Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Diagnostic medical sonographers produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. This includes vascular technologists.
A diagnostic medical sonographer, also known merely as a sonographer, employs sound waves and imaging equipment to produce images of many parts of the body as ultrasounds. They are trained to obtain and analyze these sonographic images. These images are used to assist doctors to examine and treat many medical conditions.
The various job responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer include assisting doctors with diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as pregnancy and diseases such as cancer, taking a patients' medical history, preserving the diagnostic equipment, and noticing screen during scans to make sure that the image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, readying a patient for exam by explaining the techniques, watchful and caring for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort, and more.
To qualify as a diagnostic medical sonographer, with a seven-figure diagnostic medical sonographer salary one has to have an associate’s or bachelor's degree in sonography, with coursework in the sciences, anatomy, math and physiology. In addition, it is an advantage to have an industry certification and state license.
To succeed as a medical diagnostic sonographer, one should have a keen interest in anatomy, be detail-oriented, have precise attention, have an eye for subtle changes in imaging results, and have interpersonal, analytical, patient service, judgement, decision-making and communication skills. It is a good fit for people who want to gain highly technical skills and work closely with people.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Sc. Medical Radio Imaging
- B.Sc. Radiology and Imaging Technology
- Diploma Radiography
Tasks
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
- Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
Progression Routes
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