National

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

Sample of reported job titles: Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Ultrasound Technologist, Ultrasound Technican, Registered Diagnonstic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Cardiac Sonographer, Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer, Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician), Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Tasks

• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
• Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
• Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape and composition of blood, organs, tissues and bodily masses such as fluid accumulations.
• Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
• Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
• Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring them to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning them properly.
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results and information from physical examinations.
• Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
• Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.

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Tools & Technology

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