Sonographer

Parkland Health

About The Position

Operates ultrasound equipment to produce high-quality basic diagnostic scans while ensuring optimal patient care. The role may serve Radiology Ultrasound, Mammography, or high-risk OB/Gyn sonography, with credential requirements and timelines specific to the assigned area. The sonographer follows imaging and documentation protocols, maintains equipment and exam rooms, supports patient safety, and participates in department quality, training, and onboarding activities.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited sonography program.
For sonographers working in Ultrasound or Mammography, one year of experience in the specialty is preferred.
Equivalent pathway: sonography education, a current ARDMS or ARRT(S) credential, and hospital sonography experience.
Radiology Ultrasound sonographers must hold one of the following: ARDMS with at least one specialty credential (AB, RVT, or OB/GYN), ARRT(S), or CCI-RVS.
Radiology Ultrasound sonographers hired with an ARDMS specialty other than Abdomen (AB) must obtain ARDMS (AB) within 6 months of hire.
Radiology Ultrasound sonographers hired with ARDMS (AB) must obtain a vascular credential, ARDMS (RVT) or CCI-RVS, within 12 months of hire.
Radiology Ultrasound sonographers hired with ARRT(S) must obtain a vascular credential, ARDMS (RVT) or CCI-RVS, within 12 months of hire.
Radiology Ultrasound sonographers hired with CCI-RVS only must obtain ARDMS (AB) within 6 months of hire.
Mammography sonographers must be registered by ARDMS or hold ARRT. Those hired with ARDMS must obtain the breast ultrasound subspecialty RDMS(BR) within 12 months of hire; those hired with ARRT(M) must have the breast sonography (BS) subspecialty as a condition of hire.
High-risk OB/Gyn sonographers must obtain Sonographer registration, RDMS (OB/GYN), from ARDMS within 6 months of hire.
Must hold a current Healthcare Provider CPR course completion card or obtain certification during initial orientation at Parkland from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross Rescuer, or Military Training Network.
Ability to operate various types of ultrasound and ancillary equipment used in ultrasound procedures.
Knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy.
Mammography sonographers must be proficient in breast ultrasound exams.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to demonstrate patient-centered and patient-valued behaviors.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in the relevant specialty for sonographers working in Ultrasound or Mammography.

Responsibilities

Operate ultrasound equipment for general diagnostic scans and determine equipment and supply needs in advance to support patient safety and efficient scanning.
May participate in complex scans and invasive procedures to meet vascular credential requirements and support career development.
Evaluate and verify images against departmental quality standards and imaging protocols; follow procedures for image acquisition, labeling, documentation, and presentation in PACS.
Identify normal and abnormal anatomy relevant to the imaging subspecialty and document findings in images and the electronic health record according to protocol.
Maintain quality standards using Peer View and other department metrics, and participate in image review and feedback sessions with physicians, senior sonographers, and the supervisor.
Observe patients during scans, respond to urgent or emergent events, and obtain the appropriate level of emergency assistance.
Accurately enter patient-record data, including arrival and exam timing, and complete computerized data-entry and charging tasks.
May access and handle selected medications and contrast media within scope of practice and under supervision and guidance of a senior sonographer and/or provider.
Perform basic ultrasound-equipment troubleshooting, notify the supervisor, submit service tickets as needed, and remove broken equipment from service.
Inspect, clean, and prepare exam rooms after each patient; follow infection-prevention practices, complete required logs and documentation, and participate in Environment of Care rounds and inspection-readiness activities.
Participate in training sonography students on clinical rotation.
Maintain positive working relationships in accordance with Parkland Colleague Behavior guidelines and serve as a resource for physicians, sonographers, students, and patients.
Assist with orientation and onboarding of new sonographers, APP staff, support staff, and/or resident physicians.
Follow departmental and organizational behavioral expectations; receive no written corrective actions during the evaluation period or demonstrate significant improvement after corrective action.
Attend department meetings or department-sponsored continuing-education sessions, unless waived by the manager because of shift or emergency circumstances.
Identify opportunities to improve work processes and customer satisfaction; make recommendations, implement them, and monitor results as appropriate.
Stay current with developments and trends in the field through seminars, workshops, professional journals, professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure, and apply relevant knowledge to work practices.
Maintain knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines; develop effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable laws, accreditation requirements, and health-plan requirements; seek advice as needed.