What does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer do?
Published 4 min read
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a medical professional who uses special equipment to create images of the inside of the body. This information is then used by physicians to diagnose and treat patients.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer job duties include:
- Explains procedures to patients and answers any questions they have
- Prepares patients for procedures by shaving and cleaning the area to be examined
- Applies gel to the patient’s skin
- Holds the transducer against the patient’s skin
- Moves the transducer around to get a clear view of the area being examined
- Takes measurements and images of the area being examined
- Analyzes images to look for any abnormalities
- Keeps track of patient information and procedure results
- Reports any findings to the physician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Requirements
The job requirements for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer are a minimum of an Associate's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and one year of experience.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Skills
- Patient care
- Communication
- Organizational
- Interpersonal
- Detail-oriented
- Patient education
- Scanning techniques
- Instrumentation
- Image analysis
- Report writing
- Problem-solving
Related: Top Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a professional who uses diagnostic ultrasound to visualize various structures inside the human body in order to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury. In order to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, one must first complete an accredited educational program. These programs typically last two to four years and result in an Associate’s degree, although some schools offer Bachelor’s degrees as well. After completing an accredited program, students must then pass a national certification exam administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Once certified, sonographers can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
The field of diagnostic medical sonography is rapidly growing, and with good reason. This non-invasive imaging modality provides vital information about the structure and function of various organs and systems within the human body. Sonographers are able to obtain high-quality images using sound waves, which makes this modality safe for both patients and practitioners alike. In addition, diagnostic ultrasound is relatively inexpensive when compared to other imaging modalities such as MRI or CT scan. As the population continues to age, the demand for diagnostic medical sonographers will only continue to grow.
If you are interested in becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer, the first step is to research accredited educational programs in your area. Once you have completed an accredited program and passed the national certification exam, you will be well on your way to a rewarding career in this exciting field!
Related: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Resume Example
Related: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)