The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer utilizes high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis.  The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team.  The Diagnostic Sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis.  The Diagnostic Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care.

In the professional courses that are required, as well as in the career field of sonography, the student and sonographer must have the ability to: 

1. Lift and move patients and accessories
2. Coordinate movement of equipment, such as portable machines and accessories
3. Utilize the skills needed to perform procedures with "universal precautions" when working with all types of patients
4. Give instructions to patients, peers, and healthcare personnel
5. Hear audible cues and warnings of imaging and Doppler equipment and life support devices
6. Utilize the sense of touch in order to provide patient care and position patients for sonographic examinations
7. Exhibit the dexterity to manipulate the transducer in the necessary maneuvers to achieve the optimum examination and to operate the controls of the equipment
8. Evaluate images, distinguishing between black, white, and shades of gray tones, and recognize and evaluate shades of color in images and color flow Doppler
9. Utilize interpersonal skills to professionally and sensitively interact with patients who are experiencing physical or emotional trauma
10. Utilize oral and written communications to assess clinical records, comprehend and employ appropriate medical terminology and interact with the referring and/or attending physician with oral and written impressions regarding sonographic data as permitted by employer policy and procedure
11. Exercise professional judgment and discretion to identify a life-threatening situation and implement emergency care
12. Perform within the SCOPE OF PRACTICE (detailed below).
13. Protect the patient's rights and privacy and adhere to the Professional Code of Conduct.

Scope of Practice for the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional

Preamble:

The purpose of this document is to define the Scope of Practice for Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals and to specify their roles as members of the health care team, acting in the best interest of the patient. This scope of practice is a "living" document that will evolve as the technology expands.

Definition of the Profession:

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Profession is a multi-specialty field comprised of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (with subspecialties in abdominal, neurologic, obstetrical/gynecologic and ophthalmic ultrasound), Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (with subspecialties in adult and pediatric echocardiography), Vascular Technology, and other emerging fields. These diverse specialties are distinguished by their use of diagnostic medical ultrasound as a primary technology in their daily work. Certification¹ is considered the standard of practice in ultrasound. Individuals who are not yet certified should reference the Scope as a professional model and strive to become certified.

Scope of Practice of the Profession:

The Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional is an individual qualified by professional credentialing² and academic and clinical experience to provide diagnostic patient care services using ultrasound and related diagnostic procedures. The scope of practice of the Diagnostic Ultrasound Professional includes those procedures, acts and processes permitted by law, for which the individual has received education and clinical experience, and in which he/she has demonstrated competency.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals:

• Perform patient assessments
• Acquire and analyze data obtained using ultrasound and related diagnostic technologies
• Provide a summary of findings to the physician to aid in patient diagnosis and management
• Use independent judgment and systematic problem solving methods to produce high quality diagnostic information and optimize patient care.

¹ An example of credentials: RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographer), RDCS (registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer), RVT (registered vascular technologist); awarded by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers,® a certifying body with NCCA Category "A" membership.

² Credentials should be awarded by an agency certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Endorsed by:

• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine
• American Society of Echocardiography*
• Canadian Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound
  
  * Qualified endorsement