If you’re passionate about healthcare and technology, and enjoy working directly with patients, a career in diagnostic medical sonography might be the perfect fit for you.
Let’s discuss what diagnostic medical sonography is, what they do, what makes it such a rewarding career, what the job growth looks like, and how to kickstart your career at Blue Cliff College.
Table of Contents
What is Diagnostic Medical Sonography?
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a skilled specialist who focuses on utilizing ultrasound machinery to capture visual imagery of the neck, abdomen, and pelvis. These images are used to look for any issues and diagnose medical conditions.
What Does a Diagnostic Sonographer Do?
A diagnostic medical sonographer employs specialized imaging tools and sound waves to create images of various body regions, commonly referred to as ultrasounds. They are responsible for both acquiring and analyzing these images to aid in the diagnosis of medical conditions.
The responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer may involve:
- Preparing patients for the procedure and providing information during the ultrasound examination
- Operating imaging equipment proficiently to ensure high-quality results
- Recognizing abnormal imaging findings and communicating them to the attending physician
- Thoroughly reviewing patient medical histories, documenting imaging outcomes in their records, and collaborating with other departments to coordinate patient care
Is Diagnostic Sonographer a Good Career?
Yes
Is Diagnostic Sonographer a Good Career?
Sonography has earned the distinction of being ranked as the #5 Best Health Support Job by U.S. News and Money. People in this career express great satisfaction with their professional lives for a number of reasons, including job growth and stability, personal fulfillment, and the huge range of job options available.
Why Choose a Career in Sonography?
1. You Want to Work With Patients and Other Medical Professionals
As a sonographer, you will work closely with patients, allowing for the opportunity to provide them with support and reassurance. It’s essential for a sonographer to have excellent communication and be able to remain calm under pressure.
You will also have the opportunity to work with other medical professionals, like nurses, radiologists, and physicians. There’s a lot of collaboration and teamwork in this career.
2. You Enjoy Helping People
Diagnostic sonographers not only help people but can also make a huge difference in their lives. Providing accurate ultrasounds is essential in detecting and diagnosing medical conditions, making a sonographer vital in providing the best treatment for the patient. Sonographers also help by providing support to patients and their families.
3. You Are Detail-Oriented
In the sonography career, it’s crucial that you are extremely detail-oriented to provide accurate images and interpretations to identify subtle changes that could indicate an issue. You will also be using highly complex medical equipment daily, which requires a high attention to detail.
4. Flexibility in Scheduling
The schedules for a digital sonographer are flexible. There are some opportunities for overtime for those who work a 40-hour week, and there are others who are more flexible in their hours in order to achieve a happy work-life balance.
Job Outlook For A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
5. A Huge Range of Job Opportunities
There are a number of areas to specialize in when pursuing a career in diagnostic sonography, including:
- Pediatric
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiac
- Vascular
- Neurological
6. Medical Sonographers Are in High Demand
There are more jobs for medical sonographers than ever before. The high likelihood of job growth allows for job stability, especially during economic downturns.
7. You Enjoy Challenges
You will never be bored as a sonographer. It’s a challenging and rewarding career that requires a lot of skill in human anatomy, sophisticated medical equipment, and effective communication.
8. The Training Process is Relatively Quick
Earning an associate’s degree is the fastest option to become a diagnostic sonographer and only takes about two years.
Career Outlook by the Numbers
In the coming decade, the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase. Projections indicate a 19.5 surge in job opportunities over the next decade. Depending on factors such as experience, certification, and geographical location, the median annual salary for this role is around $75,000.
Why is Training Important?
Being a diagnostic medical sonographer requires a lot of high-level skills and knowledge that can only be acquired through formal training. You will need to be versed in medical terminology and take courses in anatomy, physiology, and applied sciences. Formal clinical experience is also essential to learning how to be a sonographer with hands-on experience.
Become a Certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Gulfport, MS
Are you passionate about having a positive impact on others? A career in diagnostic medical sonography may be for you. At Blue Cliff College, we offer a comprehensive medical sonography program that will help you reach your goals, all while keeping your busy schedule and convenience in mind.
Enroll now or contact us to learn more about this program and others that are offered by Blue Cliff College.
