Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer - Children's Hospital of Richmond

Overview

Sign-on bonus: $25,000 available for offers accepted prior to February 28, 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

The Sonographer/Technologist performs ultrasonography procedures using high-frequency sound waves to image patients from newborn to geriatric for medical purposes. The role requires producing images for interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP) and integrating scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient interaction, and compassionate care to provide diagnostic information. The Sonographer/Technologist recognizes patient conditions essential for successful completion of procedures and demonstrates independent professional and ethical judgment.

The Sonographer/Technologist serves as the primary liaison between patients, LIPs, and the support team, maintaining sensitivity to the physical and emotional needs of patients through communication, assessment, monitoring, and care. Participation in quality improvement processes and continuous assessment of performance is expected. Ongoing engagement in continuing education to enhance patient care, public education, knowledge, and technical competence is expected.

• Perform diagnostic ultrasound procedures or examinations, on the order of or for diagnostic interpretation by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
• Determine ultrasonic frequencies and appropriate transducers for the anatomical area of interest.
• Maintain records, respect confidentiality, and follow established policy.
• Apply the 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 patient clinical history with the ordered procedure and ensure information is documented and available for the LIP.
• Verify informed consent and assume responsibility for patient needs before, during, and after procedures.
• Prepare patients for procedures and apply ALARA principles to minimize exposure to patients and staff.
• Perform venipuncture and establish intravenous access per procedural protocol as applicable.
• Identify, prepare, and/or administer medications related to diagnostic imaging procedures as prescribed by a LIP as applicable.
• Evaluate images for technical quality and ensure proper identification is recorded.
• Identify and escalate emergency situations and manage until the 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 environment.
• Participate in and/or perform ongoing quality assurance activities.

Independent action:
Cardiac Sonographer/Technologists perform or assist the LIP in completing ultrasound imaging exams with minimal assistance. They complete imaging exams based on physician orders, department protocols, and safety standards, and represent the goals, values, and vision of the health system. They ensure adherence to regulatory standards and resolve basic service delivery issues.

Supervisory responsibilities:

N/A

Employment Qualifications

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:
Certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDCS AE/PE) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (RCS or RCCS).

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Continued Employment:
Current RDCS (ARDMS) or RCS/RCCS (CCI);
Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Providers).

Experience

REQUIRED:

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

Experience PREFERRED:
Three (3) years of previous work experience as a Cardiac Sonographer/Technologist; previous work experience in an academic medical center environment.

Education/training

REQUIRED:

Graduation from an allied health education program meeting ARDMS/CCI certification requirements; or graduation from a CAAHEP/CMA-accredited program in cardiac sonography, or a 2-year JRC-accredited program recognized by ARRT/JRC-DMS; or graduation from a bachelor’s degree with at least one certification by ARDMS or CCI.

Education/training PREFERRED:
Bachelor’s degree in cardiac sonography.

Independent action(s) and duties

Cardiac Sonographer/Technologists independently perform or assist the LIP in ultrasound imaging exams, based on orders, protocols, and safety standards. They represent the goals and values of the health system, adhere to policy, and resolve basic service delivery issues. Lead technologists may coordinate work assignments, workflow, and staffing; serve as a clinical or technical resource; and provide training.

Individual shift rotation and schedules will be established with the manager or supervisor. Schedules and hours may be adjusted to meet staffing needs. Weekend and after-hours coverage may be required based on workload. Sonographer/Technologists are…