Medical Sonographer / Ultrasound Technician

Medical Sonographer /
Ultrasound Technician

Sonographer / Ultrasound Tech Job Description
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound techicians, use special equipment to direct nonionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.

Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in obstetric and gynecologic sonography (the female reproductive system), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (the brain), or breast sonography. In addition, sonographers may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography.

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Sonography / Ultrasound Career Outlook
Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014 as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology.

Hospitals will remain the principal employer of diagnostic medical sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow more rapidly in offices of physicians and in medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers.

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Sonographer / Ultrasound Tech Salary
According to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), their 2005 Sonographer Salary and Benefits Survey found that the median salary figure for sonographers is $61,984, including 1) hourly salary, 2) overtime and, 3) on-call pay. The median hourly pay rate for a sonographer is $29.  Almost 81% of survey respondents indicated that they get paid by the hour. Over 56% of survey respondents reported that they do NOT take on-call time.

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Sonography / Ultrasound Education and Training
There are several avenues for entry into the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Sonographers may train in hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, colleges and universities, and the Armed Forces. Some training programs prefer applicants with a background in science or experience in other healthcare professions, but also will consider high school graduates with courses in mathematics and science, as well as applicants with liberal arts backgrounds.

Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2- and 4-year programs, culminating in an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Course work includes classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics.

Some healthcare workers, such as obstetric nurses and radiologic technologists, increase their marketability by seeking training in fields such as sonography. This usually requires completion of an additional 1-year program that may result in a certificate. In addition, sonographers specializing in one particular discipline often seek competency in others; for example, obstetric sonographers might seek training in abdominal sonography to broaden their opportunities.

Although no State requires licensure in diagnostic medical sonography, organizations such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certify the competency of sonographers through registration. Registration with ARDMS requires passing a general physical principles and instrumentation examination, in addition to passing an exam in a specialty such as obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, or neurosonography. To keep their registration current, sonographers must complete continuing education to stay abreast of technological advances related to the occupation.

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Professional Certification
Professional Sonographers must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements set by ARDMS to be eligible for certification. By meeting these requirements and passing the required examinations, sonographers can acquire the following credentials. Note: each credential will have its own list of requirements and exams.

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Sonography / Ultrasound Career Advancement
Many people in the ultrasound field happily retain their positions as sonographers for the duration of their careers. However, there is much room for advancement within the field, for those sonographers who aspire to move on.

Once a sonographer acquires 3-5 years of experience, he or she can advance to become lead sonographer or director of an ultrasound department. There are also opportunities in consulting, sales, working for the companies that manufacture ultrasound equipment, imaging administration, and ultrasound education.

Many of these positions are more easily attainable if you've earned one or more credentials from the ARDMS. A candidate with these credentials is usually more desirable to an employer.

After you become an ultrasound professional, there are many avenues you can take to move throughout - and beyond - the field. The career paths are plentiful in this ever-growing field.

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