Medical Sonographers

Career summary

Doctors tell sonographers which part of the body to ultrasound. The images created by the ultrasound help doctors diagnose and treat patients' illnesses and injuries.

Medical sonographers work with patients before and during ultrasounds. They review patient medical histories and previous test results. They explain to patients how the procedure works and answer any questions.

Sonographers position each patient on an examination table and make sure they are comfortable. For most procedures, they spread a gel on the patient's skin to transmit the sound waves.

Sonographers use a transducer on the skin to get a good image. They frequently examine blood flow and internal organs. They may also check for fluid build ups and to see a fetus in the womb. The images are recorded for physicians and other health care workers to review.

When an examination is finished, sonographers write their findings in a report or discuss it with a physician.

Sonographers may schedule appointments and maintain files. They regularly clean and maintain their equipment and keep supplies in stock. They may also perform minor repairs. Experienced sonographers may supervise other sonographers or train students.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Medical Appliance Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Radiation Therapists
• Radiologic Technologists
• Registered Nurses
• Surgical Technologists

Military careers

• Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to medical sonographers.

• Prepare patient for the exam. Explain the procedure, clean skin, and apply gel.
• Use ultrasound equipment to produce images of blood, organs, and tissues. Care for patients during examinations.
• Change the settings on equipment and adjust patients to get the best image.
• Watch the screen during an ultrasound to make sure the image is clear.
• Decide on the best images to use to show healthy or diseased areas.
• Give a summary of the findings to physicians.
• Process and mark film taken from procedures. Create and maintain files.
• Obtain patients' medical history, test results, and information from exams.
• Work with physicians and other medical staff.
• Maintain and prepare supplies and equipment.
• May supervise and train students and other sonographers.
• May perform other medical procedures, including giving oxygen, taking vital signs, and administering CPR or first aid.
• May perform some clerical duties, such as scheduling exams and procedures.
• Maintain records of exams and patient information.

Common work activities

Medical sonographers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Document and record information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Use computers
• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Evaluate information against standards
• Control machines and processes
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Process information
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Analyze data or information
• Handle and move objects
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Teach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Think creatively

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, medical sonographers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very high level of social interaction. They constantly talk to patients, doctors, and nurses.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a constant basis. They write letters and memos, but less often.
• Work as a part of a larger medical team.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Frequently deal with people who may be unpleasant or angry due to discomfort and illness.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations.

Physical work conditions

• Are exposed to diseases and infections from contact with patients on a daily basis.
• Work very near others. They come in close physical contact with patients every day.
• Regularly wear safety attire, including surgical masks and gloves.
• Must get into awkward positions to reach a cramped space on a weekly basis. In order to reach a particular spot on a patient's body, they may have to kneel or stoop.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a weekly basis.
• Always work indoors.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when running equipment. Errors in testing can seriously endanger patients' health.
• Make decisions that strongly impact their employer, coworkers, and patients on a daily basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most of their tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor first. Work is usually dictated by patient needs.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere. They must abide by daily patient schedules.
• Often repeat the same physical and mental activities.

Hours/travel

• Generally work a set schedule.
• Usually work full time, about 40 hours per week.
• May work nights, weekends, or holidays. Hospitals need tests run at all hours of the day.

Physical demands

Medical sonographers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for medical sonographers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for medical sonographers to be able to:

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Medical sonographers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Medical Imaging Technology
• Ultrasound and Sonography Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Anatomy
• Physics
• Physiology
• Polysomnography

Training

To work as a medical sonographer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma; and
• have an associate degree in medical sonography.

Education after high school

Medical sonographers usually have at least an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, and physics. You also learn how to use sonography instruments and how to care for patients. Hospitals, vocational schools, and two-year colleges offer training programs. It is helpful to have taken math and science courses in high school.

For those who already have experience in the medical field, a certificate is a training option. It takes about a year to earn this degree. Obstetric nurses and radiologic technologists are the types of workers who are most likely to pursue a certificate.

On-the-job training

Many employers offer some hands-on training when you are first hired. Training may last up to a year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be radiological (x-ray) technicians. These military technicians also use ultrasound. Training lasts 12 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Fundamentals
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require applicants for medical sonographer jobs to have at least a certificate. Many prefer an associate degree. They may also prefer applicants who have a background in science or a related health profession. For example, it is common for nurses and other medical personnel to seek additional training in sonography so they may specialize in a particular medical area.

Applicants should have excellent communication skills and an eye for detail.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Currently, only New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon require medical sonographers to be licensed. Requirements vary by state.

American Society of Radiologic Technologists 

Optional certification is available through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. For more information, contact:

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 

In addition, many employers prefer to hire sonographers who have a Basic Life Support certification, which shows they are trained to provide CPR.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience, education, and responsibility also affect wages.

Medical sonographers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Over half of all medical sonographers work at hospitals.

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Doctors' offices
• Medical laboratories

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow significantly. As the population ages, the demand for diagnostic imaging will increase. More doctors are turning to sonographs for images because they do not expose patients to radiation. More people with health insurance will also be seeking medical procedures such as sonography.

Hospitals will continue to be the main employers of sonographers. However, employment is expected to grow rapidly in doctors' offices. New jobs will also be created in medical labs, including diagnostic imaging centers. Facilities such as these are expected to grow rapidly because of the shift to outpatient care.

In addition to job openings due to growth, some job openings will arise from the need to replace sonographers who leave the occupation.

Other resources

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography 
1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600
Rockville, MD 20852-1402
800.541.9754
301.738.8401

American Society of Echocardiography 
2530 Meridian Parkway
Suite 450
Durham, NC 22713
919.861.5574

Cardiovascular Credentialing International 
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
800.326.0268
919.861.4539

Explore Health Careers: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer 

So You Want to be a Sonographer? 

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 
2745 Dallas Parkway, Suite 350
Plano, TX 75093
800.229.9506
214.473.8057

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 
1255 Northland Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (29-2032.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Ultrasound Technologist (078.364-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Radiologic Technologist

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Social/Realistic

COPSystem

• Science Skilled