Sonographer - Main Hospital - PRN

VCU Health; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 41,328 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a Sonographer II for PRN flexible shifts. This role involves performing ultrasonography, maintaining patient records, and ensuring patient safety during procedures. Candidates must have relevant certifications and at least one year of experience. The position offers opportunities for mentoring and participation in quality improvement processes while providing compassionate care to diverse patient populations.

Qualifications

• Certification by ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS, CCI, or RVT.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• One year of experience as a Sonographer/Technologist.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures.
• Maintain patient records and safety protocols.
• Educate and mentor students in Radiology.

Skills

Patient interaction

Critical thinking

Technical skills

Communication

Education

Graduation from a CAAHEP or CMA accredited program

Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology or sonography

Tools

Ultrasound equipment

Venipuncture equipment

Job description

This is a PRN flexible shift position which does not include all VCUHS benefits. The Sonographer II job performs the practice of ultrasonography and is responsible for the administration of high‑frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques to humans of all ages (newborn to geriatric) for medical purposes. A Sonographer/Technologist produces images at the request of a licensed independent practitioner and integrates scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction, and compassionate care to provide diagnostic information. The Sonographer/Technologist recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of a procedure, demonstrates understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology, and exercises independent professional and ethical judgment. They serve as the primary liaison between patients, licensed independent practitioners, and the support team, remaining sensitive to the patient’s physical and emotional needs through good communication, assessment, monitoring, and care skills. The Sonographer II participates in quality‑improvement processes, demonstrates critical thinking, and engages in continuing education to enhance patient care and technical competence.

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic ultrasound procedure or examination upon the order of or for diagnostic interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
• Determine ultrasonic frequencies and appropriate transducers for the anatomic area of interest.
• Assist an LIP with interventional procedures such as needle localization, aspiration, biopsy, drainage, etc.
• Maintain records, respect confidentiality and established policies, and apply principles of patient safety during all aspects of procedures, including assisting and transporting patients.
• Receive, relay, and document verbal, written, and electronic imaging orders in the patient’s medical record.
• Corroborate the patient’s clinical history with the ordered procedure while ensuring information is documented and available for use by an LIP.
• Verify informed consent.
• Assume responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures.
• Prepare patients for procedures.
• Apply principles of ALARA to minimize exposure to patient, self, and others.
• Perform venipuncture per procedural protocol based on imaging order from a licensed independent practitioner.
• Start and maintain intravenous access per procedural protocol based on an imaging order for an LIP.
• Identify, prepare, and/or administer medications generally associated with diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by an LIP.
• Evaluate images for technical quality, ensuring proper identification is recorded.
• Identify and escalating emergency situations and manage until appropriate LIP, EMS, MERT, RRT, or Code Team arrives to assume control.
• Provide patient education related to imaging procedures.
• Educate, mentor, and provide general oversight of students and other learners in the Radiology environment.
• Participate in and/or perform ongoing quality assurance activities.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire

• Certification by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) as a sonographer (ARRT(S)) or RDMS; CCI certification in medical sonography; RDCS certification in cardiac sonography; or RVT certification as a vascular technologist.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Continued Employment

• Current certification by ARRT(S), RDMS, RDCS, CCI, or RVT.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.

Experience Required

• One (1) year of previous work experience as a Sonographer/Technologist.

Experience Preferred

• One (1)–3 years of previous work experience as a Sonographer/Technologist.
• Previous work experience in an academic medical center environment.

Education/Training Required

• Graduation from a CAAHEP or CMA accredited program in medical, cardiac, or vascular sonography; or graduation from a minimum 2‑year JRC accredited program in Radiologic Technology or Sonography that is recognized by the ARRT or Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC‑DMS); or graduation from a bachelor’s degree program in sonography or vascular sonography.

Education/Training Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology, sonography, or vascular sonography.

Independent Actions Required

• Independently perform or assist the licensed independent practitioner in the completion of ultrasound imaging exams.
• Independently complete imaging exams based on physician’s written order, department protocols, and institutional safety standards.
• Represent the goals, values, and vision of VCU Health System.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, health system and department policies, procedures, processes, and guidelines applicable to the role.
• Resolve basic service delivery issues.
• Lead technologists may perform lead‑technologist functions such as coordinating work assignments, workflow, and staffing for an assigned shift/area; serve as a clinical or technical resource; provide training.

Additional Position Requirements

• Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with your specific manager or supervisor.
• Schedules, including requirements of shift rotations and hours of work, may be adjusted as necessary to meet staffing needs of the health system.
• Weekend and other after‑hours coverage may be required based on workload demand and staffing needs of the health system.
• Sonographer/Technologists are considered “Essential Employees” who may be required to report to work in accordance with the VCUHS Policy.
• Age specific groups served: All.

Physical Requirements

• Physical: Lifting 20–50 lbs.
• Activities: Prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, walking (distance), repetitive motion.
• Other: Prolonged computer interaction.
• Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speak clearly, write legibly, reading, logical thinking.
• Other: Vision.
• Emotional: Fast‑pace environment, ability to handle multiple priorities, frequent and intense customer interactions, noisy environment, ability to adapt to frequent change.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60‑1.4.