Brittney Brieane Boaldin

1. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Brittney Brieane Boaldin

2. What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer? A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly-skilled professional who 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.

3. Potential Employers • Hospitals • Clinics • Hospitals • Private practice physician offices • Public health facilities • Laboratories

4. Education & Training This field requires an associate’s or a bachelor’s 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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 money you put into sonography training a sound investment.

8. 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

9. Working Conditions 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.

10. Works Cited: “Diagnostic Medical Sonography Schools.” Medical Assistant Training Schools. 2003. http://www.medical-assistant-trainingschools.org/diagnosticmedicalsonogra phy.htm. December 4, 2007. “Imaging and Radiation Therapy.” Comp Health.1979. http://www.comphealth.com/imaging/web08_ search_results. December 6, 2007 “Model Job Description,Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.” Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 1999.http://www.sdms.org/career/dmsjobdescription.asp. December 4, 2007.