Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers
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Health Care Jobs.
What
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers do:
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (also called
Ultrasound Technician/Technologist or
Ultrasonographer) uses sonography,
or ultrasonography equipment for the diagnosis
of various medical conditions. Sonography and
ultrasonography use sound waves to generate an
image, which can be used in the diagnosis and
treatment of medical conditions through the
body. Ultrasonography is commonly associated
with obstetrics, where it is used to monitor
growth of the fetus during pregnancy.
The main
duties of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
include:
- Directing high frequency sound waves into
areas of the patient’s body
- Operating equipment, which collects reflected
echoes
- Taking measurements, calculating values, and
analyzing results
- Supplying relevant images to the physician for
diagnosis
Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize
in:
- Obstetric and gynecologic sonography (the
female reproductive system)
- Abdominal sonography (liver, kidneys,
gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas)
- Neurosonography (brain)
- Breast sonography
- Vascular sonography (blood vessels)
- Cardiac sonography (heart)
Qualifications & Education:
Although not mandatory, employers often look for
sonographers who are trained in accredited
programs. Sonographers can train in
universities, hospitals and colleges. A
background in science or healthcare is often
required to gain entry into these programs.
Sonography programs can last from two to four
years in duration, and graduates can gain a
Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree on
successful completion of the course. The typical
subjects covered on a Sonography Program
include: physiology, instrumentation, anatomy,
basic physics, medical ethics and patient care.
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical
Sonography (ARDMS) provides certification and
registration for Sonographers. Sonographers
registered by the ARDMS are known as Registered
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (RDMS). To
become registered with the ARDMS, you need to
pass an examination. Registration is available
in the following specialities, Obstetric and
Neurosonography, Gynecologic Sonography and
Abdominal Sonography.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Salaries vary from $40,000 to $70,000 depending
on experience, qualifications, position held and
location. As sonography is fast becoming a
popular alternative to radiologic procedures,
the job outlook is excellent. Sonography does
not involve radiation, so there are less harmful
side effects and complications from repeated
use. Most Sonographers work in Hospitals, but
due to the increase in outpatient care, job
growth will also occur to sonographers working
in Physicians offices and diagnostic
laboratories outside of hospitals.
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and colleges in your area that
offer sonographer/ultrasound technician training
and education programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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