Lesson 37-Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Lesson 38- Cardiovascular Technologist
Lesson 39- Vascular Technologist
I. Take roll
II.
Nature of work
a. specialize in creating images of the body’s organ and tissue
b. images are known as sonograms or ultrasounds
c. sonograms are 1st image performed when disease is disease is suspected
d. Types of Diagnostic medical sonographer
1. Abdominal sonographer-specialize in imaging of abdominal cavity / nearby
organs, kidney, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen
2. Breast sonographer- specialize in imaging the breast tissue; confirm if cyst or
tumor present
3. Musculoskeletal sonographer- imaging the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints
4. Obstetric / Gynecologic sonographers- imaging the female reproductive
system, they deal with pregnant women and track baby’s growth and health
e. Cardiovascular Technologist (echo cardiographers)
1. Imaging a patient’s heart, heart chambers, valves and vessels
2. Echocardiograms- the image is done after resting or after being physically
active
f. Cardiology technologist- monitor the patient’s heart rate
1. helps doctor diagnose / treat patient problems
2. Assist with cardiac catheterization (threading a catheter through a patient artery
to the heart)
3. Prepare / monitor patient during open heart surgery / pacemaker / stent
4. Shaving / cleaning the area – monitor HR and blood pressure
g. Cardiovascular technician- work closely with cardiovascular technologist
1. Specialize in EKG (electrocardiogram)
2. Also called cardiographic or electrocardiogram technicians
3. Test can be done when at rest or physically active
4. Stress test- walk on treadmill / increase speed / observe effect of increase
exertion
h. Vascular Technologist- create images of blood vessels
1. Collect data to help diagnose disorders with blood flow
2. Identify blocked arteries
3. Record information- blood flow in arteries, veins, blood pressure, blood
volume, oxygen saturation, presence of blood clots
III.
Duties of All
a. Prepare patient for procedure, medical history, Q/A
b. Prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
c. Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images or conduct tests
d. Analyze the image / test- check for quality and coverage of area
e. Recognize normal and abnormal images
f. Provide a summary to the Dr.
g. Record findings and keep track of patient’s records
IV.
Education / training
a. Associate or bachelor degree available in all occupations
b. Courses- anatomy, medical terminology, applied science
1. H.S. course- anatomy, physiology, math
c. Related occupation radiation therapist- advance to this occupation with on the job
training
d. EKG technicians- trained on the job---4 to 6 weeks to complete training
V.
Salary
a. Low- $46,930
b. Avg.- $67,530
c. High- $93,850
d. All based on experience / location / environment