Diagnostic medical sonographers, sometimes referred to as ultrasound technicians, use ultrasonic imaging equipment to produce pictures that may be for diagnosing medical conditions. Sonographers may work under the supervision of physicians in hospitals, clinics, private medical practices, governmental agencies, or other health care facilities. Because they interact with patients during diagnostic procedures, they must have strong interpersonal as well as technical skills.
Ohio has multiple schools throughout the state that offer either a diploma, certificate, associate degree, program or bachelor's degree program in diagnostic medical sonography. Here are brief summaries of those programs.
Participants in sonography programs should expect to receive hands-on clinical training, as well as coursework in a range of science, technology, and general education subjects, including:
Diagnostic medical sonography programs are typically selective, and the admissions process is competitive. Some schools may require that applicants complete significant prerequisite coursework before applying to the sonography program.
Ohio does not have a requirement that sonographers be licensed to work in the state, but in order to qualify for employment and practice professionally, sonographers must be certified. The Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification is administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) for graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Graduates of accredited programs who have completed a clinical internship may sit for certification exams.
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Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Sonographers relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Metro Area | Jobs | Annual Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Columbus | 410 | $68,990 |
Lima | 60 | $63,240 |
Springfield | 30 | $66,810 |
Akron | 200 | $67,220 |
Cleveland-Elyria | 640 | $69,150 |
Canton-Massillon | 100 | $59,260 |
Toledo | 150 | $61,990 |
Dayton | 280 | $76,490 |