Ultrasound Tech

Position Summary

The Ultrasound Technician (Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) is a Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional qualified by professional certification and clinical experience to perform ultrasound diagnostic procedures. The scope of practice includes procedures, acts and processes permitted by law for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, demonstrated competency, and completed the appropriate ARDMS certification(s).

Responsibilities

• Maintain awareness of all departmental and operational policies of Altus Community Healthcare (ACH).
• Assist in the maintenance of all equipment in the department, including cleaning and QA procedures.
• Explain the ultrasound procedure to patients and answer any questions they may have.
• Maintain ultrasound equipment and procedure areas.
• Perform high‑level disinfection on endocavity probes/transducers when necessary and according to policy and procedure.
• Perform ultrasounds using technique that ensures the transducer captures images from each angle and area assessed.
• Evaluate images for quality and ensure appropriate images of the area/organ/body part are captured.
• Present images and preliminary findings to physicians and the healthcare team.
• Maintain patient records and add notes related to the ultrasound procedure.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and adhere to regulations and ER policies and procedures pertaining to safety, emergency preparedness, infection control, OSHA, fire safety and hazardous materials.
• Participate in performance improvement activities as necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient‑related issues.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and treat all patients, visitors, and staff members fairly and with respect.
• Utilize effective communication methods and skills, explaining all procedures, treatments, and care while remaining aware of language barriers.
• Provide care in a non‑judgmental manner and recognize discrepancies between patient and personal beliefs.
• Ensure personal appearance is clean and neat; wear identification at all times.
• Attend all required meetings and in‑service education.
• Remain flexible in staffing patterns, resolve staffing conflicts, and participate in temporary assignments.
• Demonstrate flexibility when changes in assignments are necessary and comply with attendance standards.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a formal Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program or Cardiovascular Technology Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• At least 2 years of ultrasound/sonography experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small‑group situations.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Good communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Active certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in the appropriate specialty(ies).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Competencies

• Professional Maturity – ability to separate emotional feelings from the real issues at hand.
• Responsibility – ability to accept choices made and their results.
• Communication – effective written and spoken communication; active listening and feedback.
• Flexibility – responsiveness and adaptability to change initiatives.
• Intelligence – understand information and apply new knowledge.
• Energetic – high levels of energy and enthusiasm.
• Organized – efficient structuring of tasks.
• Computer Savvy – efficient and effective use of technology.
• Customer Service – ability to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Job/Technical Knowledge – knowledgeable of current role, technical systems, and organizational impact.
• Integrity and Respect – upmost level of integrity.
• Interpersonal Communication – effective communication considering psychological, relational, situational, environmental, and cultural dynamics.
• Collaboration and Partnership – encourages team participation.
• Manages Change – demonstrates flexibility with changing environments.
• Problem Solving – resolves issues in a timely manner.
• Attention to Detail – follows procedures to ensure accurate data entry.
• Organization – uses time efficiently by prioritizing and planning work activities.
• Judgment – ability to make independent decisions.
• Teamwork – works with others to accomplish objectives and supports decisions.
• Quality – sets high standards to ensure quality in work performed.
• Accountability – takes responsibility for adhering to all company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

Physical Demands

• Requires visual acuity to inspect and analyze work close to the eyes and ability to hear sound with or without correction.
• Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, reach, stand, walk, pull, push, and lift up to 40 lb occasionally and up to 10 lb constantly.
• Moderate physical activity performing somewhat strenuous daily activities of a primarily administrative nature.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and repetitive motion.
• Ascending or descending stairs, ramps, and the like, using feet, legs, hands, or arms.
• Substantial repetitive movements of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Bending legs downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Standing, particularly for sustained periods.
• Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
• Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally.

Work Environment

Well‑lighted, heated and/or air‑conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation.