Ultrasound Technician Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Ultrasound Technician interview questions and answers.

  1. Some patients may want you to diagnose them based on what you see. How would you deal with this? See answer
  2. What would you do if you noticed something strange on an ultrasound scan, but the doctor says the results are normal? See answer
  3. Can you document information on a database? See answer
  4. How do you learn about the latest ultrasound techniques and technologies? 
  5. What procedures will you use to maintain your ultrasound equipment? 
  6. How will you adequately explain procedures to your patients? 
  7. How will you update all your patient records? 
  8. How will you help nervous patients relax if they’re having an ultrasound for the first time? 
  9. How will you ensure the examination room is sterile and ready for the next patient? 
  10. How will you avoid sharing ultrasound results with your patient despite recognizing patterns from other diagnoses? 
  11. If the ultrasound machine malfunctioned during an image scan, how would you respond? 
  12. How do you build strong professional relationships with regular patients?
  13. How will you perform a pregnancy ultrasound if the patient doesn’t want to know the sex of the fetus?
  14. Are you open to working overtime or night shifts?
  15. Are you comfortable helping a patient to move into an appropriate position?
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Hire your next Ultrasound Technician today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Ultrasound Technician Interview Questions and Answers

How do you learn about the latest ultrasound techniques and technologies?

The question helps you to assess the candidate's commitment to being an ultrasound technician. It also enables you to understand their basic credentials, educational background, and interest in researching ultrasound techniques. A suitable answer can feature:

  • Interest in growing their knowledge and education
  • How they update their licence 
  • Interest in new advances. 

Example:

“I read the "Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine," and I'm a member of Sonography Canada. I also attend various Sonography Canada events, such as webinars, to help me learn about the latest techniques and technologies.”

Some patients may want you to diagnose them based on what you see. How would you deal with this?

The question tests the candidate's customer service skills. You can get some insight into how a candidate will interact with the patient and keep them calm. You can also learn if they can maintain the facility's rules even when under pressure from the patient. Consider an answer that can show: 

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to calm distressed patients
  • Awareness and readiness to fulfil their role in patient diagnosis 

Example:

“I'd politely explain to the patient that a doctor's opinion is important for any diagnosis. I'll also tell the patient that the doctor has a broader perspective on the issue than I have. Finally, I'll reassure the patient that our team is committed to providing them the best care.”

What procedures will you use to maintain your ultrasound equipment?

Ultrasound technicians work with delicate and expensive sonography equipment. This question tests whether they have the skills to work with the instruments. A candidate's answer will let you know how they'll operate and maintain the machines. The candidate's answer can illustrate:

  • Acknowledgement of why it's necessary to maintain ultrasound machines
  • Experience and expertise in maintaining ultrasound machines
  • Step-by-step procedures on how to maintain ultrasound equipment

Example:

“At the start of each day, I check the wiring, cables, connections, and transducers. If there's an issue, I'll notify maintenance or my supervisor. I'll also refer patients to use another machine in the meantime. At the end of every shift, I follow all sterilization protocols.”

How will you adequately explain procedures to your patients?

The question assesses your candidates' communication skills. You may need a candidate that can explain medical procedures to patients using simple language. Ask the candidate to describe how they engage patients during procedures. Look for an answer that shows:

  • Willingness and desire to make patients feel comfortable 
  • Ability to use simple terms to explain complex procedures 
  • Empathy and understanding 

Example:

“When a patient comes in, I'll introduce myself and explain the procedure we'll perform. I'll narrate each step and accompany it with a simple explanation of why it's necessary. Also, I'll always alert the patient before I touch them.”

How will you update all your patient records?

An ultrasound technician's job has an administrative role, and this question helps you assess the applicant's devotion to maintaining accurate patient records. Candidates may also need to demonstrate if they're familiar with using software to maintain patient records. Look for an answer that shows:

  • Attention to detail 
  • Willingness to use technology
  • An organised response, personality, or mindset 

Example:

“During and after every visit, I'll write all the details and label the images properly. I'll also ensure that they follow a correct timeline, especially when a patient makes multiple visits. Thereafter, I'll compile everything in the patient's file.”

How will you help nervous patients relax if they're having an ultrasound for the first time?

Ultrasound technicians interact with various types of patients, including with new or nervous ones. It's essential to have the skills and personality to help calm and prepare patients. You may need a candidate who can show compassion and explain the process to a patient in simple terms. Consider an answer that demonstrates:

  • Confidence in the procedure
  • Empathy 
  • Willingness to explain the process to a patient 

Example:

“If I encounter a new or nervous patient, I'll show confidence to build trust. I explain that the procedure is safe and provides accurate results. Then, I'd calmly describe the process to help prepare them for the procedure.”

How will you ensure the examination room is sterile and ready for the next patient?

Ultrasound technicians need to ensure that their space and working equipment has high hygienic standards. Clean and sterile tools keep other patients and technicians from getting infections. A clean environment also inspires the confidence of your patients. What to look for in a candidate's answer:

  • Knowledge of cleaning tools
  • Understanding of sterilization methods
  • Willingness to observe a thorough cleaning and sterilization routine

Example:

“I'll ensure I observe sterilization and hygiene standards before, during, and after every procedure. I'll also use sterile gel, sterile probe covers, and exercise subsequent decontamination after every patient. During the procedure, I'll observe techniques to prevent the spread of pathogens, such as using non-sterile gloves, appropriate clothing, and other equipment.”

