Job summary
Trainee Sonographer
Department: - Imaging
Band: 6
Hours: 37.5 hours
Are you looking to be part of a compassionate, supportive, and forward-thinking ultrasound team? We are currently seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals to join our growing service and take advantage of a rare and exciting opportunity to train in vascular ultrasound.
This post is aimed at radiographers, other allied health professionals, and degree-qualified applicants with a genuine interest in vascular ultrasound and diagnostic imaging. You will join a multidisciplinary team and play an important role in the assessment and management of patients with vascular disease.
As a trainee, you will develop skills across a wide range of vascular ultrasound examinations, supported by experienced specialist sonographers and vascular scientists.
Successful applicants will undertake a funded postgraduate qualification in vascular ultrasound, supported by structured training, mentorship, and supervision. Training will be delivered across all MKUH sites, with ongoing support from an experienced and dedicated team to enable progression toward independent practice.
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
Interview date: 2nd March 2026
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' They feel supported in their employers making reasonable adjustments to help them carry out their work, rating an 82.9%
- Undertake supervised vascular ultrasound examinations across a range of clinical indications
- Work towards autonomous practice through structured training and assessment
- Contribute to clinical reporting under supervision
- Maintain high standards of patient care and imaging quality
- Work collaboratively within the ultrasound team to manage workload effectively
- Participate in extended working days and weekend working as required
What we're looking for
- Degree-qualified applicants with a strong commitment to professional development
- Registration with a relevant professional body (or willingness to obtain this post-qualification)
- Previous experience or exposure to vascular ultrasound is desirable, though not essential
- A passion for patient care, teamwork, and diagnostic excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity to build a specialist career in vascular ultrasound within a supportive, dynamic, and patient-focused service.
Susan McGowan, Non-Ionising Radiation Operational Lead
Email: susan.mcgowan@mkuh.nhs.uk
Denzil Pereira, Section Head Sonographer for Vascular Ultrasound
Email: denzil.pereira@mkuh.nhs.uk
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
As part of imaging workforce development, to successfully complete a UK Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) accredited university-led postgraduate certificate in clinical ultrasound and achieve the appropriate professional statutory registration such as, Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) depending on professional background, enabling entry into the qualified sonographer workforce and independent practice in delivering high-quality patient care. This trainee post is dependent upon acceptance onto the course with the appropriate qualification and experience as specified by the High Education Institute (HEI).
The post holder will work within the Imaging department as a trainee sonographer to develop the knowledge and skills required of a Sonographer who is UK state registered as a health care professional. To complete preceptorship pathway as determined by the Ultrasound department upon qualification.
To be part of a team that provides diagnostic ultrasound scanning and reporting services for referrals made to the acute hospital site and the community diagnostic centres operated by MKUH NHS FT. To assist in the day to day running of the ultrasound department by working collaboratively with the ultrasound section head sonographers, wider sonographer team, clinical support and admin and clerical teams. To undertake ultrasound examinations using a range of ultrasound equipment upon various patient types in a manner that meets profession, departmental and legal standards and requirements.
To maintain the highest standards of patient care, ensuring patient safety is maintained and patient experience is positive by treating all patients, relatives and colleagues with respect, dignity, and courtesy in accordance with Trust values.
The post holder will ensure that they act within their sphere of competence at all times.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
As part of imaging workforce development, to successfully complete a UK Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) accredited university-led postgraduate certificate in clinical ultrasound and achieve the appropriate professional statutory registration such as, Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or Register of Clinical Technologists (RCT) depending on professional background, enabling entry into the qualified sonographer workforce and independent practice in delivering high-quality patient care. This trainee post is dependent upon acceptance onto the course with the appropriate qualification and experience as specified by the High Education Institute (HEI).
The post holder will work within the Imaging department as a trainee sonographer to develop the knowledge and skills required of a Sonographer who is UK state registered as a health care professional. To complete preceptorship pathway as determined by the Ultrasound department upon qualification.
To be part of a team that provides diagnostic ultrasound scanning and reporting services for referrals made to the acute hospital site and the community diagnostic centres operated by MKUH NHS FT. To assist in the day to day running of the ultrasound department by working collaboratively with the ultrasound section head sonographers, wider sonographer team, clinical support and admin and clerical teams. To undertake ultrasound examinations using a range of ultrasound equipment upon various patient types in a manner that meets profession, departmental and legal standards and requirements.
To maintain the highest standards of patient care, ensuring patient safety is maintained and patient experience is positive by treating all patients, relatives and colleagues with respect, dignity, and courtesy in accordance with Trust values.
The post holder will ensure that they act within their sphere of competence at all times.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Radiography, DCR(D) Diploma of the College of Radiographers or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council Registration or equivalent
- Evidence of a sound level of computer literacy (MS Teams, word, outlook, power point and excel)
- Familiarity with hospital information systems (HIS), radiology information systems (RIS) and picture archiving communications systems (PACS)
- Knowledge of a wide range of diagnostic imaging procedures
- Evidence of keeping informed of the current imaging agenda within NHS
- Knowledge of relevant national imaging standards (e.g., BMUS, IR(ME)R 2017, IRR '17 and associated codes of practice)
Desirable
- Possesses 12-months post qualification knowledge and experience as a healthcare professional.
