AHEC Connecticut
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES - Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
To be a successful Diagnostic Medical Sonographer you should...
- enjoy providing one-on-one care to a variety of people ranging from healthy to critically ill
- be able to use high-tech instrumentation
- enjoy working as a key member of a health care team
- be committed to lifelong learning
- communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
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What will my job be like?
Diagnostic medical sonographers use specialized equipment to create images of structures inside the human body, which are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis. Ultrasound technology produces high frequency sound waves (like sonar) that are reflected by internal organs in varying patterns. These are then converted by a computer into a moving picture, or image, which sonographers are trained to examine for subtle signs of problems. Sonographers prepare patients physically and mentally, explain procedures, position patients, and obtain medical images used for diagnosis.
Specialties include:
- Neurosonology (the brain)
- Vascular Technology (blood flows)
- Echocardiography (the heart)
- Abdominal (the liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas)
- Obstetrics/Gynecology (the female reproductive system)
- Ophthalmology (the eye)
Where could I work?
Sonographers can work in clinics, hospitals, private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. They may perform ultrasonic examinations at the bedside or in surgery.
Other workplace settings:
- Mobile Services
What is the average annual salary?
$62,741
What is the future of this career?
Employment of medical sonographers is expected to grow faster than the average through the year 2014.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Diagnostic medical sonographer/ultrasound technologists receive their education through academic programs at hospitals, community colleges, and colleges or universities. Advanced certificate programs for persons with prior training are usually one year in length.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Capital Community College, Hartford
- Gateway Community College, New Haven
- St. Vincent's College, Bridgeport
- Yale-New Haven, New Haven
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Where can I get more information?
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
2745 Dallas Parkway, Suite 350
Plano, Texas 75093-8730
(800) 229-9506
www.sdms.org
American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One
Rockville, MD 20850-2400
(800) 541-8754
www.ardms.org