Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Najla Khalifa

Tucson

Summary

Strategic and results-driven Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director and Clinical Leader with 10+ years of experience across healthcare education, diagnostic imaging, and patient care. Proven expertise in curriculum development, accreditation compliance, faculty leadership, and clinical operations. Recognized for driving program growth, streamlining admissions processes, and building strong community and clinical partnerships. Adept at leveraging advanced scanning expertise and regulatory knowledge to enhance student outcomes, operational efficiency, and quality of care.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director

Pima Medical Institute
06.2025 - Current
  • Expanded program enrollment by 50%, growing cohorts from 16 to 24 students while maintaining accreditation compliance.
  • Reduced admissions pipeline by 62% (8 → 3 weeks), streamlining student onboarding and improving efficiency.
  • Directed construction of a new sonography lab, completing the project 10 days early and fully equipped for launch.
  • Built partnerships with 5+ clinical sites, enhancing placement opportunities and meeting community healthcare needs.
  • Designed and implemented curriculum improvements that boosted student exam pass rates and job readiness.

Sonographer (Per Diem)

U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs
04.2025 - Current
  • Delivered high-quality diagnostic ultrasound exams for veterans across diverse specialties with accuracy and compliance.
  • Partnered with radiologists and physicians to ensure precise diagnostic results and patient-centered care.
  • Maintained strict safety, privacy, and comfort standards throughout the diagnostic process.
  • Calibrated and operated advanced imaging equipment to sustain peak diagnostic performance.
  • Adapted quickly to various clinical environments, supporting timely and accurate medical decisions.

Continuing Education Coordinator & Travel Sonographer

MedSmart
03.2022 - 06.2025
  • Designed and facilitated 16+ ultrasound seminars annually, blending theoretical instruction with hands-on scanning.
  • Mentored students and junior sonographers, strengthening scanning competency and clinical confidence.
  • Developed individualized training plans that addressed skill gaps and accelerated performance improvements.
  • Integrated emerging imaging techniques into training programs to keep curriculum aligned with industry advances.
  • Delivered consistent education outcomes, increasing student readiness for clinical and professional roles.

Travel Sonographer

Cleveland Clinic
09.2021 - 02.2022
  • Conducted breast and lymph node biopsies across three departments, ensuring precision and patient safety.
  • Collaborated with physicians to provide accurate imaging interpretations that improved diagnostic turnaround.
  • Educated patients on procedures, reducing anxiety and enhancing overall care experience.
  • Calibrated and maintained ultrasound equipment to optimize image quality and reduce downtime.
  • Supported high patient volumes while consistently upholding quality standards and compliance.

Travel Sonographer

University Hospital
09.2021 - 02.2022
  • Performed Maternal-Fetal Medicine and follicle studies, supporting fertility treatment and high-risk pregnancy care.
  • Applied sterile surgical techniques, ensuring patient safety and compliance with clinical best practices.
  • Maintained imaging equipment and sterility standards, reducing errors and optimizing efficiency.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accurate and timely diagnostic workflows.
  • Delivered precise imaging results in a fast-paced, high-demand hospital environment.

Lead Sonographer

Velda Rose Medical Center
05.2020 - 06.2021
  • Supervised and trained a team of 4 sonographers, overseeing onboarding, mentoring, and performance.
  • Resolved IT/PACS system issues, reducing departmental downtime and improving diagnostic efficiency.
  • Maintained and calibrated ultrasound equipment, extending lifecycle and ensuring accurate imaging.
  • Performed diagnostic exams with accuracy while upholding patient safety, privacy, and satisfaction.
  • Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, improving staff integration and readiness.

Education

A.S. - Diagnostic Medical Sonography RDMS(AB, OB/GYN) RVT

Gateway Community College
Phoenix, AZ
05.2020

B.A. - Business Administration & Management

Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
12.2006

Skills

  • Program Leadership & Growth
  • Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance
  • Curriculum Design & Education Delivery
  • Clinical Operations & Workflow Optimization
  • Student Success & Retention Strategies
  • Ultrasound Imaging & Interpretation (AB, OB/GYN, RVT)
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Quality Assurance, Risk Mitigation & Patient Safety
  • Staff Training, Mentorship & Faculty Development
  • Healthcare Technology & Equipment Management

Timeline

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director

Pima Medical Institute
06.2025 - Current

Sonographer (Per Diem)

U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs
04.2025 - Current

Continuing Education Coordinator & Travel Sonographer

MedSmart
03.2022 - 06.2025

Travel Sonographer

Cleveland Clinic
09.2021 - 02.2022

Travel Sonographer

University Hospital
09.2021 - 02.2022

Lead Sonographer

Velda Rose Medical Center
05.2020 - 06.2021

A.S. - Diagnostic Medical Sonography RDMS(AB, OB/GYN) RVT

Gateway Community College

B.A. - Business Administration & Management

Columbus State University
Najla Khalifa