Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound)

Quick Facts

• Role: Medical Instrument Technician (Diagnostic Ultrasound) — diagnostic ultrasound operator
• Setting: Radiology/Imaging Service
• Schedule: 7:30pm to 6:00am, Tuesday–Friday

Description

Operate diagnostic ultrasound scanning equipment to produce cross-sectional and two- and three-dimensional images used to diagnose diseases and other medical conditions. Monitor patients throughout exams, optimize image quality by checking protocol computations, performance, and results, and maintain equipment logs and technical parameters. Maintain accurate records in the Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), and assist radiologists with ultrasound-guided procedures using sterile technique.

Responsibilities

• Operate ultrasound system and accessory equipment; interact with physicians, physicists, computer programs, and biomed engineers
• Use different ultrasound probes to obtain diagnostic images; monitor the patient during data acquisition
• Check computations, performance, and protocol results to obtain best diagnostic images
• Maintain malfunction/downtime logs, examination logs, computer data, and technical parameters
• Keep technical knowledge current through continuing medical education and maintain safety and infection-control knowledge
• Maintain supplies for routine and interventional ultrasound examinations
• Evaluate ultrasound equipment to ensure safe operation
• Maintain scanners, transducers, imaging stations, and related equipment; clean and disinfect equipment as needed
• Perform pre-procedure and post-procedure evaluation for patients undergoing invasive procedures
• Maintain accurate patient records, examination documentation, and imaging data within RIS and PACS
• Conduct portable ultrasound in critical care units, emergency departments, surgical areas, and inpatient settings as required
• Assist with ultrasound-guided procedures (e.g., biopsies, aspirations, tissue sampling) using sterile technique
• Inspect transvaginal probes for expiration, ensure proper cleaning procedures, and maintain required cleaning logs

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position held.