Sonographer - UI Health Care Urbandale Clinic 90-100%25

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sonographer

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Urbandale, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations (Diagnostic Imaging)

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Perform advanced diagnostic ultrasound and Doppler procedures, specializing in cardiology patients, including pediatric echocardiograms.

• Collaborate closely with interpreting physicians, providing critical imaging data for diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Maintain high standards of equipment functionality through calibration, quality control, and timely reporting of malfunctions.

• Document patient examinations accurately and comprehensively, adhering to departmental standards and ensuring diagnostic quality imaging.

• Provide patient care and education regarding procedures, including vital sign monitoring and preparation for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on diagnostic imaging within a healthcare setting, requiring specialized sonography skills. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, it involves critical operational functions within a clinical department, emphasizing process adherence, quality control, and patient throughput. The "operations" aspect lies in the efficient and accurate execution of diagnostic procedures that directly impact patient care and departmental efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute complex diagnostic ultrasonography procedures, including advanced imaging techniques and Doppler studies, with a focus on cardiology.

• Consult with interpreting physicians to discuss exam findings and ensure all necessary diagnostic information is captured.

• Meticulously document all exam details in accordance with established departmental protocols and quality standards.

• Critically evaluate all captured ultrasound images to confirm diagnostic quality and completeness.

• Provide sonographic guidance and assistance during intraoperative and other invasive procedures.

• Clearly communicate procedure details and instructions to patients, their families, or other relevant parties.

• Perform essential patient care tasks such as skin preparation, IV line insertion, vital sign monitoring, and administering contrast materials.

• Foster and maintain positive, productive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public.

• Educate and evaluate sonography students and medical residents on the proper operation of diagnostic ultrasound equipment.

• Implement and maintain quality control measures for the ultrasound section, aligning with best practices and departmental standards.

• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, initiating service requests for prompt repair.

• Conduct routine equipment calibration and sterilization procedures according to established protocols.

• Ensure ongoing maintenance of professional certifications as required by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct patient care, technical proficiency, and departmental operational support. The emphasis on education and quality control suggests a role that contributes to the overall advancement and efficiency of the ultrasound department.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of a CAAHEP-accredited or equivalent program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, or Vascular Technology; OR

• Completion of a two-year or more accredited health science program (e.g., Radiologic Technology, Medical Technology, Nursing) plus a twelve-month formal education program in Sonography; OR

Experience:

• Registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) in at least one specialty area (e.g., Pediatric Echocardiography - PE) is required, though not mandatory at the time of application.

• Demonstrated proficiency in performing diagnostic ultrasound procedures, with a strong preference for pediatric echocardiography and fetal echocardiography.

• Previous experience in echocardiography is highly desired.

• Prior experience working with the EPIC electronic health record system is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in performing complex diagnostic ultrasonography, including imaging and Doppler techniques.

• Strong understanding of patient care protocols, including IV placement, vital sign monitoring, and basic life support.

• Ability to administer contrast materials safely and effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective patient, physician, and team interaction.

• Skill in maintaining equipment calibration, sterilization, and quality control processes.

• Competency in documenting patient exams according to departmental standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Certification/membership in relevant professional specialty organizations.

• Experience performing pediatric echocardiograms.

• Experience performing fetal echocardiograms.

• Experience with the EPIC electronic health record system.

• Prior experience in a pediatric clinical setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize specialized technical certifications and hands-on experience, particularly in pediatric cardiology. The inclusion of EPIC experience points to the need for familiarity with integrated healthcare IT systems, crucial for operational efficiency in modern healthcare.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of proficiency in performing and documenting various ultrasound procedures, particularly echocardiograms.

• Case studies showcasing the ability to capture diagnostic-quality images and interpret findings in consultation with physicians.

• Examples of quality control measures implemented or maintained for ultrasound equipment.

• Documentation illustrating adherence to patient care protocols and safety standards during procedures.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of the workflow for diagnostic imaging, from patient intake to final report generation.

• Illustrate experience with standard operating procedures for equipment operation, calibration, and maintenance.

• Provide examples of how patient information and exam findings are accurately documented and managed within healthcare systems.

• Demonstrate familiarity with departmental protocols for quality assurance and continuous improvement in diagnostic imaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" might not be standard for sonographers, candidates are expected to present evidence of their technical skills, procedural knowledge, and adherence to operational standards through their resume, cover letter, and potentially through discussion during interviews. The emphasis is on demonstrating competence in executing defined processes and maintaining operational quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $61,560 - $111,422 annually at 100% time. This range is based on years of experience, with specific placement determined during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Package: Includes health, dental, and life insurance options.

• Income Protection: Disability insurance is provided.

• Retirement Security: Generous employer contributions to retirement plans (double-match mentioned).

• Paid Time Off: Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.

• Work-Life Balance: Regular salaried position with a set schedule, no weekends, no call, and no holidays.

• Additional Resources: Access to information on benefits and work-life balance through the provided links.