How will you avoid sharing ultrasound results with your patients despite recognizing patterns from other diagnoses?

An ultrasound technician will attend to many patients and may recognise various diagnostic patterns. However, it's not their responsibility to give patients the results or a diagnosis. Instead, they should leave that to the doctor who will offer the patient further guidance, considering other factors like medical history. Look for an answer that shows:

  • Respect for protocol
  • Politeness and communication skills
  • Teamwork and collabouration skills

Example:

“If I recognise a pattern or any issue, I'll bring it to the doctor first. The doctor has a wider scope on what the patient is dealing with, their needs, and how to manage the patient. The doctor may also consider other possibilities which could be causing the issue.” 

If the ultrasound machine malfunctioned during an image scan, how would you respond?

This question tests critical thinking and the ability to identify an issue. Your candidate needs to express calmness and have excellent communication skills. In addition, they need to exercise the existing protocols, such as reaching out to a supervisor or a technician. A satisfactory response can contain:

  • A solution that benefits the patient immediately
  • Communication and collabouration skills
  • Ability to identify an issue with the ultrasound machine

Example:

“If the ultrasound machine malfunctions, I'll refer the patient to another machine for immediate service. Then, I'll reach out to the technicians and my supervisor to explain the issue. Once we solve the problem, I'll communicate to the doctor or receptionist that the machine is back in service.” 

What would you do if you noticed something strange on an ultrasound scan, but the doctor says the results are normal?

This question tests the ultrasound technician's training on normal and abnormal ultrasound scans. There could be a conflict of opinion between the ultrasound technician and the doctor. Assess the candidates' responses for their step-by-step approach and communication skills. A satisfactory answer can show: 

  • Willingness to help the patient
  • Politeness and respect for protocol
  • Communication skills

Example:

“If I notice something different from the doctor's diagnosis, I'll reach out to the doctor and notify them. In case they insist, I'll ask the opinion of a fellow lab technician or doctor. However, if that has no influence on the doctor's diagnosis, I'll reach out to a supervisor to help save the life of our patient.”

How will you build strong professional relationships with regular patients?

This question assesses the candidate's communication and listening skills. Clients need to receive friendly and professional care at all times. The ultrasound technician understands their limits in the conversation and listens actively to the clients' concerns. Look for an answer that shows:

  • Active listening skills
  • Communication skills
  • Balance of protocol and empathy

Example:

“I'm warm but professional towards clients. I practise active listening to help the patient remain calm. I also explain the procedure to the patient using simple terms to help them prepare and understand. However, I'll leave any diagnostic advice to the doctor.”

How will you perform a pregnancy ultrasound if the patient doesn't want to know the sex of the fetus?

This question assesses whether the ultrasound technician shows high regard for the individual patient's needs. Some patients may wish to keep the gender of their child a mystery until birth. Therefore, it's essential to ask the patient if they wish to know the sex of their unborn baby before the test. This question also tests communication skills and collabouration between team members to respect the patient's wishes. You can look for an answer that shows:

  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and collabouration
  • Willingness to understand the customer's wishes

Example:

“I'll ask the patient if they wish to know the gender of the child or not. I'll then communicate the wishes of the patient to the doctor to avoid unknowingly violating those wishes. I'll also make sure not to leave any documentation of the gender where the patient might find it.”

Can you document information on a database?

Using software and databases to store customer information is a convenient and common practise. Therefore, it's important to have an ultrasound technician with computer skills perform various functions, such as uploading data and sending it to the doctor. You can consider an answer that shows:

  • Experience using computer software and systems
  • Willingness to learn how to use a new system
  • Computer skills

Example:

“I'm comfortable using a computer database to document medical information and scan results. In my previous job, I uploaded everything into the organisational database. The doctor would later access the details from the system through their portal. I'm willing to learn how to use your database system.”

Are you open to working overtime or doing night shifts?

People need access to medical services 24/7, especially for emergencies. This question helps you to assess the candidate's flexibility in their schedule. A satisfactory response can include:

  • A flexible schedule
  • Willingness to work overtime or night shifts.
  • Experience working overtime or night shifts. 

Example:

“I'm currently available to work overtime and night shifts. In my previous job, I used to switch between day and night shift on a weekly basis.”

Are you comfortable helping a patient to move into the appropriate position?

This question assesses the candidate's practicability and hands-on skills. The candidate may have to touch, hold, and adjust a patient to get the right images. In addition, the candidate needs to show teamwork and get help if they cannot move the patient independently. The candidate's answer can show:

  • Teamwork
  • Safety awareness
  • Confidence in handling a patient's body

Example:

“I'm comfortable helping a patient get into the right position for ultrasound scanning. The patient needs to be in the best position to get the best images. If I'm unable to move a patient on my own, especially an immobile one, I'll ensure I have help before moving the patient to avoid further injury.”

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