Ultrasound Technician Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Ultrasound Technician, or Sonographer, is responsible for using ultrasound equipment to help visualize internal anatomy functions. Their duties include calibrating and manipulating ultrasound equipment to conduct appointments, taking pictures or videos of potential abnormalities and discreetly notifying medical personnel if they identify something concerning.

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Ultrasound Technician duties and responsibilities

The duties of an Ultrasound Technician go beyond diagnosing ailments. Other responsibilities include:

  • Use sonographic equipment to identify and observe the area(s) of concern
  • Prepare the exam room for examinations and assist Radiologists with vascular ultrasound procedures and ultrasound-guided biopsies
  • Report to the appropriate medical staff of any abnormalities that require immediate attention
  • Maintain sonography equipment and report machinery failure
  • Conduct scan tests and write reports based on the results
  • Manage several patients and priorities and be able to adapt to a fast-paced work environment
  • Work under minimal supervision and cooperate with other team members
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Ultrasound Technician Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

We are looking for an OB/GYN / Perinatology (high-risk OB) Sonographer to join our team!

*
  • FULL TIME AND PART TIME Available **

    WE HAVE Offices ALL OVER 5 Boroughs Manhattan, Brooklyn, BRONX, Staten Island, AND Queens

    WEST Chester County AND LONG Island Nassau / Suffolk Counties
  • Preparing the patient(s) for the Ultrasound examination
  • Performing ultrasound examinations that yield important diagnostic information
    Qualifications:
  • At least 3 year OB/GYN / Perinatology (high-risk OB) experience required
  • Graduate of an accredited Diagnostic Medical Program
  • Must be certified or registered by ARDMS
  • Ability to operate ultrasound equipment efficiently
  • Evaluate sonogram to acquire diagnostic information
  • Communicate diagnostic information to physicians
  • Communicate effectively with patients and the healthcare team
    *Salary based on experience*

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Salary: $60,000.00 to $100,000.00 /year

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Medical Specialty:
  • Ob/Gyn
  • Radiology
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

    Experience:
  • Medical Imaging: 3 years (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (ARDMS) (Preferred)
  • SPI Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 2

    Atlanta Women's Specialists is a 6 provider practice that is proud to be providing the women of the Atlanta and Alpharetta with outstanding obstetrical and gynecological care for over 40 years.

    Atlanta Women's Specialistsseeks an experienced ARDMS-certified OBGYN ultrasonographer . This is a full time position with no holiday, on-call or weekend coverage required. The ideal candidate would have experience in high-risk obstetrical ultrasound and be familiar with AIUM standards. Must have one- to two-years’ experience in gyn and obstetrical ultrasound scans - 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester required.

    The right candidate will work well with a varied case load, enjoy working with people, and be able to function well both individually and as part of a team. Familiarity with EMRs is a plus.

    Schedule:

    Monday- Thursday 8:15am- 4:30pm.

    Friday 7:30am-2:30pm.

    If you enjoy the excitement of bringing new lives into the world, delivering important women’s healthcare, and being part of a long-standing, “family-style” medical practice then we can’t wait to hear from you!

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Free parking
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Medical Specialty:
  • Ob/Gyn
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • BLS Certification (Preferred)
  • ARRT Certification Location: One location
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    Example 3

    If you are looking to start an exciting career with one of Tennessee’s most successful healthcare clinics, then join the LifeDoc Health team!
    About LifeDOC Health
    LifeDoc is a multi-disciplinary clinic that is very active in its mission to affect positive change in Memphis and the Mid-south community. We provide each and every patient the tools to manage their health risks and to sustain a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about LifeDoc, visit our website: [website]
    The Ultrasound Technician is responsible for using ultrasound equipment to help visualize internal anatomy functions. Duties include calibrating and manipulating ultrasound equipment to conduct appointments, taking pictures or videos of potential abnormalities, and discreetly notifying medical personnel if they identify something concerning.
    Essential Functions:

  • Use sonographic equipment to identify and observe the area(s) of concern

  • Prepare the exam room for examinations and assist providers with vascular ultrasound procedures and ultrasound-guided biopsies

  • Report to the appropriate medical staff of any abnormalities that require immediate attention

  • Maintain sonography equipment and report machinery failure

  • Conduct scan tests and write reports based on the findings

  • Proficient use with GE

  • Specifically use GE Logic P 9

  • Document as needed in the EMR system

  • Coordinate with radiologist as needed

    Requirements:

  • Graduate from an Accredited Diagnostic Medical Sonography program

  • Certified diagnostic medical sonographer

  • Minimum of 2 year of working experience (Required)

  • Communication Skills

  • Professional

  • Compassionate

  • Bilingual, Fluent in English and Spanish (Preferred)

    Benefits:

  • Competitive pay
  • PTO and Paid Holidays
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Simple IRA with max match of 3%
  • Great company Type: Full-time
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    What does an Ultrasound Technician do?

