Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Central Health•Austin, TX

11d

About The Position

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs ultrasound procedures in a multi-specialty ambulatory clinic, following established protocols and producing high-quality images for interpretation. The role includes diagnostic procedures involving vascular, abdominal, and small-parts imaging. The sonographer assesses patients, acquires and analyzes ultrasound data, and applies independent judgment and systematic problem-solving to support patient care. The position provides a summary of findings to the physician or other healthcare provider to assist with diagnosis and management, and works collaboratively with the patient’s care team to promote positive clinical outcomes. The sonographer communicates with patients and families about examinations, reviews medical histories and clinical information, evaluates readiness and contraindications, performs ordered examinations, reviews images, and prepares preliminary findings. The role also includes operating and maintaining ultrasound equipment and PACS, supporting education of students and physician residents, participating in quality improvement and team activities, and complying with applicable safety, regulatory, accreditation, and organizational procedures.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and graduation from an accredited Ultrasound Technology Program.
One year of full-time experience as a vascular/ultrasound technician in a hospital, diagnostic imaging, or ambulatory clinic setting.
Registry eligible for ARDMS (RDMS, RVT) or CCI (RVS); new hires must sit for and pass the applicable registry within one year of hire.
Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS certification; existing employees must recertify within one month of expiration.
High-level relationship-building skills and ability to provide excellent customer and patient care.
Strong knowledge and competency in ultrasound procedures.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Commitment to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Proficient knowledge of ultrasound equipment.
ARDMS and/or CCI registry credentials.
Current RDMS, RVT, or RVS certification.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the patient’s care team to optimize clinical outcomes.
Perform high-quality ultrasound procedures according to exam protocols and in a timely manner.
Maintain imaging production and quality by following established standards and procedures.
Explain tests to patients and families and assess the patient’s ability to tolerate the examination.
Follow safety, infection-control, drug, and radiation policies, protocols, and techniques.
Prepare the examination room and ultrasound equipment in accordance with infection-control, sterilization, and patient-safety procedures.
Review patient medical history and supporting clinical information, and evaluate contraindications, preparation, and ability or willingness to tolerate the examination.
Use appropriate positioning tools, equipment adjustments, and ergonomic scanning techniques to support patient comfort and safety and prevent compromised data acquisition or injury.
Ensure the examination order is complete, includes relevant information, and meets medical-necessity standards.
Conduct patient clinical assessments and perform examinations ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols.
Apply independent professional, ethical judgment and critical thinking when performing sonography procedures.
Use independent judgment to capture appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions in examination images, acquiring additional imaging when needed for diagnostic results.
Review images, synthesize examination results, and prepare preliminary findings.
Provide patient services consistent with the Diagnostic Sonographer Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards.
Operate the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
Assist with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.
Verify that equipment has had required quality-control checks and is safe to use; report malfunctions, perform preventive maintenance, and arrange service as needed.
Stock supplies and prepare patient rooms and equipment.
Clean, maintain, and store equipment and accessories, and maintain required logs according to manufacturer guidelines.
Ensure patient-care tasks and related administrative duties comply with regulatory and accreditation standards and organizational procedures.
Participate in daily patient-care huddles, staff meetings, education offerings, and continuous quality improvement projects.
Practice AIDET during patient interactions and support organizational initiatives that promote a positive workplace culture.