- UK state registered health professional work experience
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of a sound level of computer literacy (MS Teams, word, outlook, power point and excel)
- Familiarity with hospital information systems (HIS-Cerner), radiology information systems (CRIS), and picture archiving communications systems (Insignia PACS)
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements
- Sound awareness of data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality issues within NHS
- Must hold experience of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
- Evidence of up-to date-CPD
- Ability to undertake audit or R&D
- Required to participate in trust quality assurance and clinical governance programmes
Skills
Essential
- Team player who can also work independently.
- Methodical with good organizational and time management skills
- High level of self-motivation and ability to learn and develop.
- Ability to work to agreed protocols and standards of good practice.
- Flexible attitude to service provision and enthusiasm for change
- Ability to cope with the physical demands of the role which will include manual support/ lifting of patients and using equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ability to work using own initiative but also to know when to seek assistance and guidance.
- Proven ability to assess clinical and non-clinical situations and act appropriately.
- Ability to cope with work pressures.
- Has ability to make appropriate decisions and take responsibility.
- Understands and participates in governance and clinical audit.
- Capable of undertaking equipment quality assurance
- Ability to cope with conflict and complaints at local level commensurate with trust policies.
Desirable
- Data analysis experience using standard tools.
- Experienced in risk analysis and implementing countermeasures.
- Aware of service level management and familiar with service delivery economics.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Order Communications system
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.
- Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure.
- To assist less experienced staff & students when in imaging and help attending students and staff in their training and development.
- Maintain continued professional development as required by professional body
Communication
Essential
- Good written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
- Consistently demonstrates a friendly, professional attitude and approach in the workplace.
- Good empathic skills and the ability to manage issues in a caring, compassionate, and considerate manner.
- Able to communicate with all ages, disabilities, and cultures.
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements
- Sound awareness of data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality issues within NHS
- Ability to work across disciplines and with a wide range of professional groups.
- Keep all records up to date in a clear, accurate and concise manner on a day-to-day basis.
- Professional in appearance and conduct
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations)
- To participate in the departmental shift system including working weekends and evenings
- Fit to move patients, chairs, beds, trolleys. Able to stretch upwards over-head height, push, bend, pull, kneel.
- Able to move equipment involved in imaging procedures and stock.
- Stamina to work for extended periods in busy and uncomfortable environment.
- Ability to travel to all trust sites.
- Good understanding of COSHH, manual handling and basic life support
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- BSc (Hons) Radiography, DCR(D) Diploma of the College of Radiographers or equivalent
- Health and Care Professions Council Registration or equivalent
- Evidence of a sound level of computer literacy (MS Teams, word, outlook, power point and excel)
- Familiarity with hospital information systems (HIS), radiology information systems (RIS) and picture archiving communications systems (PACS)
- Knowledge of a wide range of diagnostic imaging procedures
- Evidence of keeping informed of the current imaging agenda within NHS
- Knowledge of relevant national imaging standards (e.g., BMUS, IR(ME)R 2017, IRR '17 and associated codes of practice)
Desirable
- Possesses 12-months post qualification knowledge and experience as a healthcare professional.
- UK state registered health professional work experience
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of a sound level of computer literacy (MS Teams, word, outlook, power point and excel)
- Familiarity with hospital information systems (HIS-Cerner), radiology information systems (CRIS), and picture archiving communications systems (Insignia PACS)
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements
- Sound awareness of data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality issues within NHS
- Must hold experience of working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT).
- Evidence of up-to date-CPD
- Ability to undertake audit or R&D
- Required to participate in trust quality assurance and clinical governance programmes
Skills
Essential
- Team player who can also work independently.
- Methodical with good organizational and time management skills
- High level of self-motivation and ability to learn and develop.
- Ability to work to agreed protocols and standards of good practice.
- Flexible attitude to service provision and enthusiasm for change
- Ability to cope with the physical demands of the role which will include manual support/ lifting of patients and using equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ability to work using own initiative but also to know when to seek assistance and guidance.
- Proven ability to assess clinical and non-clinical situations and act appropriately.
- Ability to cope with work pressures.
- Has ability to make appropriate decisions and take responsibility.
- Understands and participates in governance and clinical audit.
- Capable of undertaking equipment quality assurance
- Ability to cope with conflict and complaints at local level commensurate with trust policies.
Desirable
- Data analysis experience using standard tools.
- Experienced in risk analysis and implementing countermeasures.
- Aware of service level management and familiar with service delivery economics.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Order Communications system
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.
- Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure.
- To assist less experienced staff & students when in imaging and help attending students and staff in their training and development.
- Maintain continued professional development as required by professional body
Communication
Essential
- Good written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
- Consistently demonstrates a friendly, professional attitude and approach in the workplace.
- Good empathic skills and the ability to manage issues in a caring, compassionate, and considerate manner.
- Able to communicate with all ages, disabilities, and cultures.
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements
- Sound awareness of data protection, freedom of information and confidentiality issues within NHS
- Ability to work across disciplines and with a wide range of professional groups.
- Keep all records up to date in a clear, accurate and concise manner on a day-to-day basis.
- Professional in appearance and conduct
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations)
- To participate in the departmental shift system including working weekends and evenings
- Fit to move patients, chairs, beds, trolleys. Able to stretch upwards over-head height, push, bend, pull, kneel.
- Able to move equipment involved in imaging procedures and stock.
- Stamina to work for extended periods in busy and uncomfortable environment.
- Ability to travel to all trust sites.
- Good understanding of COSHH, manual handling and basic life support
Desirable
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.
