How do You Become a Sonographer: Will I Need Formal Education?
Do you dream about having a career in the medical field that allows you to work in a high-tech environment and to directly affect the lives of patients? If you have a passion for helping people and for advanced medical technology, then pursuing a career as a sonographer could be the perfect decision for you.
However, how do you go about it? What can you expect in your career? What do you need to study? And how can you excel in this career? Here are some few pointers to help get you started.
What is it Like to be a Sonographer?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for sonographers is expected to grow at 23%. This is higher than the national average for all occupations through 2026. With more and more health facilities adopting advanced technology, the demand for sonographers and other related careers is not slowing down any time soon.
To understand what sonography technologists do, you must start from the science of sonography. Sonography is the application of sound waves to produce a picture of a specific part of the body to assist in the diagnosis of various health conditions.
This is a huge upgrade from the invasive procedures of the time gone by. Sonography technologists, therefore, are trained to operate and maintain the imaging equipment and to collaborate with other health practitioners in diagnosing medical conditions.
What Type of Duties do Sonographers Traditionally Have?
One of the most rewarding benefits of this career is that these technologists get the chance to use high tech equipment and to directly interact with and help patients. Sonography technicians handle a wide variety of tasks as part of their daily operations. Typically, they handle the following duties.
- Preparing patients for medical imaging procedures. They take the patients’ medical history and interact with the patient to make sure that they are ready for the procedure. They also answer to any patient concerns.
- Prepare and maintain the imaging equipment. This includes being able to identify problems, calibrate the equipment properly as well as keeping it in top condition.
- Operate the imaging equipment and conduct all necessary tests.
- Review images produced to confirm that they meet that the physicians ordered and that all the tests are readable.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal images and results.
- Provide physicians with a summary of the results and findings.
- Update patient records
What Kind Of Education and Training do You Need?
Typically, a sonographer will be part of a radiology department. This department has some of the most advanced equipment in the facility. The equipment is not only highly complex but also very expensive and crucial to the facility’s operations. It is, therefore, necessary that those working in this environment have the right training.
For those pursuing a degree in this field, you will typically begin with classroom education. This is followed by hand-on interactive learning to learn and understand the equipment and procedures. Lastly, you will then undergo a clinical externship to polish your skills in a functional facility. Throughout this process, you are expected to learn the following;
- Principles of sonograms/ultrasounds
- Physical knowledge about obstetrics, gynecology, breast tissue, abdomen and other soft tissue areas.
- Proper operation of all imaging equipment and its maintenance
- Development of diagnostics images
- Recording and analyzing resultant diagnostic data and other patient observations that can help the physician determine the patient’s condition and determine their future care.
- Patient education and care
- Legal and ethical issues
- Key medical procedures and guidelines and skills such as infection control
Why is Education Important?
Working as an ultrasound technician, you could have a unique opportunity to help people and to impact people's lives. Although you are to be professional, interacting and knowing that you are helping better a person’s life can be very rewarding. You also need to understand that the stakes are high.
To become a sonographer, you need to complete accredited training in medical sonography. The duration of the training program will depend on what you want to achieve and if you get a university with an accelerated program. Majority of employers also require you to have an additional certification independent of your degree.
These credentials provide potential employers with proof of your technical knowledge in the field and your competence. This education also gives you a firm foundation onto which you can build as you progress in your career.
Where Do Sonography Graduates Work?
After graduation, you could work in many different facilities, such as:
- Hospitals and laboratories
- Medical imaging centers
- Mobile imaging locations for outpatient care
- Physician offices
- Primary care locations
There are also opportunities in education, administration and to advance in research.
Are You Ready to Get Started Today?
Do you have a keen interest in medical technology? Do you have a passion for helping people? You are on the right path to becoming a successful ultrasound technician. You can kick-start your career by pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at ECPI University. Our program is taught at an accelerated pace. For more information, contact our resourceful admissions advisors today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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