Brittney Brieane Boaldin
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly-skilled
professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures inside
the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform procedures called Ultrasonograms,
which is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves
(ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow
inside the body.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography can be used to examine many parts of the body
such as the abdomen, female reproductive system, breasts, heart, prostate, and
blood vessels. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.
•Hospitals
•Clinics
•Hospitals
•Private practice physician offices
•Public health facilities
•Laboratories
This field requires an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Tuition and
fees for ultrasound programs vary greatly,
depending on the length of the program, type of degree or
certificate pursued, and the type of school (such as public
university, trade school, community college, or hospital
training program).
For example, a one-year diagnostic medical sonography
certificate program at a state university could cost between
$3,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you're a resident
of the state. A 16-20 month training program at a private
school may run up to $32,000 or more.
Employment in the medical
diagnostic sonography field is
expected to grow much faster
through 2014 as the population grows
and ages. The growth of population
and age increases the demand for
diagnostic imaging.
•Lift more than 50 pounds routinely
•Push and pull routinely
•Bend and stoop routinely
•Have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders
•Distinguish audible sounds
•Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
•Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
•Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
•Assist patients on and off examining tables
•Communicate effectively with patients and other health care
professionals
•Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a
sonographic procedure in the proper sequence
The average starting salary for a trained sonographer ranges between
$32,000 and $49,000, depending on location and particular
responsibilities of the job. Experienced sonographers can earn more
than $72,000 annually. A great salary, solid benefits, job stability, and
the rewards of a challenging and important job make the time and
money you put into sonography training a sound investment.
Sources of Additional Information
•Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2745 Dallas Pkwy.,
Suite 350, Plano, TX 75093-8730. Internet:
http://www.sdms.org
•American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 51
Monroe St., Plaza East 1, Rockville, MD 20850-2400. Internet:
http://www.ardms.org
Most full time Sonographers work 40 hours or more a week. They
typically work in health care facilities that are clean and well
lighted. Sonographers are usually on their feet for hours, and may
have to lift physically disabled patients while on the job.
Works Cited:
“Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools.” Medical Assistant
Training Schools. 2003. http://www.medical-assistanttrainingschools.org/diagnosticmedicalsonogra phy.htm. December
4, 2007.
“Imaging and Radiation Therapy.” Comp Health. 1979.
http://www.comphealth.com/imaging/web08_
search_results. December 6, 2007
“Model Job Description,Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.” Society of
Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 1999.
http://www.sdms.org/career/dmsjobdescription.asp. December 4,
2007.