    Ultrasound Technicians typically work for hospitals, Physician’s offices or diagnostic laboratories to diagnose potential diseases, injuries or health conditions.  They also use their equipment to check on the health of fetuses at different stages throughout a patient’s pregnancy. Their job is to use sonographic equipment to take pictures or videos throughout the appointment for further review by Physicians. They may also be responsible for sterilizing ultrasound equipment and exam rooms in between appointments.

    Ultrasound Technician skills and qualifications

    Some of the essential skills for an Ultrasound Technician are:

    • Verbal communication skills
    • Active listening skills
    • Critical thinking skills
    • Reading comprehension skills
    • Interpersonal skills

    Ultrasound Technician salary expectations

    An Ultrasound Technician makes an average of $17.86 per hour. The exact pay rate may depend on the Ultrasound Technician’s level of experience, education and geographic location. 

    Ultrasound Technician education and training requirements

    Ultrasound Technicians should have some formal education and training to be successful in the role. The most common training for Ultrasound Technicians is an associate degree program with coursework in human anatomy, ultrasound equipment, pathophysiology and obstetrics. Similarly, there are also one-year certificate or degree programs from technical and vocation schools, community colleges and certain universities. Some states require Ultrasound Technicians to be certified as part of their licensure requirements. To become certified, candidates must pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exam and maintain their certification through continuing education.

    Ultrasound Technician experience requirements

    In addition to a formal education and certification, many Ultrasound Technician employers require at least 1 year of work experience with a reputable public or private medical center. Ultrasound Technicians should be experienced with acquiring medical histories, explaining procedures and facilitating positive patient experiences. They should be able to perform general, vascular and OB ultrasound sonographic examinations as well as assess patients to determine the right diagnostic protocols.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If you’re writing a job description for a related position to an Ultrasound Technician, see our job description for a similar role: 

    Ready to Hire an Ultrasound Technician? Build an Ultrasound Technician Job Description

    Frequently asked questions about Ultrasound Technicians

     

    What is the difference between an Ultrasound Technician and a Radiologic Technician?

    Both Ultrasound Technicians and Radiologic Technicians use medical equipment to produce images of internal human anatomy. They differ in the types of equipment they use and the types of patients they interact with. For example, Ultrasound Technicians are trained to use equipment like transabdominal machines. This type of equipment creates high-frequency sound waves that develop an image of what’s going on inside the body. Ultrasound Technicians typically use this equipment to monitor a fetus’s health, detect tumors or cysts and diagnose cardiovascular conditions. 

    In contrast, Radiologic Technicians use medical equipment like MRI machines. These machines use radiation to create images of internal structures. Because of the use of radiation, Radiologic Technicians have the ability to get even more in-depth images of anatomical structures. For this reason, Radiologic Technicians usually help diagnose broken or fractured bones or concussions.

     

    What are the daily duties of an Ultrasound Technician?

    On a typical day, an Ultrasound Technician starts by checking their appointment schedule. Before each appointment, they prepare the exam room, turn on sonographic equipment and review the patient’s medical records to learn more about their need for an ultrasound exam. Throughout the day, they greet patients, talk to them about the procedure and perform ultrasounds on patients. After each exam, Ultrasound Technicians sanitize their exam room and speak with Physicians about what they found during the procedure.

     

    What qualities make a good Ultrasound Technician?

    A good Ultrasound Technician has a personable nature, which allows them to interact with patients in a friendly way. This quality helps patients feel relaxed and enhances patient satisfaction. They have a keen attention to detail, enabling them to look at sonographic monitors to determine the gender of a fetus or any abnormalities present. Further, a good Ultrasound Technician practices discretion. This is especially important when they detect potential abnormalities in fetuses or anatomical structures as it helps the patient stay calm until they can confirm or deny their diagnosis.

     

    Who does an Ultrasound Technician report to?

    Ultrasound Technicians usually report to the Ultrasound Manager or Sonographer Manager at a diagnostic or medical laboratory. In other healthcare facilities, Ultrasound may report directly to one or more Physicians. These individuals act as a point of communication for Ultrasound Technicians when they have concerns about a patient’s condition. 

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