Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

To be a successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer you should…

• enjoy providing one-on-one care to a variety of people ranging from healthy to critically ill
• be able to use high-tech instrumentation
• enjoy working as a key member of a health care team
• be committed to lifelong learning
• communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals

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What will my job be like?

Diagnostic medical sonographers use specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body, which are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Ultrasound technology produces high frequency sound waves (like sonar) that are reflected by internal organs in varying patterns. These are then converted by a computer into a moving picture, or image, which sonographers are trained to examine for subtle signs of problems. Sonographers prepare patients physically and mentally, explain procedures, position patients, and obtain medical images used for diagnosis.

Specialties include:

• Neurosonology (the brain)
• Vascular Technology (blood flows)
• Echocardiography (the heart)
• Abdominal (the liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas)
• Obstetrics/Gynecology (the female reproductive system)
• Ophthalmology (the eye)

Where could I work?

Sonographers can work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. They may perform ultrasonic examinations at the bedside or in surgery.

Other workplace settings:

• Mobile Services

What is the average annual salary?

$80,500

What is the future of this career?

Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 17 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large baby-boom population ages, the need to diagnose medical conditions—such as blood clots and heart disease—will likely increase. Imaging technology is a tool used in making these diagnoses.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Diagnostic medical sonographer/ultrasound technologists receive their education through academic programs at hospitals, community colleges, and colleges or universities. Advanced certificate programs for persons with prior training are usually one year in length.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• American Institute, West Hartford
• Gateway Community College, New Haven
• St Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford
• Qunnipiac University, Hamden

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.

Where can I get more information?

American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600
Rockville, MD   20852-1402
301-738-8401
www.ardms.org

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
2745 Dallas Parkway, Suite 350
Plano, TX   75093-8730
800-229-9506
www.sdms.org