Typical Tasks
- Consults with referring physician regarding patient's medical history to determine the type of ultrasonic procedure required and to correlate the clinical history with the test to be performed;
- Selects ultrasound and ancillary equipment for use in ultrasound setup according to specifications/protocol of examination;
- Adjusts equipment controls according to protocol and physicians orders for the part of the body to be examined;
- Explains examination process to the patients and instructs and assists patient throughout the procedure;
- Operates ultrasound diagnostic equipment, observes sound
- wave pattern produced, produces and processes diagnostic images and presents completed sonograms and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for final interpretation by the physician or other
- qualified medical professional;
- Assists in training student technologists, interns/residents, and ultrasonographers in ultrasound procedures;
- Administers or assists physician in administering contrast media;
- Performs pulse and continuous-wave Doppler assessments;
- Performs calibrations to adjust and maintain ultrasound equipment; coordinates service with service vendor as necessary;
- Identifies ultrasound images, manipulates and sends images via the Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) network;
- Maintains records; tracks and bills each procedure and associated supplies;
- Cleans and stocks procedure rooms and ancillary areas, and maintains proper inventory levels;
- Performs related work as required.
Employment Standards
Ultrasonographer II – A. Certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in one RDMS area of sonography used at SCVMC and demonstrated performance of this competency.
Ultrasonographer II – B. Certification by the ARDMS in two RDMS areas of sonography used at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and demonstrated performance of these competencies, OR certification in one RDMS area of sonography AND certification as a Radiological Technologist.
Ultrasonographer II – C. Certification by the ARDMS in three areas of sonography used at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and demonstrated performance of these competencies, OR certification in two RDMS areas of sonography AND certification as a Radiological Technologist.
Ultrasonographer II – D. Certification by the ARDMS in two RDMS areas of sonography used at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, demonstrated performance of these competencies AND is a Registered Vascular Technologist.
Knowledge of:
- Ultrasound diagnostic procedures and equipment/instrumentation in OB/GYN, Abdomen, Neurosonology, and Vascular Technology; or in Pediatric and Adult Echocardiogaphy and Vascular Technology;
- Cardiovascular principles, vascular physical principles, principles of ultrasound physics, and the propagation of ultrasound through tissues;
- Anatomy, physiology and congenital/acquired pathology as they relate to the use and interpretation of ultrasound diagnostic procedures;
- Safety principles and procedures relating to ultrasound procedures and equipment;
- Quality assurance as it relates to ultrasound scanning/ultrasound equipment;
- Principles of electronic image processing and image development;
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to:
- Operate ultrasound emitters and ancillary equipment in the performance of ultrasound diagnostic procedures;
- Interpret physician instructions and patient medical and clinical records to determine type of ultrasonic procedure to be performed;
- Use the PACS network to send images electronically;
- Accurately bill complex procedures and supplies in a timely fashion;
- Recognize significance of all structures displayed on the oscilloscope and recognize artifacts and electronic equipment limitations;
- Perform calibrations to adjust and maintain ultrasonic and ancillary equipment;
- Prepare, instruct and position patient for ultrasound procedure;
- Provide safe and appropriate care to all patients even in stressful situations;
- Troubleshoot, document, and communicate equipment problems;
- Follow written and oral instructions;
- Work efficiently and independently with minimum supervision;
- Work in paid on-call status as needed.
