THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Diagnostic Medical Sonographer  (Medical Imaging) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - Did-You-Know: 1. Technology is advancing and expanding to include diagnostic use of 3-D imaging in areas outside of obstetrics. 2. Patient Archival Communication Systems (PACS) offer the interpreting physician opportunities to view real-time clips obtained during sonographic exams and are capable of archiving them for later review. 3. Volume-imaging acquisition is providing physicians with saved imaging data which can be manipulated for additional views after the patient has left the facility. How is technology impacting any of the following areas in the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer field? 1. Education: Online and distance education programs are providing opportunities for learning to individuals who do not have programs in their geographical area. Case-based teaching is enhanced and more efficient with electronic storage of exams as opposed to film storage. Computerized testing for certification permits convenient scheduling of exams as well as immediate result notice. 2. Research: Quantification of vascularity for anatomical structures and tumors to better understand the physiological function. 3. Direct patient care: Electronic storage of images has provided a more efficient use of the sonographer’s non-scanning time. Technology is improving to provide better diagnostic value to each exam and image acquisition. 4. Administrative issues: Electronic review of cases for quality assessment is much more efficient than when film storage was required. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing ailments, the most familiar being the x-ray. Another increasingly common diagnostic imaging method, called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), uses giant magnets and radio waves rather than radiation to create an image. Not all imaging technologies use ionizing radiation or radio waves, however. Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image used for assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Many people associate sonography with obstetrics and the viewing of the fetus in the womb. But this technology has many other applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasonographers, use special equipment to direct non-ionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient`s body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. Sonographers begin by explaining the procedure to the patient and recording any additional medical history that may be relevant to the condition being viewed. They then select appropriate equipment settings and direct the patient to move into positions that will provide the best view. To perform the exam, sonographers use a transducer, which transmits sound waves in a cone- or rectangle-shaped beam. Although techniques vary based on the area being examined, sonographers usually spread a special gel on the skin to aid the transmission of sound waves. Viewing the screen during the scan, sonographers look for subtle visual cues that contrast healthy areas from unhealthy ones. They decide whether the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and select which ones to show to the physician. Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in obstetric and gynecologic sonography (the female reproductive system), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (the brain), or ophthalmologic sonography (the eyes). In addition, sonographers also may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography. Mean annual salary for this position is $48,910. WHERE EMPLOYED: More than half of all sonographer jobs are in hospitals. Most of the rest are in physicians` offices and clinics, primarily in offices specializing in obstetrics and in diagnostic imaging centers. According to the 2000 Sonography Benchmark Survey conducted by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS), about three out of four sonographers worked in urban areas. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Sonographers need good communication and interpersonal skills because they must be able to explain technical procedures and results to their patients, some of whom may be nervous about the exam or the problems it may reveal. They also should have some background in math and science, especially when they must perform mathematical and scientific calculations in analyses for diagnosis. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required to work in diagnostic medical sonography. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2- and 4-year programs, culminating in an associate or bachelor`s degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Course work includes classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics. The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Programs accredits most formal training programs - about 102 programs in 2003. Some training programs prefer applicants with a background in science or experience in other health professions, but also will consider high school graduates with courses in math and science, as well as applicants with liberal arts backgrounds. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/9/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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