The incumbent in this position is responsible for performing diagnostic imaging services in the specialty of Ultrasound. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for the operation of a variety of equipment to produce images of the patient’s body for diagnostic purposes. The sonographer is responsible for providing exposure in the field of Ultrasound to the Radiologic Technologist program students and may provide instruction to Ultrasound interns. Interviews patients, explains procedures, and assists in positioning the patient for procedures. Reviews test results with the radiologists and referring physicians.

Essential Job Functions

• Supports and models behaviors consistent with the mission and philosophy of Billings Clinic and department/service.
• Performs clinical assessment and diagnostic sonography examinations as ordered by the physician.
• Assumes responsibility for the safety, mental and physical comfort of all patients in the sonographic area. Interviews patient explains examination procedures and process and assists in positioning the patient for scans.
• Uses cognitive sonographic skills to identify, record and adapt procedures as appropriate to anatomical, pathological, diagnostic information and images. Coordinates with other staff to assure appropriate patient care is provided.
• Coordinates scheduling, transportation and scanning of patients.
• Maintains patient examination records in accordance with Billings Clinic policies, procedures, and standards.
• Assists physicians with invasive Ultrasound guidance procedures as appropriate to service needs.
• Analyzes sonograms, synthesizes sonographic information, medical history, and utilizes independent judgment during the sonographic exam to accurately differentiate between normal and pathologic findings. Prepares preliminary reports and/or checklist for the interpreting physician. Reviews exam with the interpreting physician as requested. Communicates with attending and referring physicians as appropriate.
• Maintains ultrasound equipment and work area in a neat, organized manner and maintains adequate supplies.
• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental, and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance. Participates in maintenance of laboratory accreditation. Complies with general training required by Billings Clinic as well as specific training required of the position.
• Identifies needs and sets goals for own growth and development; meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements. Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of ultrasound, vascular and echocardiography technology.
• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Minimum - Graduate, or minimum of one (1) year completion of a diagnostic medical sonography program
• Preferred – Four (4) year / Bachelor’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Certifications and Licenses

• Radiology Minimum Qualifications
On-the-job training and experience equivalents will be considered in lieu of completion of a diagnostic medical sonography program for staff who obtained their training prior to the availability of formal training programs and who are currently registered with the ARDMS.
Current registration with ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) or meets the requirements as a candidate to sit for the ARDMS boards. All candidates must become registrants within one (1) year of employment with Billings Clinic. Board registry in physics and Abdomen, and/or OB/GYN or echocardiography as appropriate to department/service needs.
Fundamental understanding of doppler physics. Current specialty certifications as appropriate to department/service line will be required within one year of employment
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) – encompassing diagnostic medical sonology with subspecialties in abdomen, breast sonology, neurosonology, obstetrics and gynecology, and small parts.
Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) – encompassing vascular sonology and physiologic testing
Current Health Care Provider CPR Certification
• Cardiology Minimum Qualifications
Graduate of an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program
On-the-job training and experience equivalents will be considered in lieu of completion of a diagnostic medical sonography program for staff who obtained their training prior to the availability of formal training programs and who are currently registered with the ARDMS.
Associates degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography required; Bachelor’s degree desirable
Registered with the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) or CCI (Cardiovascular Credential International) within one (1) year of employment in adult echocardiography
Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)
Basic EKG training
Current Health Care Provider CPR Certification