Trainee Sonographer

About the Organisation

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust delivers specialist, compassionate care to people across its local area. It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading research-focused trusts and places education and training at the heart of its work. Its main site, Queen Alexandra Hospital, is among the largest hospitals on the south coast and employs more than 8,700 staff.

The trust values a diverse workforce and welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds. If you are motivated by doing the right thing for patients, colleagues and the wider community, you may find a strong fit here.

Role Overview

This is a permanent Band 6 training post for an individual who wants to build a career as a sonographer within the ultrasound department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. The role offers structured postgraduate training in medical ultrasound and the chance to work within a multidisciplinary team serving out-patient, maternity, community and inpatient settings.

The department supports autonomous practice and exposure to a wide range of acute cases. Sonographers rotate across service areas and perform a full range of ultrasound examinations, including abdominal, gynaecological and obstetric scans.

Training and Professional Development

The team actively supports innovation, service improvement and career progression. Student sonographers benefit from a well-established training pathway, with guidance from senior sonographers, consultant radiologists and a dedicated practice educator. The department also encourages extended practice, clinical development, regular discrepancy reviews and CPD meetings.

The team includes sonographers involved in research at PhD level and in expanded specialist roles across GI, MSK and head and neck ultrasound.

Key Duties and Working Environment

You will train within a busy ultrasound service that combines patient care, technical scanning and developing independent clinical judgement. The post requires a strong commitment to compassionate care, professional standards and continuous learning.

The successful applicant must be prepared to travel to community locations including Gosport War Memorial Hospital, Petersfield Community Hospital and Fareham Community Hospital.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have a relevant healthcare degree and be registered with HCPC or NMC. The role also calls for strong problem-solving ability, self-awareness, a high standard of professional conduct and the physical dexterity needed for ultrasound work. A postgraduate university course is part of the training pathway and includes both theoretical and practical assessments.

Previous applicants who applied in 2026 do not need to submit another application. Any appointment will depend on standard pre-employment checks, funding approval and successful university course placement.

Qualifications

Essential qualifications include a BSc or Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography, or a BSc in Midwifery, along with current HCPC or NMC registration and a portfolio of evidence. Desirable experience includes around 2 years of clinical practice as a qualified radiographer or midwife, plus prior experience of working independently and showing leadership.

Experience and Technical Knowledge

Applicants should bring sound technical understanding of ultrasound equipment and scanning techniques, strong clinical knowledge, and competence in obstetric, gynaecological, abdominal and transvaginal scanning. Good patient care and communication skills are important.

Skills and Personal Attributes

The role requires advanced manual dexterity and coordination, effective communication up to consultant level, the ability to work both independently and within a team, and a flexible, organised and resilient approach. The trust is looking for someone who is enthusiastic, dependable, trustworthy, professionally presented and keen to take on new responsibilities.

Working Hours and Pay

This post is based on 37.5 hours per week and carries NHS Band 6 pay of £39,959 to £48,117 per annum.

Additional Information and Staff Benefits

The trust places staff wellbeing at the centre of its approach and offers a range of benefits, including an on-site nursery, access to a free beach hut for summer use, and an on-site wellness centre with a gym and swimming pool. Staff also have access to employee networks such as LGBTQ, Race Equality and Disability networks, along with recognition awards celebrating achievement.

The organisation says it welcomes the different perspectives and identities that people bring, including education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nationality, age, language, veteran status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. More information is available in the People and OD Strategy 2026.