A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is commonly asked this question, ‘Is it a boy or a girl?’ and multiple life-altering medical questions with the aid of ultrasound technology. Beyond babies, sonograms can be used to diagnose other medical conditions. Do you love anatomy and are detail-oriented? Then this rewarding health care career can be for you.
The information in the form of medical imaging a sonogram provides is used by the doctors to improve the accuracy of their diagnosis by allowing them to identify and treat a range of internal health conditions.
Who is A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
The DMS operate specialized equipment to project sound waves into the patients’ bodies along with capturing and creating images of blood vessels, tissues and body organs that can be used for assessment and diagnosis of medical conditions. The procedure is commonly called an Ultrasound, Sonogram or Echocardiogram.
Digital Medical Sonography is widely considered as the all-purpose tool that is used to create detailed images of the tissues and internal organs and lookout for signs of cancerous growth and checking a patient’s blood flow.
The sonographers use the instrument called ultrasound transducer and press it onto the parts of the patient’s body that has to be examined. The transducer is responsible for the emission of sound pulses that bounce back and causes echoes. These echoes are sent to the ultrasound machine that processes them and displays them as images.
Because of the varied specializations offered in sonography, the DMS can choose any field and work in diverse medical settings like doctor’s offices, hospitals to diagnostic labs.
Typical Duties of DMS
By execution of these responsibilities, the DMS can help in the treatment of patients who are facing a wide range of medical conditions and various concerns.
- Taking a patient’s history and explain to them how the scanning technology works and answering their concerns.
- Evaluation of sonograms by a discussion with nurses and doctors.
- Perform the patient’s ultrasound after application of the topical gel. Prepare and position them properly.
- Maintain and preparation of diagnostic equipment to conduct the examination and report any equipment failure.
- Make sure the gathered images are of a good quality suitable for diagnosis and good coverage area is scanned.
- Assist the attending physician makes an informed diagnosis by creating reports about the images and procedure.
- Assisting the radiologists with ultrasound directed biopsies and vascular ultrasound procedures.
- Using sonography equipment, recording the appropriate anatomy and physiology of the patients.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal scanned images.
- Maintain the patients’ records and reports.
- Quality care has to be continually maintained.
- Alert the concerned medical staff if any abnormality is detected that requires immediate medical attention.
- Display of excellent work ethic with friendly behaviour and maintaining strict confidentiality levels.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and exhibit flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
Education and Certification
- Interested high schools in sonography should take courses in anatomy, physiology, math and physics.
- Pursue two- year program like Associate of Applied Science (AAS) with specialization in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS).
- Pursue four-year program in Bachelors of Science degree with specialization in DMS is required.
- The chosen program has to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is crucial to be eligible for certification exam.
- Sonagraphers should take the certification exam through American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) like:
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
- Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
- Registered in Musculoskeletal (RMSK)
Specializations in DMS
A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer can choose to specialize in a particular field for a deeper understanding in that area. Some potential specializations are:
- Abdomen (AB)
- Breast (BR)
- Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
- Pediatric Sonography (PS)
- Adult Echocardiography (AE)
- Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
- Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
- Vascular Technology Exam (VT)
- Musculoskeletal Sonographer Examination (MSKS)
Salary and Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is $75,920 in 2020. This career is categorized as one of the top-paying jobs available to associate degree holders. In a recent article, monster.com ranked Sonography as the second top-paying jobs available without a four-year degree.
In 2020, the BLS stated that the ultrasound technicians working in outpatient centres were paid more than the ones in doctor’s offices, labs and hospitals.
Currently, medical professionals are transitioning from invasive procedures towards medical sonography, thereby increasing the demand for medical sonographers. The job outlook for DMS is excellent projected at a rate of 17% by BLS from 2019-2029 owing to ageing population and the greater need for medical diagnostics.
– Samiya Firdous
