Sonographer

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has exciting and rewarding careers with competitive salaries and benefits. We are a family of hospitals health care services and medical providers delivering compassionate care to people throughout South Puget Sound. We are part of Catholic Health Initiatives one of the largest not-for-profit health care systems in the country.

Essential Job Functions

Prepares/operates a variety of diagnostic ultrasound equipment in accordance with American Institute of
Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) standards and department protocols.

● Operates ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape and composition of blood,
organs, tissues and bodily masses such as fluid accumulations.
● Determines correct techniques to obtain images of the highest quality and resolution.
● Performs quality control checks of sonographic equipment; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies;
performing preventive maintenance procedures and backs up computer software and data.
● Cleans, checks and maintains sonographic equipment; submits maintenance requests or performs minor repairs
as necessary.
● Evaluates new ultrasound products and equipment.

Delivers patient care for all age groups while performing ultrasound exams/procedures and/or special
procedures.
● Facilitates diagnoses by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data used by
physicians to render a medical diagnosis.
● Regularly performs basic functions; obtains and records accurate patient history, including prior test results and
information from physical examinations; prepares patient for exam by explaining procedure, transfers patient to
ultrasound table, scrubs skin and applies gel, and positions them properly to get the best image.
● Relays emergent exam results promptly to the appropriate physician or medical floor.
● Responds to emergency situations consistent with scope of authority.
● Determines suitable areas for needle aspirations and/or tissue biopsies for pathologic diagnosis.
● Determines provisional diagnoses and participates (along with supervising Radiologist) in the final exam
diagnosis.
● Advises nursing staff of any significant change in patient’s condition while in Diagnostic Imaging.
Performs general office duties department operations to include; answering phone; scheduling; filing;
maintaining patient records; ordering supplies.
● Participates in the ordering and inventorying of equipment and supplies.
● Ensures patient data is entered correctly and that patients are billed appropriately.
● Maintains accurate patient records by documenting the patient chart with pertinent information.
● Assists with quality assurance/improvements audits and activities as required.
Participates in the formal training of ultrasound interns.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Associates degree from an accredited training program in General diagnostic sonography, and recent completion of a
twelve-month internship in diagnostic ultrasound (with at least six months in General ultrasound) or equivalent recent
directly-related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.

Job Knowledge/Abilities:
● Knowledge of the current principles, procedures and techniques relating to ultrasound examination and related
procedures.
● Knowledge of the functionality, operation and application of ultrasound equipment.
● Knowledge of the standards and regulatory requirements applicable to diagnostic ultrasound examination.
● Knowledge of the content and application of department protocols applicable to ultrasound examinations.
● Ability to perform procedures in strict compliance with applicable standards, and provide assistance to
physicians in executing some techniques (ultrasonic needle guidance).
● Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
● Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.
● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.
Licensure/Certification
● Registration with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS); or
● Certification in Sonography by the American Association of Radiology Technologists (ARRT)..
● Current healthcare provider BLS Certification.