How to Become a Specialized Sonographer
Sonography is one of the fastest-growing medical careers today, with increasing employment rates and job opportunities all over the United States. Diagnostic medical sonographers earn $67,170 annually throughout the country, with employment rates are 58,250 by mid-2013. Compared to similar diagnostic medical occupations, the outlook for sonographers is the best. The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually predicts a 46 percent increase in employment for sonographers between 2012 and 2022 – a large percentage compared to the prediction for all occupations which is only at 11 percent.
Overview on sonography
The ultrasonography occupation is formally called ‘Diagnostic Medical Sonography’ in the United States. The daily tasks of sonographer focus on performing a diagnostic procedure using a sonogram machine. The sonogram is a machine that sends sound waves through the body which in return create images of internal organs and structures, all without surgical intervention. Sonography can be performed invasively as well, by inserting the transducer through specific orifices of the body, such as the mouth, anus, or vagina.
You can get education for ultrasound technician from 200 accredited schools in the country. By 2015, the number of colleges and universities offering ultrasound training is expected to increase even further.
Note: The transducer is the handheld part of the sonogram that creates sound waves. It varies in shape, depending on what part of the body it is used on.
Specialties and certification
Like other medical careers, sonographers also specialize in different areas. Courses in sonography (called DMS programs) are categorized by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) into general, cardiac, vascular, and pediatric cardiac specialties. There more specialties that are typically included under general sonography.
On the other hand, the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) certifies sonographers for several specialties, listed below:
Overview on specialties
Sonographers can specialize in other areas as well, such as neurosonography and musculoskeletal sonography. You can find more information on the ARDMS website.
Overview on sonography
The ultrasonography occupation is formally called ‘Diagnostic Medical Sonography’ in the United States. The daily tasks of sonographer focus on performing a diagnostic procedure using a sonogram machine. The sonogram is a machine that sends sound waves through the body which in return create images of internal organs and structures, all without surgical intervention. Sonography can be performed invasively as well, by inserting the transducer through specific orifices of the body, such as the mouth, anus, or vagina.
You can get education for ultrasound technician from 200 accredited schools in the country. By 2015, the number of colleges and universities offering ultrasound training is expected to increase even further.
Note: The transducer is the handheld part of the sonogram that creates sound waves. It varies in shape, depending on what part of the body it is used on.
Specialties and certification
Like other medical careers, sonographers also specialize in different areas. Courses in sonography (called DMS programs) are categorized by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) into general, cardiac, vascular, and pediatric cardiac specialties. There more specialties that are typically included under general sonography.
On the other hand, the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography) certifies sonographers for several specialties, listed below:
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
- Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
- Registered in Musculoskeletal ™
- Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation
Overview on specialties
- Cardiac and vascular sonography - Cardiovascular sonographers specialize in performing sonography on the cardiovascular system, specifically the heart and blood vessels all over the body. A special concept used in vascular sonography is the use of a Doppler, a modified sonogram that is able to take images of blood flow.
- Pediatric sonography- Though sonographers cannot be certified as a pediatric sonographer, the ARDMS offers certification exams for fetal echocardiography (either RDMS or RDCS) and pediatric sonography (RDMS). Sonographers who specialize in pediatrics have the best skills in giving sonograms to children.
- Obstetric and gynecologic sonography – OB-GYNE specialization falls under RDMS certification. OB-GYNE sonographers specialize in performing sonograms for pregnancy and issues related to the female reproductive system.
Sonographers can specialize in other areas as well, such as neurosonography and musculoskeletal sonography. You can find more information on the ARDMS website.