Are you a sonographer, or are passionate about becoming a sonographer? Are you looking for some of the highest paid sonographer? If you have been wondering how to find the highest-paying specialties in sonography, you are at the right place.
This article aims to help you get a clear idea about some of the highest paid sonographer. This article will guide both experienced and fresh sonographers to land good jobs that best suit their interests.
The 5 Highest Paid Sonographer
One of the highest-paying careers that a two-year degree can lead to is sonography. Currently, the Best Health Care Support Jobs list ranks diagnostic medical sonographers in the Sixth place.
As of now, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of sonographers growth of 15 percent is projected from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. On average over 10 years, about 10,100 sonographer vacancies are expected each year.
As of May 2021, the average annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $77,740. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,640, while the highest 10% earned more than $101,650.
NEURO (BRAIN) SONOGRAPHY
Neuro sonography, also known as brain sonography, creates a diagnostic image of the brain, spinal cord, and other central nervous system parts using specialized beam shapes and high-frequency sound waves from a Transcranial Doppler. The ultimate goal of neuro sonography is to identify abnormalities and disorders of the brain and central nervous system and to assist in their prevention.
Diagnostic medical sonographers can specialize in a wide range of specialties, including neuro sonography, although they generally perform comparable tasks, such as:
- Using diagnostic medical technology to produce sonograms and ultrasound images.
- Ensuring that the images of tissue and organs they use to establish diagnoses are accurate.
- Working one-on-one with patients, and responding to any questions they might have.
- Obtaining or reviewing the medical history of patients.
Neuro sonography is the highest-paid sonographer specialty. The average salary of a neuro sonographer is $54 per hour and $112320 per year.
BREAST SONOGRAPHY
Breast sonography creates digital images of the breast’s interior using sound waves and their echoes. It can reveal some breast abnormalities that may be more difficult to notice on mammograms, such as fluid-filled cysts. Women who have dense breast tissue, which can make it challenging to spot suspicious areas on mammograms, may find sonograms to be very beneficial. It can be also used to gain a closer look at a questionable spot that was seen on a mammogram.
Breast sonography is one of the specialties offered by diagnostic medical sonographers. Common responsibilities and duties of a breast sonographer are the following:
- Continuously checks on the health of the patient, and reports or reacts to any changes in status as needed.
- Provides screening and diagnostic mammography while positioning the patient.
- Helps the doctor execute interventional procedures, such as fine-needle aspirations, localizations, and biopsies that are guided by ultrasound and stereotactic imaging.
- chooses the proper imaging parameters and exposure variables.
- Takes part in monitoring adherence to Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) rules.
The average salary of a breast sonographer is $45 per hour and $93,600 per year.
CARDIAC SONOGRAPHY
Cardiovascular sonographers also referred to as echocardiographers, are medical experts with specialized training in using imaging technologies to assist physicians with diagnosing patients’ heart conditions. The images produced by echocardiography are used by doctors to identify cardiac conditions and suggest treatments.
Cardiovascular sonography is one of the many specialties that diagnostic medical sonographers can specialize in. The following are some of the responsibilities of a cardiac sonographer:
- Collecting important patient information from echocardiography testing.
- Monitoring blood flow, valve performance, and chamber size to assess the general health of the heart.
- Assisting doctors to identify patients with cardiac problems.
- Assisting with administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling or equipment maintenance.
- Recording patient information and test results precisely.
The average salary of a cardiac sonographer is $38 per hour and $79,040 per year.
VASCULAR SONOGRAPHY
In order to monitor and record health metrics like blood flow, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, as well as abdominal, cerebral, and peripheral circulation, and any changes in limb volumes, vascular sonographers use specialized diagnostic ultrasound imaging tools that emit high-frequency sound waves to create dynamic visual images.
Diagnostic medical sonographers can specialize in a wide range of specialties, including vascular sonography. A vascular sonographer is responsible for the following tasks:
- Ensuring that the facilities, labs, and technology utilized for sonographic examinations are clean, disinfected, and maintained.
- Keeping track of patient medical records, and updating them as needed.
- Operating all plethysmography and ultrasound apparatus.
- Examining patients using sonography, and creating vascular pictures.
- Interacting with patients prior to, during, and after exams to explain the process, help them through it, and then go over the results.
- Continually looking into the latest advancements in diagnostic methods and sonography equipment.
Vascular sonography careers can be personally and professionally fulfilling. The average salary of a vascular sonographer is $33 per hour and $68,640 per year.
OB/GYN SONOGRAPHY
OB/GYN sonography involves doing ultrasounds on female patients’ pelvic areas and developing fetuses. These sonographers capture clear images of the internal female organs. OB/GYN sonographers might interact intimately with clients, as pregnant moms are worried about the health of their unborn children. As a result, they must maintain decorum and demonstrate sincere concern.
Sonographers can specialize in a variety of fields, including OB/GYN sonography. The following are some of the responsibilities of an OB/GYN sonographer:
- Review the medical history of the patients.
- Educating patients on specific medical procedures.
- Maintain a close watch on the fetus’s weight.
- Identify whether additional testing is required.
The average salary of a vascular sonographer is $35 per hour and $72,800 per year.
Wrapping Up
The demand for sonography is increasing. Also, finding a career in this industry is the best choice you can make for your career. According to BLS, the demand for sonographers is projected to grow by about 15% between the years 2021 to 2031. If you have been looking for different career options as a sonographer, this article should have helped you gain some clarity.
If you are passionate about taking the sonography exam, or know someone who is passionate about becoming a sonographer, you can refer to our free SPI practice test to help you prepare for the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM?
It’s important to choose a sonography program and school that best meet your academic goals when you’re looking for one. The following are some of the things to look into before enrolling in a sonography school:
- Accreditation
- Training in Specialities
- Tuition Fees
- Location
- Training Facilities
- Career Assistance
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SONOGRAPHERS?
Sonographers can grow in their careers by gaining experience, further certificates, and the necessary credentials. You can think about the several types of sonographers listed below:
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Diagnostic cardiovascular sonographer
- Abdominal sonographer
- Obstetric sonographer
- Musculoskeletal sonographer
- Breast sonographer
- Neurosonology sonographer
WHAT ARE THE SKILLS REQUIRED FOR SONOGRAPHERS?
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Technical competency
- Physical strength
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