Candidate Advanced Practitioner (cAP) Sonographer – South Dublin & South East

Medica Group; Dublin; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Medica Diagnostics Ireland is seeking a Candidate Advanced Practice Radiographer in Sonography to develop an advanced practice model across Abdominal, Gynecological, Musculoskeletal, Vascular, Thyroid and other ultrasound areas.

The role runs a structured candidacy pathway over up to three years, with governance, education and research components to support progression to an Advanced Practice Radiographer role.

Qualifications

• Be registered, or eligible for registration, on the Radiographers Division of CORU.
• Hold a QQI Level 9 qualification in ultrasound.
• Have not less than six years’ post-qualification clinical experience.
• Have a minimum of three years’ experience in ultrasound.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality non-obstetric ultrasound examinations in line with protocols.
• Develop advanced clinical reasoning, image interpretation and reporting under supervision.
• Take relevant histories and adapt examinations based on referrals.
• Escalate urgent findings in line with protocols and governance.
• Contribute to standardisation of ultrasound protocols and escalation pathways.
• Support governance, audit, peer review and quality improvement.
• Educate and develop colleagues, students and trainees where appropriate.
• Lead or contribute to audit, service evaluation and research activity.

Skills

Clinical judgement

Communication skills

Patient safety

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Professional accountability

Adaptability under supervision

CPD and improvement focus

Prioritisation under pressure

Education

QQI Level 9 ultrasound qualification

Job description

Candidate Advanced Practice Radiographer in Sonography / Non-Obstetric Ultrasound

Department: Ultrasound Services

Location: Leinster Region, Medica Diagnostics Ireland. Cross-site working may be required in line with service need.

Working Hours: 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday

Reporting To: Head of Ultrasound Services. Clinical supervision and governance will be provided by the AP Lead Radiologist / nominated Consultant Radiologist.

About Medica Diagnostics Ireland

Medica Diagnostics Ireland is part of Medica Group and provides clinically governed diagnostic imaging services across public and private healthcare pathways. Our ultrasound service delivers end-to-end managed services supporting timely access to high-quality non-obstetric diagnostic imaging.

Our service includes GP Direct, private, urgent care and HSE / hospital outsourcing pathways. We are committed to high clinical standards, patient-centred care, clinical governance, continuous improvement, innovation and the development of advanced practice roles within ultrasound.

About the Role

We are seeking a Candidate Advanced Practice Radiographer in Sonography / Non-Obstetric Ultrasound to support the development of an advanced practice radiography model within Medica Diagnostics Ireland.

The successful candidate will undertake a structured candidacy pathway over a maximum period of three years, developing advanced clinical practice capability across the four pillars of advanced practice:

• Clinical Practice
• Leadership and Management
• Education and Facilitation of Clinical Learning
• Evidence, Research and Service Development

The role will support the delivery of safe, high-quality and efficient non-obstetric ultrasound services, while contributing to clinical governance, protocol development, peer review, education, service improvement and improved patient access. Subject to successful completion of the candidacy programme, achievement of agreed clinical and governance milestones, service need and contractual approval, the post holder may progress to an Advanced Practice Radiographer role within Medica Diagnostics Ireland.

Scope of Practice

The post holder will develop advanced competence in non-obstetric ultrasound within an agreed and governed scope of practice. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Gynaecological ultrasound
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Vascular ultrasound
• Thyroid and neck ultrasound
• Small parts ultrasound
• Paediatric ultrasound

The final scope of practice will be determined by service need, candidate competence, supervision arrangements, education requirements and clinical governance approval.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Deliver high-quality ultrasound examinations in line with Medica protocols, professional standards and agreed scope of practice.
• Develop advanced clinical reasoning, image interpretation and reporting capability under appropriate supervision.
• Take relevant clinical histories and adapt examinations based on patient presentation and referral information.
• Recognise red flags, urgent findings and unexpected significant pathology, escalating appropriately in line with Medica protocols.
• Develop competence in referral vetting, prioritisation and protocoling within agreed governance arrangements.
• Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, carers, referrers, radiologists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintain accurate patient records, imaging documentation, reports and relevant databases.
• Support safe, efficient and patient-centred ultrasound pathways.

Leadership and Governance

• Contribute to the development of advanced practice radiography within Medica ultrasound services.
• Support standardisation of ultrasound protocols, scan technique, reporting standards and escalation pathways.
• Participate in clinical governance, audit, peer review, incident review and quality improvement processes.
• Act as a role model for professional behaviour, clinical accountability, patient safety and continuous improvement.
• Support service development, clinical effectiveness and efficient use of resources.
• Contribute to risk management, policy development and corrective actions where required.

Education and Development

• Engage in academic learning, supervised practice, reflective practice and workplace-based assessment.
• Maintain a candidacy portfolio and personal development plan across the four pillars of advanced practice.
• Support the education, induction and development of colleagues, students and trainees where appropriate.
• Contribute to teaching sessions, case review, peer learning and clinical feedback processes.
• Promote a learning culture within the ultrasound service.

Evidence, Research and Service Improvement

• Lead or contribute to audit, quality improvement, service evaluation and research activity.
• Use evidence, peer review and clinical outcome data to inform practice and service improvement.
• Contribute to policy, procedure, protocol and guideline development.
• Support the development of safe, scalable and clinically governed advanced practice pathways.

Essential Criteria

• Be registered, or eligible for registration, on the Radiographers Division of the Radiographers Register maintained by the Radiographers Registration Board at CORU.
• Provide proof of CORU registration before a contract of employment can be issued.
• Have not less than six years’ full-time, or an aggregate of six years’ full-time, post-qualification clinical experience.
• Have a minimum of three years’ experience in ultrasound.
• Hold a QQI Level 9 qualification in ultrasound.
• Demonstrate commitment to developing competence and capability across the four pillars of advanced practice.
• Demonstrate strong clinical judgement, professionalism, communication skills and commitment to patient-centred care.
• Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development, audit, quality improvement or service development.

Desirable Experience

• Experience contributing to ultrasound protocol development, peer review, audit or clinical governance.
• Experience supporting students, trainees, new starters or colleagues in clinical practice.
• Experience working across public, private, community or hospital-based ultrasound pathways.
• Evidence of leadership, service improvement or advanced clinical development.
• Interest in developing specialist ultrasound expertise within a clinically governed advanced practice model.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strong clinical and professional judgement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality care
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Reflective, evidence-based and improvement-focused approach
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy clinical service
• Openness to feedback, supervision and ongoing development
• Strong commitment to professional accountability and advanced practice development

Pre-Employment Requirements

Appointment will be subject to:

• Proof of CORU registration
• Qualification verification
• Reference checks
• Right-to-work verification
• Occupational health clearance
• Garda vetting, where applicable
• Compliance with Medica policies and mandatory training requirements

Equal Opportunities

Medica Diagnostics Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and supportive working environment. Recruitment and selection decisions are made in line with Medica’s equal opportunities policies and relevant employment legislation.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties. The successful candidate may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the role and to contribute to the ongoing development of the post and wider ultrasound service.