Ultrasound Tech Schools And Jobs

About Sonographers

A Sonographer, also referred to as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Ultrasound Technician or Ultrasonographer, uses special equipment to direct sonography, or ultrasonography (high-frequency sound waves), into an area(s) of a patient's body to build on-screen images for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions or illnesses by a physician or other health practitioner.

The equipment operated by the Sonographer, gathers the reflected ultrasound "echoes" and creates images of various parts of the body that can be transmitted, photographed, or videoed. The most common association made for sonography is with obstetrics in the assessment of a fetus(es) in the womb during pregnancy, but this technology is leveraged and valued in many other uses. Ultrasound schools provide the training required to perform these jobs, and typically provide students with hands on experience.

A Sonographer may specialize in various disciplines such as:

• Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography: Focused on the female reproductive system. In this discipline, sonography is most commonly known for the examination and monitoring of a fetus(es) in pregnant women.
• Abdominal Sonography: Focused on the abdominal cavity of a patient in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions or illnesses that primarily involve: kidneys, liver, bile ducts, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, and the male reproductive system.
• Neurosonography : Focused on the nervous system, including the brain. Like a Sonographer, the Neurosonographer in this discipline uses the same transducer (device that receives signals in the form of a specific type of energy and modifies it into a signal of another form) to perform the sonogram, however, the beam shapes and frequencies used differ from those in obstetric and gynecologic sonography. For example, in neonatal care and premature infants, the Neurosonographer will assess and diagnose neurological and nervous system irregularities. Additionally, for infants who have been diagnosed with sickle-cell anemia, they may observe blood vessels for abnormalities that indicate stroke. Sickle-cell anemia is a blood disorder defined by red blood cells that take on a rigid, deformed, crescent shape thereby decreasing the flexibility of a cell and constricting flow through blood vessels and constraining downstream tissues of oxygen.
• Breast Sonography: Focused on breast diseases. Sonography is used to monitor blood supply conditions, and tumors, and assist in the accuracy of breast tissue biopsies; it also aids mammography in the detection of breast cancer. In this discipline, high-frequency transducers made exclusively for the study of breast tissue are used.

Sonographer Job Characteristics

A Sonographer typically works a 40-hour week; for those employed in hospitals, evenings, weekend hours, and on-call shifts may be part of their workweek. Contract work is also an option where the Sonographer may travel to various health care facilities within a geographic area. Another available option is to work with mobile imaging service providers where the Sonographer will travel to patients in geographic areas without access to imaging services. In this scenario, the Sonographer will use mobile diagnostic imaging equipment.

Sonographers generally work in clean healthcare facilities where they operate the diagnostic imaging equipment in a darkened room. They may, however, administer the imaging procedure at a patient's bedside.

Sonographers can expect to work for long periods of time while on their feet and may be required to physically move, turn, or lift a disabled patient. It is important to note that, due to the nature or physical requirements of this profession, a Sonographer may be at risk for eye, neck, and back strain, as well as carpel tunnel syndrome. Conversely, such risks may be minimized through the consistent awareness and increased use of ergonomic equipment.

Well-honed people skills and interpersonal abilities are key attributes in this profession as Sonographers work closely with patients to perform the following:

• explain the procedure
• secure written consent
• record medical history relevant to the procedure about to be performed
• position the patient on the ultrasound table
• physically prepare the patient by applying gel onto their skin where the sonography will be directed (gel aids in the transmission process)
• set the equipment settings for optimal results

In addition to interpersonal attributes, a Sonographer must possess solid written and communications expertise as they will produce both oral and written summaries of the sonogram results for use by the physician in the assessment of the patient's medical diagnosis.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), the Sonographer profession has a favorable outlook with the expectation of "faster-than-average employment growth." In fact, it is anticipated that employment for Sonographers will increase by approximately 19 percent through 2016. It is also important to note that as the elderly population continues to increase, so too will the need for diagnostic imaging and the associated therapeutic technologies. Additionally, as patients continue to seek safer treatment (i.e., without harmful side effects or radiation), sonography will become increasingly popular and attractive not only to patients, but Sonographers as well.

Ultrasound Schools, Training, and Licensing

Although a set number of formal years of education are not required in this profession, employers much prefer to hire Sonographers with training from an accredited program. The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits some ultrasound training programs offered by hospitals, but generally accredits programs offered by colleges and universities.

Additionally, while there are no state licensure requirements for Sonographers, many employers seek to hire those who are registered, as it affirms the Sonographer's knowledge, skills, and abilities. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) registers Sonographers who pass a test focused on general equipment and procedures within their specialty area.

Options for ultrasound training in this profession include programs offered in hospitals, branches of the military, and ultrasound schools (typically technical institutions) where students will earn certificates. In these instances, it is important to note that some programs lean toward a preference for students with a science background or experience in another health care profession. Students may also attend a college or university in a two- or four-year program where they would earn an associate's or bachelor's degree (two-year programs are most popular). Training would include physiology, anatomy, basic physics, sonography equipment, medical ethics, and patient care.

One-year sonography programs, although valid and accepted, are not accredited. These programs offer a certificate and are geared toward current health care professionals who want to extend their training (including their marketability) to include ultrasonography. In contrast, accredited ultrasound schools offer students the chance to earn a diploma or certificate.

Those looking to expand or advance their sonography careers have many options that may include training, research, sales, administration, and more.

Resources for Sonographers

• Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
• Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
• American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)

Major Employers of Sonographers

Sonographers will predominantly find employment in private and public hospitals, but also in:

• Physicians' offices and clinics
• Diagnostic imaging centers
• Diagnostic and medical laboratories
• Mobile imaging service facilities

Schools for Sonographers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Sonographers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Sonographers, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.