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Standards & Requirements

Graduates of this program, as general and vascular entry-level sonographers, will provide quality patient care and perform quality sonographic examinations. The job function may require the ability tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads. The ability to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function effectively under stress and in uncertain conditions also are important job requirements. In order to satisfy the requirements of the position and those of the program, certain essential functions must be performed in a satisfactory manner.

Technical Standards

The student must have the ability to:
  • Analyze and comprehend medical and technical material and instructions.
  • Communicate effectively with patients and various members of a health care team team, including the ability to perceive nonverbal communication.
  • Set up and manipulate sonographic equipment in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.
  • Practice and apply appropriate safety measures.
  • Perceive the relationships of internal organs in order to obtain sonographic exams of diagnostic value.
  • Sufficiently monitor the patient and machine controls from a distance of 20 inches in a darkened room.
  • Detect and monitor vital signs and receive communication from patients and members of the health care team.
  • Sufficiently communicate to relay instruction and/or needs promptly and efficiently to patient and health care workers.
  • Recognize and respond to adverse changes in patient condition, including those requiring emergency medical intervention.
  • Prepare and maintain sonographic reports and records.
  • Perform gross and fine motor skills and movements to:
    • manipulate equipment by pushing buttons, operating keyboards, and turning dials.
    • simultaneously manipulate controls with one hand and manipulate the transducer with the other hand.
    • maintain steady pressure on the patient.
    • stretch around/over patients and carts to achieve optimal scanning planes yet maintain contract with the machine controls.
    • transfer, move or lift patients from wheelchairs or stretchers to the exam table or patient bed.
    • lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
    • stand or walk a minimum of 50% of clinical time.
    • push heavy equipment across carpeted floors and up ramps.
  • Perform satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to:
    • review images for acceptability for diagnostic purposes and evaluate for completeness of examinations.
    • utilize independent judgment and discretion in the safe technical performance of sonography procedures.
    • adapt to changing environments such as flexible schedules and emergency conditions.
  • Respect the confidentiality of patient and demonstrate integrity, a motivation to serve, and a concern for others.
The work of a sonographer involves risks and discomforts that require special safety precautions, additional safety education and health risk monitoring. It also may involve working with sharps, chemicals, infectious disease and debilitating illnesses. Sonographers may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, goggles and gloves.
 
If the student is unable to perform any of the designated tasks, upon request LCCC will make reasonable accommodations if the accommodations do not constitute an undue hardship on LCCC and that those accommodations do not interfere with performance of any essential functions of a sonographer’s duties.