Job Description
Diagnostic medical sonographers are health care professionals who work in hospitals, private offices or clinics. They do imaging for patients and decide which images to include by differentiating between healthy and pathological areas.
To take the imaging, medical sonographers use transducers that produce direct high-frequency sound waves onto a targeted areasuch as a patient’s kidney, stomach, muscles, reproductive system etc. The transducer transforms the echoes into images and the images are recorded.
For this, they operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape and composition of blood, organs, tissues and bodily masses such as fluid accumulations. Diagnostic medical sonographers analyse images before presenting them to physicians for diagnosis.They observe the screen during the scan and ensure that the image produced is satisfactory.
They have also to decide whether the scope of the exam should be extended based on the findings. For this they even obtain and record patient history accurately that includes prior test results and information from physical examinations.
The medical sonographers provide sonogram and prepare written reports of the technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.Diagnostic medical sonographers do coordinate work with physicians and other health-care team members that even include providing assistance during invasive procedures.
Diagnostic medical sonographersmust feel comfortable working indoors, under stress, and with ill patients. They also will work with the Radiology Technology Department most probably, and must work well solo and as a team member. The job of amedical sonographer is not physically challenging, but it is mentally very challenging. To be successful as a Diagnostic Medical sonographer, he/she needs to be able to hide emotions and thoughts.
They are not supposed to inform patients of results and are advised to not disclose information to them. Your expressions can reveal a lot of information away, so the medical sonographer must be in control of them at all times.
Requirements
You need to have 2 year’s associate degree to work as a medical sonographer. You can also pursue a 1-year certificate program if you have work experience and have a degree in the field of healthcare. To practice as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, some of the states require you to get the licenses.
In order for you to qualify for a license, you must have nationally recognized credentials in sonographer.TheAmerican Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)issues professional registration or sonography on completion of approved training program and passing of an exam after that.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Medical sonographers help physicians to diagnose medical conditions correctly by taking images of human body using sound wave techniques. This job helps to diagnose people who may be experiencing a disease or an illness. The job of a diagnostic medical sonographer is good one for those who are interested in science and technology as the work encompasses both fields of study.
There is expected to be excellent growth in this career.You can make decent earning as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
The job of medical sonographer is responsible and demanding. You have to stand lot of time explaining patients for examination and lifting and positioning them to the imaging equipment, so accurate images of the affected areas can be obtained. Sometimes there arises emergencies and you might have to work in the evening, at night or on weekend days.
You will be working with patients who have medical problems, so there may be some pressure involved. You have to prepare yourself to handle the stress well. As the job records diagnostic attributes of a patient, you must have to pay close attention to details in order to do this work.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary
According to the BLS, diagnostic medical sonographers earna median salary of $65,860 with the top 10 percent earn more than $92,000, whereas the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $44,990. Salary you will earn as a medical sonographer is also decided by the area in which you work.
Areas where you are paid well include outpatient care centres and colleges, universities and professional schools. If you are working in big cities, you are also likely to earn more – specifically, metropolitan areas clustered in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Standing Out
You hold good chances to get employed in a better position if you have secured professional registration or certification in sonography. Job applicants who have multiple credentials can enjoy better prospects.
ARDMS’ Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer qualifies for specialty exams in the fields of neurosonology, obstetrics and gynaecology. Training of at least six months for each additional learning concentration is recommended by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
You can choose a career path of a health care professional as a medical diagnostic sonographer, earn well as well as help people with diagnosis suffering from illness.