Vascular Technologist – Sonography

Responsibilities:

• Performs ultrasound studies specific to veins and arteries, including but not limited to carotid, aorta, mesenteric, renal, and celiac; cardiac mapping; and pulse volume recordings typically handling complicated and difficult cases.
• Reviews previous patient history, obtains brief current patient history; determines the appropriate procedure(s) necessary for proper diagnosis, consulting with physician if there are any questions concerning the ultrasound exam.
• Notifies physician of abnormal findings.
• Prepares patient for examination, explains procedure, assists patient on/off examination table and with dressing/undressing, as required.
• Performs technical procedures in the application of duplex imaging and other non-invasive procedures on peripheral arteries which utilize pulse volume recorders with Doppler that may require treadmill testing.
• Maintains appropriate testing documentation in patient medical record and a file copy of all examinations performed.
• Accurately completes financial documentation for billing procedure.
• Performs ultrasound and pulse volume recording studies at the hospital bedside, in the inpatient setting and in the outpatient clinics to report findings to the care provider.
• Assists with interpretation of study results.
• Provides technical guidance to less experienced technologists in conducting tests and interpreting study results.
• Correlates non-invasive vascular laboratory study results with other diagnostic studies performed (e.g., arteriograms, venograms, CT scans, and MRI).
• Evaluates images and makes preliminary decisions on patient findings. Serves as a senior technical resource for the non-invasive vascular laboratory.
• Provides input for the interpretation of test results.
• Assists in the correlation of vascular laboratory studies and in clinical research as outlined by the medical director of the non-invasive vascular laboratory.
• Participates in the evaluation of new equipment and procedures. Provides technical direction with complex cases.
• Assists with the interviewing of applicants and orientation and training of new members of the non-invasive vascular laboratory.
• Participates with ongoing training and student internship.
• Formally or informally teaches related technology to other technologists and students.
• Functions as the technical resource and advisor on procedural techniques for all technologists and trainees.
• Interacts with key individuals to enhance database report capabilities and troubleshoots system.
• Assists with the supervision and coordination of assigned work activities if necessary and the monitoring of supply inventory by reporting shortages and equipment maintenance issues to the lead technologist or designee.
• Provides peer feedback for job performance of other technologists in the lab.
• Assumes duties of the lead technologist when called on to do so.
• Attends scheduled meetings and training sessions.
• May be required to be on-call.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Completion of an appropriate allied health program leading to a degree or certificate in the application of non-invasive cardiovascular ultrasound techniques.

Certifications:

• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT), or other appropriate national certification.
• Current RVT or registry eligible.
• (Appropriate national registry must be completed within one year of hire.)

Complexity of Work:

• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Demonstrates proficiency with non-invasive vascular laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Good verbal and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, families and physicians.
• Ability to teach others – staff physicians, fellows, other technologists and student externs.
• Ability to function in a variety of medical situations (including medical emergencies).
• Must be able to recognize changing priorities.
• Ability to work closely with other members of the care team.
• Knowledge of the use and application of diagnostic imaging instrumentation including pulse volume recordings, treadmill testing, duplex imaging systems, Doppler and portable continuous-wave Doppler.
• Knowledge of databases, image storage, and electronic medical record. In-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology as related to the circulatory system (usually attained in a training program). Ability to think critically and analyze information.
• Ability to provide after hours and weekend coverage when scheduled to do so.

Work Experience:

• Completion of an appropriate allied health program leading to a degree or certificate in the application of non-invasive cardiovascular ultrasound techniques.
• Advanced training in anatomy, physiology, biology, and physics.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires standing or walking for extensive periods of time.
• Requires normal or corrected hearing and vision to normal range.
• May requires some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Keywords: Sonography, Ultrasound, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, ARDMS, Vascular Sonographer, Vascular