What Is a Sonographer?
A sonographer uses ultrasound technology to produce images of the inside of the body. Sonographers use special equipment to collect sound waves and analyze them, creating images that can be viewed on monitors and captured on film. Sonographers work in hospitals, clinics, health care facilities and doctors' offices.
Identification
A sonographer takes images of the insides of the body, using a procedure called a sonogram or ultrasound, for the purpose of diagnosing medical conditions and checking on developing fetuses. Sonographers use devices called transducers to get these images. A transducer is placed against the patient's skin, where it sends high-frequency sound waves into the body. It then detects the sounds as they are bounced off a person's insides and sends them out for analyzing by a special computer, which makes images based on this analysis. The images are ultimately shown on a special monitor, recorded on videotape, or printed out.
Misconceptions
It is a misconception to think that sonographers concentrate only on operating sonography equipment and that they do not have much of a role in patient care and diagnosis. In fact, they typically have direct contact with patients and are often called on to take and record patient histories, analyze information, provide an explanation of techniques to patients, report and collaborate with other members of a medical team, and provide oral and written summaries of their findings for use in diagnosis.
Types
Many people are most familiar with sonographers who perform ultrasounds on pregnant women. They place transducers on the abdomen of pregnant women and create images of developing babies. Sometimes, in very early pregnancy or when it is necessary to get a good look at the cervix, sonographers also use intravaginal transducers to perform ultrasounds. However, there are many different types of sonographers. Some specialize in prenatal ultrasounds, and others tackle a wide variety of medical fields--including those related to the cardiovascular system, abdomen and neurosystem.
Considerations
There are some physical requirements for becoming a sonographer. Generally, a person must be able to lift more than 50 lbs. and push and pull on a regular basis. He must also be able to bend easily and use his hands, wrists and shoulders. A sonographer must be able to stand on his feet for at least 80 percent of his workday, which means those with back injuries and other types of health problems may not be a good fit for this career. Additionally, a sonographer should have good people skills in order to interact well with patients and other members of the medical team.
Time Frame
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are no set-in-stone educational requirements, training time frames or licensing requirements for becoming a sonographer. Many sonographers receive training in hospitals, from vocational schools, and from colleges and universities. Many have backgrounds in science or health care. If you're hoping to enter formal training for this career at a college or university, you can expect to find 2-year and 4-year programs, typically leading to associate's or bachelor's degrees. However, 2-year sonography programs are most common. There are a few 1-year programs that result in certificates, which some employers accept as satisfactory proof of training.
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