Trainee Clinical Specialist Sonographer (ENT)

Bidvane; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust is offering a developmental post for a sonographer aiming to progress to independent specialist practice in Head & Neck ultrasound. The role focuses on supervised scans with progression toward reporting, within a structured competency programme shared with ENT and Radiology colleagues.

Applicants should hold a diagnostic radiography degree, HCPC registration and a CASE-accredited ultrasound qualification, with ongoing ENT CPD to support

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography or equivalent.
• CASE-accredited ultrasound qualification (postgraduate).
• Ongoing ENT (Head & Neck) CPD to support autonomous practice.

Responsibilities

• Undertake supervised Head & Neck ultrasound examinations under a defined competency framework.
• Develop the skills to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound investigations.
• Take part in specialist training in ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration.
• Support ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways, including one-stop and urgent cancer pathways.
• Review clinical information and imaging to support patient assessment and management.
• Work with Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants, Pathologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide high-quality, patient-centred care throughout the diagnostic pathway.
• Keep accurate and timely patient records and produce diagnostic reports.
• Take part in audit, quality assurance, service evaluation and clinical governance.
• Complete continuing professional development, required competencies and academic programmes.
• Support departmental teaching, learning and service development.
• Contribute to a safe, responsive and effective diagnostic imaging service.

Skills

Neck ultrasound

Ultrasound reporting

FNA procedures

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Teaching / mentorship

Education

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography

Postgraduate certificate or diploma in medical ultrasound (CASE accredited)

Ongoing ENT (Head & Neck) continuing professional development

Job description

This is a developmental post in the Head & Neck Ultrasound Service at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, for a sonographer who wants to move towards independent specialist practice. The work centres on supervised head and neck scans and, in time, reporting them, along with training in ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. It sits within a structured competency programme that supports ENT and head and neck cancer pathways alongside Radiologists and ENT clinicians. Applicants need a diagnostic radiography degree, HCPC registration and a CASE-accredited ultrasound qualification.

What the job involves

• Undertake supervised Head & Neck ultrasound examinations under a defined competency framework
• Develop the skills to independently perform and report Head & Neck ultrasound investigations
• Take part in specialist training in ultrasound-guided procedures, including Fine Needle Aspiration
• Support ENT, Head & Neck Cancer and Rapid Diagnostic pathways, including one-stop and urgent cancer pathways
• Review clinical information and imaging to support patient assessment and management
• Work with Sonographers, Radiologists, ENT Consultants, Pathologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists and multidisciplinary teams
• Provide high-quality, patient-centred care throughout the diagnostic pathway
• Keep accurate and timely patient records and produce diagnostic reports
• Take part in audit, quality assurance, service evaluation and clinical governance
• Complete continuing professional development, required competencies and academic programmes
• Support departmental teaching, learning and service development
• Contribute to a safe, responsive and effective diagnostic imaging service

What’s required

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
• Postgraduate certificate or diploma in medical ultrasound (CASE accredited)
• Ongoing ENT (Head & Neck) continuing professional development

Registration & licences

• HCPC registration

Experience

• Significant post-qualification ultrasound experience, including autonomous practice
• Experience of independent ultrasound reporting within current scope of practice
• Demonstrable interest in head and neck pathology, cancer pathways or interventional ultrasound
• Advanced clinical decision-making and management of complex patients
• Experience of multidisciplinary working

Skills & knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of head and neck anatomy, pathology and ultrasound imaging techniques
• Understanding of head and neck cancer pathways and national cancer standards
• Knowledge of ultrasound-guided FNA procedures and associated governance
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands

Other

• Behaviours consistent with the Trust's values
• Commitment to developing towards autonomous Clinical Specialist practice in Head & Neck ultrasound

Nice to have

• Additional training or professional development in Head and Neck ultrasound
• Attendance at specialist Head and Neck courses, study days or conferences
• Teaching, mentorship or assessor qualification
• Experience undertaking Head and Neck ultrasound examinations
• Experience assessing neck lumps, thyroid pathology, salivary gland disease or cervical lymph nodes
• Experience working within cancer pathways
• Experience supporting ultrasound-guided interventions
• Experience working within one-stop diagnostic services

What’s offered

• Wide range of learning and development opportunities
• Structured clinical training, supervision and competency assessment programme
• Clear progression pathway towards Clinical Specialist Sonographer practice
• Possible progression to Band 8a positions, subject to qualifications, competencies and service needs