Working Hours: 100% (40 hours per week) scheduled Monday - Friday, with variable hours between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as a broad guideline, with the final offer dependent on the candidate's specific experience. The University of Iowa offers a robust benefits package, typical for large academic medical institutions, emphasizing job security and employee well-being, which are key operational considerations for attracting and retaining skilled professionals. The predictable schedule is a significant operational advantage for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Academic Medical Center / Healthcare Services. The University of Iowa Health Care is a comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral hub, recognized for its quality of care.

Company Size: Large (over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers). This scale implies structured processes, diverse teams, and a commitment to research and education alongside clinical care.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its health care system evolving significantly over time to become a leading institution. This long history suggests stability and a deep-rooted commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Sonographer will likely be part of the Cardiology or Pediatric Cardiology department within the University of Iowa Community Clinics.

• The team will include other sonographers, interpreting physicians (cardiologists), nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff.

• Collaboration is central, with frequent interaction with physicians for consultation and guidance during procedures.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Diagnostics: Emphasis on obtaining high-quality diagnostic imaging data for accurate patient assessment.

• Protocol Adherence: Strict following of established scanning protocols, quality control procedures, and patient care guidelines.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement of ongoing professional development and maintenance of certifications.

• Team-Based Care: Collaborative approach involving multiple healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient management.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26003394&lang=en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by its WECARE values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment), which are integral to its operational ethos. As an academic institution, there's a dual focus on clinical excellence and education/research, fostering a dynamic work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a skilled technical professional within the diagnostic imaging operations of a large healthcare system. It involves independent execution of complex procedures and potential mentorship of students and residents.

Reporting Structure: The Sonographer will report to a clinic manager or a lead sonographer/supervisor within the Cardiology or Pediatric department. They will work closely with physicians who interpret their scans.

Operations Impact: The Sonographer's work is critical to patient diagnosis and treatment planning. Efficient and accurate ultrasound procedures directly impact patient throughput, diagnostic accuracy, and overall patient satisfaction within the clinic. Their expertise ensures the clinic can deliver timely and high-quality cardiac imaging services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in pediatric echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, or other advanced cardiac imaging modalities.

• Leadership: Potential to move into lead sonographer roles, supervising junior staff, managing schedules, or overseeing quality control initiatives.

• Education: Become involved in training and mentoring sonography students and medical residents.

• Cross-Training: Opportunity to gain experience in other clinic locations or specialties as needed.

• Professional Development: Maintain and advance ARDMS certifications and stay current with advancements in diagnostic imaging technology and techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth within this role is primarily focused on clinical specialization, quality assurance, and potentially team leadership within the diagnostic imaging department, rather than traditional GTM or RevOps career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within a clinic setting (Urbandale Clinic), part of the University of Iowa Community Clinics network. This environment is patient-focused and clinical.

Office Location(s): Urbandale, Iowa, with potential to float to other patient specialties/clinic locations including Pediatrics and/or Specialty/Outreach Clinics within the greater Des Moines area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace involves direct patient interaction in dedicated ultrasound suites.

• Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic ultrasound equipment is expected.

• Collaboration occurs within the clinical team, including physicians, nurses, and fellow sonographers.

• The environment requires maintaining sterility, patient privacy, and adherence to safety protocols.

Work Schedule: A stable Monday-Friday schedule with predictable hours (7:30 AM - 5:30 PM) offers a strong work-life balance, which is a key operational feature of this position, eliminating the need for weekend, on-call, or holiday coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and specific clinic location in Urbandale are key details. The potential for floating indicates a need for adaptability and familiarity with different clinical settings within the UI Health Care system.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter to assess qualifications against requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Department Interview: Discussion with Shaye Short (or designated contact) to evaluate experience, skills, and cultural fit. This may include questions about specific sonography techniques, patient care scenarios, and experience with pediatric cardiology.

• Technical Assessment/Skills Demonstration (Potential): While not explicitly stated, a practical demonstration of skills or a review of prior work samples might be requested.

• Team/Physician Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues and/or interpreting physicians to assess collaboration skills and clinical judgment.

• Final Offer: Contingent on background check and potentially other pre-employment screenings.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Optimization: Clearly highlight ARDMS certifications, specialized sonography experience (especially pediatric echocardiography), experience with relevant equipment, and familiarity with EPIC. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "performed X number of pediatric echocardiograms per week").

• Cover Letter Focus: Directly address how your education, experience, and skills meet the required and desired qualifications listed in the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your capabilities in diagnostic imaging, patient care, and quality control.

• Documentation Examples: Be prepared to discuss your approach to documenting patient exams and quality control processes. While a formal portfolio might not be submitted, having examples ready to describe can be beneficial.

• Highlighting Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as this is crucial in a clinical operations setting.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions related to handling difficult patient interactions, managing equipment issues, or addressing unexpected findings during an ultrasound.

• Technical Knowledge: Brush up on advanced echocardiography principles, Doppler techniques, and pediatric cardiac anatomy/pathology.

