality assessment, scheduling coordination, billing forms, and related clerical work. The sonographer uses independent judgment to obtain diagnostic information, evaluates findings, reviews imaging and patient records, adapts examinations as appropriate, and communicates information to physicians and the care team. The role also includes patient safety and comfort, assistance with invasive procedures using sterile technique, preparation of preliminary reports, required continuing education, maintenance of competency in high-level disinfection of intracavitary probes, and helping train and mentor new employees and student interns. Scheduled hours may be adjusted as needed due to staffing.

Requirements

Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program and eligible to take the ARDMS examination.
Active certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in the appropriate specialty or specialties.
Current compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for the appropriate specialty or specialties.
Minimum one year of full-time experience.
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within 90 days of hire.
Emotional and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
Strength sufficient to lift some patients, move heavy equipment on wheels weighing up to approximately 500 pounds, and move patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
Ability to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning.

Responsibilities

Operate sonographic equipment and perform requested diagnostic examinations ordered by attending physicians using departmental protocols.
Support daily ultrasound department operations, including patient scheduling, equipment maintenance, reporting equipment failures, ensuring adequate supplies, and quality assessment.
Coordinate and maintain the work schedule with the Ultrasound Supervisor; complete billing forms and related clerical duties as required.
Maintain medical ethics, continue developing knowledge of the field and new procedures, and maintain working knowledge of anatomy and pathology relevant to sonography.
Use independent judgment to obtain optimum diagnostic information and differentiate normal from pathologic findings.
Analyze prior imaging, synthesize sonographic information and medical history, integrate laboratory results and medical records, and adapt examinations as necessary.
Communicate diagnostic information to attending physicians and communicate effectively with patients and the health care team.
Ensure patients’ safety and mental and physical comfort while in the sonographer’s care.
Assist physicians with invasive procedures using sterile technique as needed.
Prepare preliminary reports and contact referring providers when required by established procedures.
Maintain appropriate appearance and hygiene in the work area.
Maintain required continuing medical education and attend mandatory in-house education programs.
Provide friendly, caring customer and patient interactions; attend to psychological and physical needs and maintain communication to support a secure and pleasant experience.
Maintain competency in high-level disinfection of intracavitary probes in accordance with established policy.
Assist with training and mentoring new employees and student interns.