Picture a hospital room filled with healthcare workers. They each have their own job in order to prep a patient for surgery. We watch one particular person directly interact with said patient.
This person helps the patient understand what he can expect from his surgery and recovery.
We watch as worry lines smooth out, while the patient smiles, then thank our mystery person.
Who do we call this someone?
A sonographer.
A sonography career has a duty to assist both patient and physician. Thus, an aspiring sonographer must have strong technical plus interpersonal skills.
Sound doable? Read on to learn more!
Sonographer Duties
We formally refer to a sonographer as a diagnostic medical sonographer. He or she primarily images organs and tissues from sonograms or ultrasounds. This means one can determine a baby’s sex for expecting parents or detect a tumor from breast tissue.
A sonographer also preps a patient for surgery (as we’ve observed above), asks for medical history, and manages diagnostic equipment.
As such, one typically works in a hospital. Another may work in a physician’s office, others in a lab, and still others in outpatient care facilities.
How to Become a Sonographer
Most places require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a scientific-related field. Many colleges and universities have a specific degree or program dedicated to becoming a sonographer. Different places also offer certificates for one year.
All students must graduate from some program before they can earn certification. They should take classes on human anatomy, medical technology, and other sciences.
Most certification comes from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Many sonographers have CPR certification, too.
Additionally, other sonographers specialize to image a specific body region. We find those who specialize in the:
- Abdominal area
- Breast area
- Cardiology area
- Obstetrics and gynecology area
- Pediatrics area
- Musculoskeletal area
Overall, certification and specialization requirements vary per state so check with local hospitals/workplaces.
Sonography Outlook and Salary
The sonography job outlook seems bright, fast-growing as ever. Predictors indicate that employment rises up to 26 percent by 2024.
Salary varies considerably. It mainly depends on where someone works. Outpatient care facilities tend to pay more (almost six figures) with physician offices on the lower end.
Sonography Work Environment
Most sonographers work 40-hour weeks. They may work odd hours, though, as hospitals and some care facilities remain open 24/7.
We find sonographers in dark rooms as they work with imaging technology. Thus, sonographers should have keen eyesight with attention to detail.
The job also requires workers to stay on their feet for some time. They may need to lift patients if anyone suffers from illness or disability.
The Sonography Career
All in all, a sonography career takes various skills, qualities, and knowledge to succeed. Sonographers play important roles in the healthcare field as they bridge a technical world with an interpersonal one.
Sonographer schooling provides the opportunity to learn or hone those metrics.
To find more exciting content, check out the other articles on our website!
