Cardiac Sonography Technical Standards

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is an integral part of the Medical Imaging Profession. A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer uses high frequency sound waves to gather essential information that will aid in the diagnosis of a multitude of pathologies and diseases. A Sonographer will provide care by collecting and providing a set of diagnostic medical ultrasound images and will also aid and assist in interventional procedures.

In this care giving role, there are essential job functions that necessitate the sonographer to demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that careful thought and attention be given to all applicants pursuing education or employment. The Act further requires that accommodations be provided to the disabled person when demonstrated to be reasonable. The ADA supports the identification of critical occupation functions in the screening of prospective candidates for a professional program of study or employment.

Below are examples of the physical, mental, and emotional requirements for the profession of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Physical Requirements:

• Work standing on his/her feet 80% of the time.
• Use both hands, wrists, and shoulders to maintain prolonged arm positions necessary for scanning and performance of fine motor skills.
• Lift more than fifty pounds routinely
• Transport, move and lift patients from wheelchair to stretcher or to exam table or to properly assist patients into the correct exam position.
• Push, pull, bend and stoop routinely to move and adjust sonographic equipment and perform studies.
• Use senses such as vision, hearing, and touch to adequately view ultrasound images, including color distinctions and audible sounds. Performance of hand and eye coordination skills required during the sonographic examination. Ability to sense a change in patient condition and needs.
• Work in a semi darkened room for prolonged periods of time.
• Be physically capable of performing all duties.

Mental and Physical Requirements: The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must be able to:

• Communicate effectively, verbally, and non-verbally, with patients and other healthcare professionals to explain procedures, give instructions and give and obtain information.
• Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence according to established standards.
• Understands and reacts quickly to verbal instructions and patient needs.
• Follows directions effectively and collaborates closely with members of the healthcare team.
• View and evaluate recorded images for the purpose of identifying proper protocol and procedural sequencing, technical qualities, and identification of pathology.
• Apply critical thinking skills to help optimize patient care and procedure and produce the best diagnostic information possible.

Emotional Requirements: The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer must be able to:

• Provide physical and emotional support to the patient during the sonographic examination and interventional procedures.
• Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick and injured.
• Manage stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care standards.
• Adapt to changing environments and be able to prioritize tasks.
• Project an image of professionalism
• Demonstrate an elevated level of compassion for others, a motivation to serve, integrity and a conscious of social values.
• Interact positively with people from all levels of society and all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Reference:  https://www.ada.gov/

Technical Standards of Sonographers and Vascular Technologists:  https://www.sdms.org/docs/default-source/Resources/scope-of-practice-and-clinical-standards.pdf?sfvrsn=8