Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers Information
Diagnostic medical sonographers employ certain scanning technologies to observe, photograph, and film areas inside the human body. Workers in this field are also known as ultrasound technicians. Many sonographers will work with one specific imaging technology, but others will work with multiple technologies, and might be known by a title such as “medical imaging specialist.”
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers & Degrees
- Medical Careers Institute: Newport News
Argosy University: Twin Cities - Undergrad
Work in this field is considered dynamic and interesting because diagnostic medical sonographers have the chance to explore and document the nearly infinite areas and conditions of the human body. Any given work day might involve photographing broken bones and sports injuries or even the magic of ultrasound exams for pregnant mothers.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers Path
The most common credential possessed by diagnostic medical sonographers is a specialized Associate’s degree. However, there are one-year diploma and certificate programs as well as some four-year Bachelor’s programs.
Although no specific licensure is required of diagnostic medical sonographers, many healthcare providers prefer to hire sonographers registered with the Association of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers-the ARDMS. Registration depends on passing a general examination and a second examination on a specialty of students’ choice.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Consistent, focused, steady, perceptive, careful, attentive, disciplined, committed, caring, adaptable, discerning, flexible.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers: Salary Expectations
According to the Department of Labor, the median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $61,980. Salaries vary, however, according to experience. Sonographers with one to four years experience earn a median salary of $48,173, whereas those with five to nine years of experience make a higher median annual salary: $54,083.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Careers: Job Outlook
Various specializations within the field, from working with women to working on the nueral system, are available to ambitious sonographers. Furthermore, sonography can be an excellent pathway to the lucrative and interesting field of nuclear medicine. The Department of Labor estimates very strong growth in diagnostic medical sonography-19% by 2016.
Slightly Off the Footpath
- Cardiovascular Technician
- Nuclear Medicine Technician
- Radiologic Technologist
- Medical Assistant
- Registered Nurse
Sources: bls.gov/oes/current/oes292032.htm; payscale.com
