Sonographers use ultrasound to scan their patients' bodies.
Diagnostic medical sonographers, or simply sonographers, use non-ionizing, high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound, to diagnose, prevent and treat medical conditions. There are several areas of specialization in sonography, including abdomen, breast, obstetrics/gynecology, echocardiography, vascular technology, neurosonology and ophthalmology. Sonographers, however, may need to lift more than 50 pounds routinely and work standing on their feet 80 percent of the time, according to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Instructions
1. Take health-related courses while in high school. They may include biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and health. Study diligently and try to score as well as you can in those courses.
2. Get a college or university associate or a bachelor's degree. There are two-year and four-year programs in sonography Two-year programs, however, are more popular, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Courses include classes in anatomy, physiology, basic physics, patient care, instrumentation and medical ethics. In 2008, there were 150 accredited training programs, primarily offered by colleges and universities and a few hospitals. There are also one-year programs that issue vocational certificates. They are popular mostly among people who already have a medical qualification.
3. Get certified by one of the professional certifying bodies. Although it is not a mandatory requirement, most employers prefer to hire certified sonographers. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) certifies sonography professionals who pass the exam as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), allowing them to choose a specialization in abdomen, breast or another area. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist certifies sonographers in breast and vascular sonography. The Cardiovascular Credentialing International certifies cardiac sonographers. The exam to get a sonography certification typically consists of a physics and instrumentation exam. Candidates also need to complete a certain amount of education hours.
4. Develop communication and interpersonal skills to be able to explain technical procedures and results to your patients. Also, train your hand-eye coordination to be able to obtain quality images.
Tags: Diagnostic Medical, abdomen breast, American Registry, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Sonography
