Career: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Would you like to do work that helps people? Are you detail-oriented and patient? Are you a good communicator? Would you enjoy analyzing technical information?
Sonographers --operators of ultrasound technology -- combine these skills to provide a vital medical service. Every day they exclude some diagnoses, bringing good news to a patient. They may also be the first to discover bad news. Sonographers use brain, heart, and body in a unique way to help others.
Under a doctor's supervision, diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to gather data used for diagnosing medical conditions. They have a lot of direct contact with patients.
Did You Know?
- An ultrasound transducer detects high-frequency sound waves as they bounce off internal structures.
Are You Ready To...?
- Perform the steps in a procedure in the right order
- Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick and injured
- Spend most of the day on your feet
- Maintain good posture and use your own body without strain
- Lift heavy objects
- Bend and stoop regularly
It Helps to Be...
Compassionate, physically strong, analytical, and attentive to detail. This job is a great way to combine an interest in medicine and technology with a concern for others.
Make High School Count
- Work hard in biology -- it’s the foundation of the medical knowledge you’ll need.
- Learn all about sound waves in physics.
- Sharpen your calculation skills in algebra.
- Flex your communication skills in English, speech, and drama. You'll need them to speak with everyone from patients to other medical staff.
- Play a sport to condition your body for this physically demanding work.
Did You Know?
- Sonographers give pregnant women and their doctors their first glimpse of their babies.
Outlook
Government economists expect job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers to be faster than the average for all careers through 2016. As the population ages, more people will need their services.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average salary of $62,660 for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2008.
