Medical Sonographer Career Guide

Overview and Job Duties

Since the beginning of human existence, people have worked to enhance existing technology and invent new ideas for the future. From stone tools to intricate computer chips, humans have come a long way with the help of science. Today, technology is especially vital in the healthcare sector. In many ways, it’s as crucial to curing illnesses and saving lives as doctors and nurses. One of the most important parts of medical technology is the invention of the sonography machine, which can help detect and fight cancer as well as safely monitor the development of a fetus while it’s still in the womb. As a result, a medical sonographer uses this machine for examinations, diagnosis, and even treatment. If this sounds like an intriguing mixture of applications, keep reading to find out more and learn how you can start your new career as a medical sonographer.

Medical sonographers use an ultrasonic imaging system to create 3D anatomical scans and videos to help doctors and other healthcare professionals diagnose, treat, and prepare patients for surgery. It is the sonographer’s duty to provide high quality images and video so that doctors, surgeons, and other medical practitioners know exactly what they are looking at and how to best treat a patient effectively and efficiently.

Job Outlook

Medical sonographers are most often employed in diagnostic medical labs and hospitals, though they can also be found in public and private healthcare centers, laboratories, medical schools, and private clinics. Opportunities for growth increase if the sonographer has an additional specialty in a related field, thereby increasing their versatility.

According to a 2011 US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, 32,900 sonographers were employed in general medical and surgical hospitals around the country. There is an expected job growth rate of 0.63 percent.

Salary Trends

Medical sonographers have a better-than-average annual salary of around $65,210, according to a report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics issued in 2011. This figure relies heavily on state regulations as well as employee expertise and level of education.

Educational Requirements

An individual needs to complete at least a two-year sonography program through an accredited post-secondary institution. This program not only teaches students proper use and maintenance of sonography equipment, but provides them with a good foundation in medicine and medical terminology.

A sonographer may be classified into one of four categories: general, cardiac, vascular,or obstetrical. Depending on which specialty the sonographer chooses, he or she must receive proper training and certification provided by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). A certification earned through these accredited bodies is accepted throughout the world. Many states and countries may also check a potential employee’s level of understanding and knowledge through aptitude tests.

If you are unable to attend a traditional campus-based program or your schedule makes it difficult or even impossible to attend in-person classes, you could opt for online courses in sonography. In this way, you can study and learn at your own pace, within the bounds of your online instructor’s requirements, while working around your busy life.

$_SESSION['title'] = "Accredited Degree Programs";
$_SESSION['campusType'] = "BOTH";
$_SESSION['areaOfInterest'] = "SONOGRAPHY-ULTRASOUND-TECHNOLOGY";
$_SESSION['degreeOfInterest'] = "";