Getting into the medical field is one of the most incredible things an individual can do. Thinking about becoming a Sonographer and actually trying to be one are two different things. If you are looking to hire a sonographer, the best way to start is by doing extensive research and getting feedback from experienced professionals. Use this job description for sonographer to help advertise your vacancy and attract highly qualified candidates.
What Is a Sonographer?
A sonographer is often referred to as a medical diagnostic sonographer. An expert in using ultrasonic imaging equipment to create diagnostic photos, films, and scans is known as a sonographer. Sonographers work as medical imaging professionals they help doctors diagnose and treat patients by providing them with the needed images. They use specialized equipment to create images of different internal parts of the human body for diagnostic purposes.
What Does a Sonographer Do?
Using ultrasound technology, a sonographer makes images of the human body’s internal organs and other structures. They assist doctors in developing and confirming a diagnosis. They send sound waves into patients’ bodies to create the necessary images. Typically, a sonographer works at a hospital or doctor’s office.
They could also be employed by an imaging lab. Their knowledge is needed in a variety of medical specialties, such as radiology, dentistry, cancer, and ophthalmology, as well as gynecology and obstetrics. To complete their duties, they typically collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other medical technicians.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Sonographer
The following are some of the roles and responsibilities of a sonographer:
- Conduct phone consultations with medical professionals to address concerns, or obtain information on ordered sonographic images.
- Before the appointment, review the patient’s medical record to ensure that you know what necessary images to take.
- Prepare the exam room, and ultrasound equipment, taking care to follow all safety and hygiene standards.
- To ensure patient security and comfort throughout the imaging process, use positioning tools and safety equipment as directed.
- Utilize moral awareness and critical reasoning abilities to safely execute diagnostic imaging.
- Before sending pictures to the doctor, check them to make sure they clearly show the necessary location.
- Participate in continuing education programs, and seek to increase your knowledge of and expertise in the field.
Requirements
- Sonographers must have proven years of experience working in a healthcare-related field.
- An Ultrasound Sonographer often needs a university degree in radiology, midwifery, nursing, health science, or a similar profession as their minimal educational need.
- Additionally needed is a postgraduate certificate or diploma in clinical or medical ultrasound from a university accredited by the CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education).
- Although not always necessary, a master’s degree in medical ultrasound can be helpful.
- The registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) certification and a sonographer degree apprenticeship are further training necessities.
- Apprenticeships are one way that ultrasound sonographers can get experience.
- Ultrasound sonographers at the mid-level need three to five years of experience, whereas senior sonographers need more than five years to be qualified for the job.
Qualification and Skills
A thorough understanding of medical terms and human physiology is required for a sonographer. They should also have a strong work ethic, be outstanding communicators, and have exceptional interpersonal skills. Various prerequisite abilities and credentials are often required for success as an ultrasound sonographer, and they include:
- Depending on the state, a license issued by the state can be necessary.
- knowledge of common computer programs for the documentation and presenting sonographic reports.
- Experience working alongside skilled physicians in a medical office.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- A piece of working knowledge of sensitive, and private healthcare records and data.
- Knowledge of, and commitment to, HIPAA regulations, and other patient privacy laws demonstrated.
- Excellent physical endurance, and the capacity for prolonged standing.
- When handling and recording sensitive medical data, accountability, and attention to detail are important.
- Capable of resolving typical software, and hardware issues that arise from using an ultrasound machine on a regular basis.
Sonography vs. Ultrasound Tech
To keep track of physical abnormalities, an ultrasound technologist uses ultrasound equipment. These specialists use ultrasound technology to produce an image of a patient’s body in order to identify the origins of illness or an injury, monitor fetal health during pregnancy, and gain additional information about the patient’s health, so doctors and other healthcare professionals can assess, diagnose, and treat patients under their care.
The specialty of ultrasound technology known as sonography, or diagnostic medical sonography, focuses on using ultrasounds to detect, diagnose, and treat disease in the body’s soft tissues and organs. While medical sonographers work with patients with certain medical issues, they also have many of the same responsibilities as ultrasound technicians.
Although sonographers and ultrasound technicians typically execute the same tasks, their areas of focus or expertise are where they most significantly differ from one another. Since sonography can be used to examine the entire body, most sonographers and ultrasound technicians focus their work on a particular area, such as obstetrics, cancer, abdomen, or cardiovascular sonography.
Wrapping Up
With the right mindset and proper research, you can start your process toward becoming a sonographer. Do a healthy amount of research before you start applying for a job, and most importantly, you must decide beforehand if it is the right career choice for you. This way you won’t regret your decision.
If you are passionate about becoming a sonographer and you are about to take the SPI exam you can check our free SPI practice test to help you study for the SPI exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SALARY OF A SONOGRAPHER?
The average salary a sonographer makes is approximately $36.24 per hour, as of May 2021. Salaries vary based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, and industry education.
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.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SONOGRAPHER?
The following skills make up truly a great sonographer:
- Compassion and Interpersonal Skills
- Technical Skills and Eye-Hand Coordination
- Keen Learner
- Detail-Oriented
- Physical Strength
- Mental Strength
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SONOGRAPHERS?
The following are some of the different types of sonographers:
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Diagnostic cardiovascular sonographer
- Abdominal sonographer
- Obstetric sonographer
- Musculoskeletal sonographer
- Breast sonographer
- Neurosonology sonographer
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