Diagnostic medical sonographers operate specific imaging equipment to carry out tests or create images to help diagnose certain medical conditions. Some typical duties include taking medical histories and explaining procedures to patients, preparing and operating imaging equipment, reviewing images for abnormalities and recording data in patients’ records.
When creating your diagnostic medical sonographer job description, make sure to include the important qualities that make a good sonographer. Applicants should be detail oriented in order to follow precise instructions and make proper diagnoses. They also should comprehend how to operate computerized instruments and complex machinery. In addition, being a diagnostic medical sonographer calls for physical stamina and hand-eye coordination.
Because a sonographer spends much of his or her time with patients, great interpersonal skills and compassion are important qualities. To see how to fit these elements into your diagnostic medical sonographer job description, check out the following example.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Summary
As a diagnostic medical sonographer at our company, you will be able to deliver high-quality care to our patients. We have a patient-first mentality, and your commitment to providing superior care will help continue to serve our surrounding communities. You will be working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment, and every day will be varied. You will perform non-invasive tests, such as DVT, arterial Doppler, venous Doppler, carotid Doppler and fetal ultrasounds per physicians’ orders. Along with demonstrating the necessary technical skills, you will also be in charge of maintaining the equipment and supplies and participating in safety and quality control. If you possess drive, talent and intellectual curiosity, this job is right for you.
Job Responsibilities
- Operate sonography equipment to record and produce images of the composition, shape and motion of organs, blood, tissues or bodily masses
- Select the correct equipment settings and adjust to get the best angles and sites
- Scan patient and observe screen to make sure the image is satisfactory and make equipment adjustments as needed
- Prepare patients for exams and observe during procedures to ensure their comfort and safety
- Determine the best images to include in your report, noting differences between pathological and healthy areas
- Use the radiology computer system to properly record exams and track patients
- Troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions and order repairs as necessary
- Follow safety policies that are applicable to the job, recognize potential issues and institute measures to prevent complications
- Perform ethical and legal duties, such as obtaining written consent, preparing accident reports or reporting signs of neglect/abuse
- Practice sterile procedures and prevent cross contamination
- Maintain cleanliness and order of work stations, rooms and equipment
- Follow HIPAA rules to protect patients’ confidentiality and privacy
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Associate degree
- Minimum two years of experience as a sonographer
- RVT certification
- Experience performing ECHO and vascular
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree
- ACLS certification
- BLS certification
- Spanish as a second language
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Responsibilities
Medical sonographers want to find a job opportunity in which they’ll put their skills and experience to good use, and you need to attract interest from highly-qualified talent. Writing a compelling diagnostic medical sonographer job description results in a win for both you and prospective candidates. The job responsibilities section will typically come first and serve as the most significant part of your listing. To increase your chances of gaining interest from the right kinds of applicants, you should use this section to provide critical details about what your ideal ultrasound tech will do on a daily basis.
How do you accomplish your goal of gaining responses from qualified jobseekers? In your diagnostic medical sonographer job description, you need to describe the positions core job responsibilities. Bullet points provide an easy-to-read structure and call attention to your text, while powerful action verbs impart a clear picture to applicants of how they’ll contribute to your organization. Stay away from overly excessive minutiae, and keep your job responsibilities list down to 6-8 bullet points.
If you need assistance in writing your document, review these examples of diagnostic medical sonographer job responsibilities
- Operate diagnostic equipment and interpret results for abnormalities
- Record test results into patients’ records
- Answer inquiries and provide additional information to patients
- Work with patients and medical staff to schedule testing appointments
- Clean and maintain diagnostic sonographers
- Contact external vendors to service and repair equipment
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Specifications
Drawing in capable applicants also requires a well-written job skills and qualifications section in your diagnostic medical sonographer job description. This is where you specify what skills, schooling and work experience your new hire needs to succeed in the position. You should craft informative, comprehensible copy to help jobseekers discern whether their own qualifications are a good fit. That way, you’re more likely to get responses from highly-skilled applicants and less likely to see your inbox filled by jobseekers who aren’t a good fit.
Unless you’re the hiring manager for the open position, you need to confer with senior leadership before composing this segment of your diagnostic medical sonographer job description. Work with them to develop of list of required skills, and classify them as either “required” or “preferred.” Don’t forget about educational history and work experience requirements, either. Finally, remember to label both categories in the final draft of your job posting.
Here are a few examples of diagnostic medical sonographer job specifications:
Associate’s degree in sonography, cardiovascular technology or similar discipline Certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers At least 2 years’ previous experience performing testing and diagnosis High degree of patience with strong communication skills