When you hear the word sonographer, you probably think of the person who scans the stomach of a pregnant woman to take an image of her unborn baby in the uterus. While this is part of what they are qualified to do, sonographers are also involved in a wide range of other medical diagnostic processes. The equipment they use can be applied all over the human body, including the chest, muscles, skeleton, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Essentially, they can show us the most hidden parts of our bodies. Being a sonographer is, therefore, a varied and important role that helps doctors to reach an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.
Here are some key factors and considerations to keep in mind if you are interested in becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer.
What does a sonographer do?
A sonographer sees patients on a one-to-one basis. They use imaging technology to assist in the diagnosis or ruling out of illness or injury. The equipment pulses soundwaves into the patient’s body. Sonographers may also be involved in check-ups and follow-up appointments. Sonograms are usually one of several tools used to diagnose issues, such as CAT scans, MRIs, and X-rays. A sonographer usually works in a hospital or private clinic and can work on a full-time or part-time basis. They may also work evenings and weekends depending on shifts, and, in some cases, they might need to be on call.
Education
A career in diagnostic medical sonography can take several routes. Some people graduate from high school – with strong achievement in math and science – and manage to secure a job that provides training as they work, although this is rare. In most cases, sonographers will achieve an associate’s degree or, ideally, a Bachelor’s diagnostic medical sonography degree. Once their education is complete, a sonographer may need to be certified in the state that they wish to work in, although this will vary from state to state.
Key skills
The most successful diagnostic medical sonographers have key skills, knowledge, and personal qualities in common. They should have excellent attention to detail and analytical skills. The job involves the use of complex technology on a daily basis which sonographers need to be comfortable with. During their studies and career, they will gain clinical knowledge and diagnostic skills, but interpersonal and communication skills are also important.
Sonographers do not only meet with pregnant women; they also meet with women who have lost their babies, people who are in pain, who are worried about their health, and people who are physically weak during recovery. This requires compassion, empathy, and understanding alongside professionalism to ensure that patients are supported during very difficult experiences.
Salary and future prospects
According to US News, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect to earn around $72,000 (with the lowest-earning $60,000 and the highest earners making $90,000), and there is an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. The job also ranked 6th when surveyed based on salary, work-life balance, stress, future growth, stress, and the job market, which is expected to grow by at least 24% in the next five years.
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