Job summary
Dorset County Hospital Foundation NHS Trust
Trainee Sonographer: Band 7 Annex U (70% of max band 7 salary in year 1 and 75% in year 2 of training)
Hours 37.5 per week
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated Radiographer to undertake training to become a Sonographer by successfully completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound.
We would expect you to have 2 years post-graduate NHS experience and to have spent some time in an ultrasound department.
You must have a real desire to train in this area, fully understand the role of a Sonographer and demonstrate commitment to the work involved. You will have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate that you provide a high-quality service.
Practical training will be undertaken in our ultrasound department under the supervision of our Sonographers and Radiologists. The academic modules will be delivered by the University of the West of England in Bristol and will start in January 2025.
This is a fixed term post for 2 years.
Main duties of the job
To train to perform and independently report obstetric, gynaecological and general medical ultrasound according to departmental protocols
During training the trainee will be expected to communicate effectively with patients; eliciting and discussing their clinical history and concerns, explaining the purpose and process of the scan, encouraging and supporting them during ultrasound examinations
Maintain professional standards, demonstrate Trust values and employ best practice to provide a high quality and safe Ultrasound Service
To be proactive in your own training and development, keep all essential University documentation up-to-date and strive for continuous progress improvementbased on structured constructive feedback
About us
Dorset County Hospital is a busy modern district general hospital situated in the vibrant county town of Dorchester, only 7 miles from the Jurassic coast. The Trust is the main provider of acute hospital services to a population of around 250,000 people, living within Weymouth, Portland, West Dorset, North Dorset and Purbeck.
The Trust has recently secured funding for a new Emergency department and critical care unit to be built in 2026.
The Radiology department achieved QualityStandards for Imaging (QSI) accreditation in 2020 and became one of the first NHS Trusts in the country to achieve the new 2021 standards set by UKAS. We maintained our accreditation following our assessment in 2023.
The hospital had good rail links to Southampton, Bristol and London and has outstanding nurseries and schools. Dorchester has undergone significant investment and redevelopment in the Brewery Square area and Poundbury, providing new shops, bars and restaurants and residential property.
Dorset offers a brilliant work life balance and it is a great place for families. There is the choice of coast or country for leisure activities such as water sports, wild swimming, coastal walking, horse riding, festivals and historic and cultural towns.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Trainee Sonographer will be expected to undertake an accredited Ultrasound Course and obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. The theoretical component will be University based and the practical training will be delivered locally
The student will be expected to commute to the University to attend lectures, although some training can be accessed remotely. Travel and overnight expenses will be supported
The student will be given the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of examinations (general abdominal, obstetric and gynaecological) to support the studied modules
Training will be undertaken under the direct supervision of Sonographers or Consultant Radiologists and 2 trained assessors will be assigned to the student for each module studied. This will continue until an appropriate qualification has been obtained (PG Certificate/PG Diploma in Medical Ultrasound). The student will then participate in the departmental preceptorship scheme to support their transition into autonomous practice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Trainee Sonographer will be expected to undertake an accredited Ultrasound Course and obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound. The theoretical component will be University based and the practical training will be delivered locally
The student will be expected to commute to the University to attend lectures, although some training can be accessed remotely. Travel and overnight expenses will be supported
The student will be given the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of examinations (general abdominal, obstetric and gynaecological) to support the studied modules
Training will be undertaken under the direct supervision of Sonographers or Consultant Radiologists and 2 trained assessors will be assigned to the student for each module studied. This will continue until an appropriate qualification has been obtained (PG Certificate/PG Diploma in Medical Ultrasound). The student will then participate in the departmental preceptorship scheme to support their transition into autonomous practice.
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years post graduate NHS clinical experience
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Evidence of effective communication skills
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- HCPC registration or equivalent
- BSc Radiography, or equivalent qualification
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- An understanding of the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool and its place in the patient pathway
- Evidence of technical skills, hand eye co-ordination and image interpretation.
- Evidence of the ability to undertake academic training to post graduate Diploma level in ultrasound
- An understanding of the responsibilities of clinical practice as a Sonographer
Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum of 2 years post graduate NHS clinical experience
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Evidence of effective communication skills
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- HCPC registration or equivalent
- BSc Radiography, or equivalent qualification
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- An understanding of the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool and its place in the patient pathway
- Evidence of technical skills, hand eye co-ordination and image interpretation.
- Evidence of the ability to undertake academic training to post graduate Diploma level in ultrasound
- An understanding of the responsibilities of clinical practice as a Sonographer
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
