Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
X-rays, MRIs, and sonograms are all characterized as diagnostic images because they help with the identification of ailments and health issues. Sonography, which is often associated with the use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy, uses high-frequency sound waves to generate an image that can be videotaped or photographed. Physicians assess these images and offer a final diagnosis afterwards.Diagnostic medical sonographers are responsible for administering sonography exams. They begin their work by recording a patient's medical history and explaining the procedure to them. Sonographers use a transducer during the procedure, which transmits sound waves, and gel is usually spread on the patient's skin beforehand to aid the transmission of these sound waves. While scanning with the transducer, sonographers look for visual cues that will help contrast healthy areas with unhealthy ones. Any images of concern will be shown to the physician in charge. Sonographers also take measurements, calculate values, analyze the results of scans, and prepare preliminary reports for physicians.
Sonographers can specialize in several areas, including obstetric and gynecologic sonography (for the female reproductive system and pregnancy), abdominal sonography (for the liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (for the brain and nervous system), and breast sonography (for the detection of cancer and other diseases).
Most sonographers work 40-hour weeks, but those stationed in hospitals may be on call during weekend and evening hours. In addition to hospitals, professionals in this field find work in physicians' offices, medical labs, and diagnostic imaging centers. Colleges and universities offer formal medical sonography training in both two- and four-year programs. Two-year associate degree training is the most common route taken by students who intend to work in this industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers in the U.S. earned an average of $57,160 a year in May of 2006. [Figures including job projections, reported median incomes, and salary estimates were revised to reflect data from 2006 on 2/20/08.]