Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Lead

Central Health; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Health in Austin, TX is seeking a Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer to advance skills in a supportive, team-based ambulatory clinic serving multiple specialties. You will perform vascular, abdomen and small parts ultrasound following established protocols and prepare quality images for interpretation.

The role requires three years of ultrasound experience, ARDMS/CCI credentials and BLS, with responsibilities including collaboration with care teams, training staff, maintaining

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Ultrasound Technician program.
• Three years of full-time ultrasound experience in a hospital, diagnostic imaging, or ambulatory clinic setting.
• ARDMS/CCI credential required upon hire; RVT/RVS or RDMS preferred.
• Current BLS certification required upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-quality ultrasound procedures per exam protocol.
• Collaborate with care team to optimize outcomes.
• Train and serve as a technical resource for staff.
• Maintain equipment and QC records; ensure safety and infection control.
• Prepare exam room and adjust equipment; communicate test purpose to patients.
• Review patient history and ensure complete exam orders and medical necessity.

Skills

Ultrasound proficiency

Communication skills

Patient care

Education

Accredited ultrasound program

Tools

PACS

Job description

The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer position presents an exciting opportunity for the diagnostic technician to advance their skills working independently in a supportive team-based environment within a Multi-Specialty (Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Podiatry) ambulatory clinic. As an Ultrasound Technician, you will provide ultrasound procedures in accordance with established protocols. The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is responsible for performing diagnostic procedures (Vascular, Abdomen and Small parts) on patients using ultrasound waves to examine tissue and body structure, providing quality images for interpretation. The Lead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs patient assessments, acquires, and analyzes data obtained using ultrasound, and uses independent judgment and systematic problem-solving methods to produce high quality diagnostic information and optimize patient care. Provides a summary of findings to the physician or health care provider to aid in patient diagnosis and management. Our team of diagnostic technicians model a commitment to the organization's vision, mission, and values to support an unparalleled patient experience and positive clinical outcomes.

• Collaborates with the patient’s care team including, primary care team and specialist team, and any others involved with the patient’s care to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Coordinate, monitor, train, and serve as a technical resource. Provide expertise in decision making, problem solving, and development of ultrasound policies and procedures.
• Works with supervisor in core competencies and/or skills that typify the work of the Lead Sonographer.
• Provide input for hiring and performance evaluation of ultrasound employees.
• Performs high quality ultrasound procedures, according to exam protocol, in a timely manner.
• Maintains production and quality of imaging procedures by following established standards and procedures.
• Instructs and communicates with patients and their family regarding the test to be performed and assesses patient's ability to tolerate exam.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to safety requirements, infection‑control, drug and radiation policies, protocols, and techniques.
• Prepares exam room and ultrasound equipment to conduct sonography examinations in accordance with infections disease, sterilization, and patient safety protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews patient medical history and supporting clinical information. Evaluate any contraindications, insufficient patient preparation, and the patient’s inability or unwillingness to tolerate the examination and associated procedures.
• Uses proper patient positioning tools, devices, equipment adjustment, and ergonomically correct scanning techniques to ensure patient comfort and safety, and to prevent compromised data acquisition and musculoskeletal injury to the sonographer.
• Ensures that the sonography examination order is complete, contains relevant information, and meets the standard of “medical necessity.”
• Conducts patient clinical assessment and perform the diagnostic medical sonography examination ordered by the supervising physician in accordance with professional and facility protocols.
• Applies independent, professional, ethical judgment, and critical thinking to safely perform diagnostic sonography procedures.
• Applies independent judgment during the sonography examination to ensure that appropriate anatomical, pathological, and clinical conditions are accurately captured in the examination images. As necessary, acquire additional ultrasound imaging to facilitate optimum diagnostic results for the interpreting physician.
• Identify and document any limitations to the sonography examination.
• Reviews examination images, synthesize examination results, and prepare the preliminary findings.
• Provides patient services consistent with the Scope of Practice and Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Sonographer.
• Operates the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
• Assists with the education and training of sonography students and physician residents.
• Ensures all equipment utilized has had QC performed as required and is in safe working order prior to use.
• Reports any malfunctions to management and regularly practices preventive maintenance procedures; calls for service if needed.
• Stocks supplies and prepares patient rooms and equipment.
• Cleans, maintains, and stores equipment (machine and accessories) and all required logs as per manufacturer's guidelines.
• Ensures all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards, and Central Health Standard Operating Procedures, Policies and Procedures.
• Participates in daily patient care (unit) huddles.
• Enhances the patient experience by practicing AIDET during each patient interaction.
• Assists in the development of departmental protocols, policies, and procedures related to ultrasound procedures.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement projects in order to better serve the patient, family and healthcare system to improve the quality of service provided. Serves on committees as assigned.
• Attends staff meetings and education offerings both in person and via teleconference/online as required.
• Supports organizational initiatives to promote and maintain a strong positive workplace culture.
• Serves on committees as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High level of skill at building relationships and providing excellent customer and patient care.
• High degree of knowledge and competency in performing ultrasound procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Education

• Graduation from accredited Ultrasound Technician program required.

Work Experience

• Three (3) years experience as a full‑time ultrasound technician in a hospital, diagnostic imaging, or ambulatory clinic setting required.
• Proficient knowledge of Ultrasound Equipment, ARDMS and or CCI registered required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Graduation from an Accredited Ultrasound Technology Program required upon hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) ‑ Obtained through approved American Heart Association or Red Cross required upon hire.
• At least one of the following (required upon hire)
  • Medical Sonographer credentialed from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). (RDMS, RVT)
  • Medical Sonographer credentialed from the Cardiovascular Training Institute (CCI)
• Current licensure RVT or RVS, RDMS required upon hire.