Career Information
Sonogram specialists operate equipment that directs high-frequency sound waves into a patient's body to produce images of internal structures, often for diagnostic purposes. Specialties within the field include obstetric and gynecological sonography, abdominal sonography, neurosonography and breast sonography.
Most sonographers are employed in hospital settings. Employment opportunities for sonographers in other medical facilities, such as physicians' offices and diagnostic laboratories, is expected to grow due to an evolving medical climate that favors outpatient care. In addition, new technologies that expand the use of ultrasound are emerging and will create more jobs for sonographers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2010 that sonographer job growth was expected to increase 18% until 2018. ().
Jobs and salary for sonographers varies with location. Sonogram specialists who are willing to relocate may find more job opportunities. Sonographers can stand out from other job seekers by specializing in multiple types of sonography. In May of 2008, the median annual earnings for sonographers was $61,980, according to BLS.
Training Program Information
There are several options for sonographer training, including programs offered by vocational schools, colleges and universities, hospitals and the military. Training programs can range from 1-4 years in length, depending on the type of degree or certificate awarded. Sonography training programs offer students hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings. Courses range from basic anatomy to sonographic physics and include specific courses for each sonographic specialty, such as abdominal sonography.
Prospective students should look for a training program that follows standards recognized by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (). No states require licensure in the field of sonography but many jobs require sonographers to pass a professional certification exam after completion of a training program.
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