DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY

What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonography?

A Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a highly-skilled

profession which uses specialized equipment to create images of

structures inside the human body that are used by physicians to
make a medical diagnosis.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers perform procedures called

Ultrasonograms, which is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses
high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic
visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.
 Diagnostic Medical Sonography can be used to
examine many parts of the body such as the
abdomen, female reproductive system, breasts,
heart, prostate, and blood vessels. Unlike X-rays,
sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.
 PotentialEmployers
Hospitals

Clinics

Hospitals

Private practice physician offices

Public health facilities

Laboratories
 Education & Training
This field requires an associates or a bachelors
degree. Tuition and fees for ultrasound programs
vary greatly, depending on the length of the
program, type of degree or certificate pursued, and
the type of school (such as public university, trade
school, community college, or hospital

training program).
 For example, a one-year diagnostic medical
sonography certificate program at a state university
could cost between $3,000 and $15,000, depending
on whether you're a resident of the state. A 16-20
month training program at a private school may run
up to $32,000 or more.
 Job Outlook
Employment in the medical diagnostic sonography
field is expected to grow much faster through 2014
as the population grows and ages. The growth of
population and age increases the demand for
diagnostic imaging.
 QUALIFICATIONS
Lift more than 50 pounds routinely

Push and pull routinely

Bend and stoop routinely

Have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders

Distinguish audible sounds

Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions

Work standing on their feet 80% of the time

Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or

injured
 Assist patients on and off examining tables

Communicate effectively with patients and other

health care professionals
Organize and accurately perform the individual steps
in a sonographic procedure in the proper sequence
 Salary
The average starting salary for a
trained sonographer ranges between
$32,000 and $49,000, depending on
location and particular
responsibilities of the job.
Experienced sonographers can earn
more than $72,000 annually. A great
salary, solid benefits, job stability,
and the rewards of a challenging and
important job make the time and
 WorkingConditions

Most full time Sonographers work 40

hours or more a week. They typically
work in health care facilities that are
clean and well lighted. Sonographers
are usually on their feet for hours,
and may have to lift physically
disabled patients while on the job.
 Sources of Additional Information

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography,

2745 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 350, Plano, TX
75093-8730. Internet: http://www.sdms.org

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical

Sonography, 51 Monroe St., Plaza East 1,
Rockville, MD 20850-2400. Internet:
http://www.ardms.org

 Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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Imaging and Radiation Therapy.
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http://www.comphealth.com/imagin
g/web08_
 Model Job
Description,Diagnostic Medical
Sonographer. Society of
Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
1999.
http://www.sdms.org/career/dmsj
obdescription.asp
. December 4, 2007.