Commonly referred to as an ultrasound, a sonographer must perform this type of diagnostic imaging. Suppose you are interested in working in the healthcare field and are passionate about providing patients with empathetic and compassionate care. In that case, a career as a sonographer may be the right choice for you.
Sometimes referred to as a diagnostic medical sonographer, a sonographer is a healthcare professional who uses advanced technology to create diagnostic images for patients and providers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be an increased demand for sonographers in the coming years, with experts anticipating a job growth rate of about 11 percent between 2023 and 2033. This is much faster than average when compared to all other occupations, highlighting the demand for qualified and capable sonographers.
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a specialized healthcare professional who can use advanced technology and specific medical instruments to capture images of the body's internal organs. They play an important role in the diagnostic process, as they can quickly provide physicians and other members of the provider team with the accurate images they require in real time. Physicians and other healthcare providers rely heavily on these images when diagnosing patients and creating personalized care plans.
Some people use the terms sonographer and ultrasound technician interchangeably, and in reality, the two positions are very similar. Both sonographers and ultrasound technicians use advanced medical technology to create images of the body's internal structures. However, sonographers are highly-trained professionals who have earned additional certifications and credentials, and they may be able to focus on more specialized areas of sonography.
The key responsibilities of a medical sonographer include:
Sonography is an excellent career option for anyone who wants to work in the healthcare field and directly care for patients. You should become a sonographer because:
As you begin to look into how to become a sonographer, you will want to evaluate the educational requirements for this position. Fortunately, when compared to other healthcare professions, there are fewer educational requirements for sonography. This allows you to streamline your path toward the workforce and maximize your investment in your education.
The first step toward becoming a sonographer is to earn your high school diploma, as most sonography degree programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent qualification. If you know that you want to be a sonographer while you are in high school, you should consider taking science and technology courses to prepare you for your post-secondary education.
After earning your high school diploma, you will want to consider a sonography degree from an accredited program. Employers will want you to have completed a sonography program that provides you with an overview of the human anatomy and gives you a chance to develop skills through hands-on training in clinical environments. Choosing an accredited sonography program is essential, as you will need to have graduated with a degree from an accredited program to complete your certificate program after graduation.
After graduating with a medical sonography degree, you will need to complete a certification program to work as a certified sonographer. The most common certificate program for sonography is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography program certification (ARDMS). In addition to completing your degree and relevant coursework, you will need to pass a challenging, comprehensive examination to earn your certification. After earning your certification, you will likely need to complete continuing education courses to maintain it throughout the course of your sonography career.
Some states require sonographers to maintain a state license to practice. The state licensure requirements will vary based on the state in which you intend to practice, so you will want to research the specific requirements for your state.
Perhaps one of the most appealing facets of becoming a sonographer is that you will have the opportunity and ability to specialize in niche areas, allowing you to align your personal interests with your career goals. Becoming a specialized sonographer allows you to set yourself apart from other candidates in the job market. It gives you the chance to access jobs that may offer higher earning potential or more opportunities for career advancement.
Some of the specialized positions in sonography include:
Abdominal sonographers are medical professionals who specialize in capturing ultrasound images of the abdominal region. Abdominal sonographers have the professional credentials and skills required to capture diagnostic images of specific organs, including the gallbladder, kidney, liver, spleen and pancreas. In addition to capturing ultrasound images of abdominal organs, abdominal sonographers may also assist providers performing procedures in the abdominal cavity to protect the integrity of the organs in that area.
A neurosonographer is a highly skilled sonographer who specializes in capturing diagnostic images of the brain and the nervous system using ultrasound technology. Neurosonographers use specialized equipment to capture these images, given the delicate nature of the nervous system and brain. Neurosonographers primarily work with a transcranial Doppler, which relies on special frequencies to capture images of the brain and central nervous system.
Sonographers who want to work closely with patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and who require specialized care may be interested in pursuing a career as a breast sonographer. A breast sonographer specializes in capturing images of the breasts and breast tissue to provide physicians with advanced images of the breasts. They often work with patients who have had lumps, tumors or other abnormalities detected during a routine mammogram procedure, and their images play a critical role in creating effective treatment plans for patients.
An obstetrics and gynecological sonographer specializes in capturing images of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This can be a particularly enjoyable and rewarding specialty, as obstetrics and gynecologic sonographers often have the opportunity to work with pregnant women and capture ultrasound images of their growing babies. While many pregnant women find the highlight of their ultrasound to be learning the sex of their baby, the obstetric and gynecological sonographer captures a wide range of images to track the growth, development and health of the fetus.
A vascular sonographer is a specialized medical professional who uses ultrasound technology to capture images of the vascular system. They often work closely with cardiologists and other providers to provide them with accurate images of the blood vessels in the body. The data collected from these images is frequently used by doctors and providers to provide their patients with an accurate assessment and diagnosis and offer insight into lifestyle changes they can make to improve their health. When performing an ultrasound, vascular sonographers are often looking for any signs of blocked arteries, disrupted blood flow or blood clots.
Musculoskeletal sonographers specialize in capturing images of the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons. They often work closely with orthopedic doctors treating patients with injuries. Still, in addition to providing critical diagnostic imaging services, they also may collaborate with surgeons performing operations on the musculoskeletal system.
Another question at the forefront is how long does it take to become a sonographer? The amount of time that it takes to become a sonographer will vary based on the path that you take. At Nebraska Medical College, our sonography program takes about 21 months for students to complete, allowing you to become certified to work as a sonographer within two or three years.
Given the vast number of specialty areas in sonography, you will find sonography career opportunities in many healthcare facilities. Sonographers most commonly work in hospitals and physician's offices, but they also may find employment at diagnostic imaging centers and outpatient care facilities.
As the healthcare field changes and evolves, there will be an increased demand for qualified professionals who specialize in medical sonography. At Nebraska Methodist College, we offer a Multispecialty Sonography associate degree program that allows you to develop a skills-based foundation in sonography and introduces you to the various specialty options available within this field. Our sonography program emphasizes different parts of the body, including the female reproductive system, breasts and the abdominal region, allowing you to develop a comprehensive understanding of this field.
Request more information about our sonography program today.