What is a sonographer?

Using an ultrasound machine, sonographers create images using sound waves that help doctors diagnose medical problems or examine internal parts of the body. A well-known use of sonography is for creating images of a fetus (unborn baby) in the womb, but there are countless other uses for this technology.

Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasonographers, use special equipment that transmits high frequency sound waves into the area of the patient’s body that is to be examined. After explaining the procedure to the patient, the sonographer uses this equipment to collect the echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the internal structures. These create a picture that doctors will use to treat the patient. The sonographer must look for differences in healthy or non-healthy areas and choose the images that best show the problem.

Sonographers may specialize in a specific part of the body, such as the female reproductive system, abdominal organs, the brain, or the eyes.

Working Conditions

Most sonographers work at hospitals, doctors’ offices or laboratories. Since sonography is becoming a popular alternative to other imaging methods such as x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, two-dimensional x-ray), many jobs are available for sonographers.

They usually work about 40 hours a week, but many hospital-based sonographers must work nights, weekends or on-call hours (hours that they may be called into the hospital for emergencies). In addition to working directly with patients, sonographers keep patient records and take care of the equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases, or manage a sonography or diagnostic imaging department.

How do you become a sonographer?

Sonographers can train in hospitals, technical schools, colleges or universities or the U.S. Armed Forces. A background in math, science, or health care may be helpful. Sonographers must be responsible and be able to think critically and analytically. Sonographers can earn an associate degree at a college in two years, or a bachelor’s degree at a university in four years. Most people choose the two-year programs. In these programs, students study anatomy, physiology, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics. The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs accredits most formal training programs.

Some health care workers, such as nurses or radiologists, get additional training in sonography through a year-long certificate program. Some sonographers also specialize in one area of the body, but receive certification for another, in order to better market themselves for a job.

Sonographers are not required to be licensed, but some employers prefer to hire sonographers that are registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to certify an individual’s competency. In order to register with ARDMS, applicants must pass exams on physics, instrumentation, and a specialty field. They must continue to study new technological advances in sonography in order to keep their registration current.

Sonographer programs in Maryland:

• The Johns Hopkins Hospital; Baltimore (410) 955-6198
• Montgomery College – Takoma Park (301) 562-556
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County (443) 543-5400

Job growth and salary

As the population ages and the need for diagnostic medical sonographers increases, job opportunities are expected to grow in the next decade. Many patients are choosing sonography over other forms of imaging because there is a less chance of side effects or complications. More sonographers will be needed in doctors’ offices, laboratories, and diagnostic imaging centers because of a shift toward outpatient care (medical care outside of a hospital) caused by increased technology available outside of hospitals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $52,490 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,720 and $61,360 a year. The top 10 percent of sonographers earned more than $72,230. Sonographers working in offices earned a median salary of $53,790 in 2004 and those employed by hospitals made a median salary of $51,860.

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