Sonographer

University Hospitals•Beachwood, OH

About The Position

A Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) is a diagnostic medical professional who performs diagnostic ultrasound exams consistent with their education and training, facility policies and procedures, and applicable professional standards. The Sonographer independently operates sonographic equipment, maintains patient workflow, handles technical aspects of equipment maintenance, and performs quality assessment. The role calls for high medical-ethics standards and ongoing learning about the field, pathological processes, and advances in ultrasound technology. The Sonographer validates patient orders, reviews relevant prior imaging, prepares the exam room and equipment, and performs ultrasound examinations according to departmental protocols. The role includes completing structured reports, identifying exam limitations, ensuring images are uploaded to PACS, and reviewing exams with a radiologist as needed. The Sonographer provides age-specific care from neonates through geriatrics, follows infection-control and high-level disinfection procedures, protects patient privacy and PHI, maintains credentials, reports equipment failures, and follows hospital safety and regulatory standards. The position requires the ability to work independently and collaborate with the healthcare team. Travel requirement: 10%25.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited program in a school of Sonography.
SPI (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation Examination) certification required upon hire.
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification in a specialty required within six months; depending on location and job function, RVT and/or Breast certification may be required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required upon hire.
Basic computer knowledge.
Knowledge of various types of ultrasound equipment.
Knowledge of computer-stored images.

Nice To Haves

Previous sonography experience.
Proficiency in sterile technique and surgical procedures.
Basic knowledge of oxygen tanks, suction machines, and IVAC pumps.

Responsibilities

Validate patient orders and review relevant prior imaging.
Prepare the exam room and ultrasound equipment in accordance with infection-control, sterilization, patient-safety protocols, policies, and procedures.
Correctly identify patients and explain exams in a manner appropriate to each patient's ability to understand.
Perform ultrasound examinations according to departmental protocols, using critical thinking and independent judgment to accurately capture anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions.
Complete structured reporting documents, identify exam limitations, ensure images are uploaded to PACS, and review exams with a radiologist as needed.
Perform high-level disinfection procedures according to protocol and maintain competency in those procedures.
Provide age-specific care to patients from neonates through geriatrics.
Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and hospital policies, and securely handle protected health information.
Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with coworkers, administrators, and members of the healthcare team.
Maintain required credentials and licenses.
Follow proper procedures to report equipment failures.
Adhere to hospital safety and regulatory standards, including DNV and ODH requirements.
Follow the Radiology communication plan.
Complete annual training by the deadline required by hospital leadership.
Work independently and perform other duties as assigned.
Comply with all policies and standards, including the UH Code of Conduct and policies and procedures governing PHI.