State of Washington Classified Job Specification
DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHER LEAD
Definition
Lead diagnostic medical sonographers and/or others; assist in coordinating the operation of an ultrasound department; independently perform, evaluate, and document results of highly complex non-invasive and invasive diagnostic ultrasound and physiological examinations on patients provide diagnostic observations and develop oral and/or written reports for attending physicians.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Regularly assign, instruct and check the work of others. Under general direction, perform administrative duties for coordination and operation of a diagnostic ultrasound department and participate in and assist in the development of clinical and research protocols.
Typical Work
Lead employees and interns performing ultrasound examinations;
Perform clinical and research non-invasive, invasive and surgical diagnostic ultrasound examinations and procedures; monitor patient’s vital signs and condition during examination; initiate or perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary;
Perform ultrasound examinations exercising proficiencies in multiple organ systems such as abdomen (liver, kidney, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, and all associated blood vessels); obstetrics (gestational dating, fetal anatomy, uterus, and adnexa); gynecology (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and adnexa), small parts (thyroid, scrotal, and superficial soft tissue areas), prostrate, and intestines (appendix, hernias, and inflammatory bowel disease);
Provide independent ultrasound guidance for procedures such as liver, kidney, and pancreas transplant biopsies; native renal and liver biopsies; thorancenteses, paracenteses, abcess drainage, evacuation of complicated pregnancies in the operating room, placement of uterine radiation rods for gynecological therapy, fetal umbilical cord sampling, fetal platelet transfusions, fetal blood tranfusions, chorionic villis sampling, genetic amniocenteses, and fine needle aspirates of various superficial soft tissues;
Perform calculation of recorded examination data to determine patient physiolgoical parameters such as blood vessel patency, blood flow velocity, stenosis evaluation, organ perfusion, and embryo/fetal development and gestational age using two-dimensional, spectral analysis, color Doppler, and power Doppler;
Participate in the national accreditation of the ultrasound laboratory;
Maintain quality assurance of ultrasound equipment and digital network;
Coordinate clinical activities and services and coordinate appropriate staffing levels for the department in the supervisor's absence;
Perform the duties of diagnostic medical sonographers;
Perform related duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Completion of diagnostic ultrasound program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and registered in abdominal and obstetrical ultrasound by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
AND
Four years of experience performing the work of a diagnostic medical sonographer
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Revise Class/Title: 3-23-87
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
Revise Class/Title: 2-7-92
Revise Class: 6-9-2000
Revised new class code: (formerly 6346) effective July 1, 2007
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.