Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Jobs

Diagnostic imaging technology provides doctors and nurses with non-invasive methods of examining a patient's internal organs. X-rays are one of the most well-known forms of diagnostic imaging. However, in many cases, radiation is harmful to patients. In that case, doctors turn to safer forms of diagnostic imaging. Sonography, or the use of sound waves to create an image for diagnostic purposes, is one option.
 
Diagnostic medical sonographers use special equipment to send sound waves into the patient's body. These sound waves create reflected echoes, which are sent back to the equipment and used to form images of different areas of the patient's body.

Job Description

Sonographers are responsible for recording the patient's medical history and explaining procedures to the patient. They then spread a special gel on the patient's skin to help aid the transmission of the sound waves, and use a machine called a "transducer" to transmit sound waves. The sound waves create an image that sonographers examine closely to identify potentially unhealthy areas. Sonographers analyze the images and present them, along with their initial findings, to the patient's doctor.
 
Sonography is commonly used in obstetrics and gynecology--ultrasounds are the most well-known use of this technology. But diagnostic medical sonography is used for many other purposes, including:
  • Abdominal sonography (liver, kidneys and other abdominal organs)
  • Breast sonography (breast cancer and other problems)
  • Cardiac sonography (heart)
  • Neurosonography (brain and nervous system).
 

Salary Guide

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average sonographer salary is $61,980 per year. In the US, most sonographers earn between $52,570 and $73,680 annually. Entry-level sonographers can expect to start around $43,600 and earn more with experience. The highest 10 percent of sonographers earn more than $83,950.

Education, Training and Work Experience

A number of education and training opportunities exist for aspiring medical sonographers. High-school graduates who excel in math, health or science may apply for sonography training programs in hospitals, vocational schools or the armed forces. Others may wish to pursue an associates or bachelors degree in sonography. Coursework typically includes:
  • anatomy
  • instrumentation
  • medical ethics
  • patient care
  • physics
  • physiology.
 
One-year certificate programs are available for people already employed in a healthcare profession who wish to transition into sonography. In the United States, sonographers do not need to be licensed.

Career Advancement

As more hospitals turn to sonography as a safer and more attractive technology than radiation, jobs in sonography are likely to grow. Advancement opportunities involve moving into a specialized field, such as cardiac sonographer jobs. Experienced sonographers may be promoted to supervisor, manager or administrator in a hospital.

Related Associations and Groups

Many associations and groups exist for sonographers. They include:
  • American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
  • American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  • American Society of Echocardiography
  • Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  • Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
 
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