• Process Questions: Be ready to discuss your understanding of quality control, departmental workflows, and patient safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a clear alignment between the candidate's qualifications and the job requirements, with a specific call for a cover letter that addresses these points directly. The emphasis is on demonstrating technical and clinical competence relevant to the role's operational functions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Diagnostic Ultrasound Machines: Advanced ultrasound equipment capable of high-resolution imaging and Doppler studies, specific to cardiology and pediatric applications.

• EPIC (Electronic Health Record): A comprehensive EHR system for patient charting, scheduling, order entry, and documentation management. Familiarity is highly desired.

• PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System): Used for storing, retrieving, and distributing medical images.

• Departmental Quality Control Software: Systems or protocols for tracking equipment performance, calibration logs, and quality assurance metrics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not direct "operations analytics" in the GTM sense, sonographers contribute to departmental performance metrics through accurate and timely exam completion and documentation.

CRM & Automation:

• EPIC serves as the primary system for patient management and workflow coordination within the clinic.

• Automation is primarily embedded within the ultrasound equipment itself (e.g., automated measurements, image optimization features) and the EHR's workflow capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specific ultrasound equipment models is essential, though not listed. Familiarity with EPIC is a significant advantage, highlighting the integration of technology into clinical operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in diagnostic imaging and patient care, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

• Collaboration: Working seamlessly with physicians, nurses, and other clinic staff to provide integrated patient care.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of patient procedures, documentation, and equipment maintenance, acting with integrity and responsibility.

• Respect: Treating patients, colleagues, and trainees with dignity, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Empowerment: Contributing to a culture that supports professional growth, continuous learning, and the delivery of accessible healthcare.

• Welcoming: Creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for patients and colleagues.

Collaboration Style:

• Physician Partnership: Close working relationship with interpreting physicians, involving consultation and feedback loops on imaging findings.

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Active participation in the broader clinical team to ensure coordinated patient care pathways.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices and learning from colleagues, particularly in a teaching environment with students and residents.

• Process Improvement Focus: Openness to feedback and suggestions for enhancing departmental workflows and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The WECARE values are central to the University of Iowa's operational culture. Candidates are expected to embody these values in their daily interactions and professional conduct.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Patient Cases: Handling challenging diagnostic situations, particularly with pediatric cardiology patients who may have complex congenital conditions or be critically ill.

• Equipment Malfunctions: Dealing with unexpected equipment failures that can disrupt patient flow and clinic operations.

• High Patient Volume: Managing a busy clinic schedule to ensure all patients are seen within appropriate timeframes while maintaining diagnostic quality.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning about and adapting to new ultrasound technologies and imaging techniques.

• Floating Flexibility: Adapting to different clinic settings or patient populations if required to float between locations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing specialized ARDMS certifications (e.g., Pediatric Echocardiography, Fetal Echocardiography) to enhance expertise.

• Continuing Education: Participating in workshops, conferences, and online courses to stay current with sonography advancements.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior sonographers, students, or residents, developing leadership and teaching skills.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience in different clinical areas or with various patient populations within the UI Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a demanding clinical role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Growth is geared towards clinical mastery and contribution to the educational mission of the institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex pediatric echocardiogram you performed and how you approached capturing the necessary diagnostic views." (Focus on process, technical skill, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure the diagnostic quality of your ultrasound images, especially when working independently?" (Focus on quality control, attention to detail, and self-assessment).

• "How do you collaborate with physicians to ensure the most effective diagnostic outcomes for patients?" (Focus on communication, teamwork, and understanding physician needs).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody the University of Iowa's WECARE values in your daily work?" (Be prepared to give specific examples for Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment).

• "Why are you interested in working for an academic medical center like the University of Iowa?" (Highlight interest in teaching, research, and complex patient care).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be ready to walk through your resume, highlighting specific experiences and skills that directly match the job requirements, especially ARDMS certifications and specialized echocardiography experience.

• Case Study Discussion: Prepare to discuss 1-2 challenging cases that demonstrate your diagnostic acumen, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to quality. Focus on the process you followed and the outcome.

• Technical Skills Emphasis: Clearly articulate your proficiency with different types of ultrasound equipment and any experience with PACS or EPIC.

• Value Alignment: Connect your skills and experiences back to the WECARE values and the broader mission of the University of Iowa Health Care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical expertise but also a strong understanding of clinical operations, patient care, and alignment with the institution's core values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sonographer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UIowa Taleo career portal.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to prominently feature your ARDMS certifications, years of experience in diagnostic medical sonography, and any specific experience with pediatric echocardiography or fetal echocardiography. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a plain text cover letter that directly addresses each of the required and desired qualifications listed in the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your proficiency and experience.

• Prepare for Interview: Anticipate questions related to technical skills, patient care scenarios, quality control, and your understanding of the WECARE values. Prepare specific examples demonstrating your abilities.

• Research the University of Iowa Health Care: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and the types of services they offer, particularly within cardiology and pediatrics, to better align your responses with their operational focus.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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