Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Course Advisor, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 51,430 - 100,480; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer to produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for physicians. The role involves operating ultrasound equipment, ensuring the quality of diagnostic images, and providing technical findings. Candidates should have a post-secondary degree or certificate in sonography, with skills in critical thinking and communication. Typical yearly salaries for this role range between $51,430 and $100,480 in the United States, with significant job growth forecasted in the coming years.

Qualifications

• Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.
• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician.
• Administer oxygen, insert and remove airways, take vital signs, and give emergency treatment.

Responsibilities

• Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images.
• Record and store suitable images for diagnostic purposes.
• Adjust equipment during scans to ensure satisfactory images.

Skills

Active Listening

Reading Comprehension

Speaking

Social Perceptiveness

Monitoring

Critical Thinking

Education

Post-secondary degree or certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Email software

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Database software

MEDITECH software

Medical procedure coding software

Calendar and scheduling software

Job description

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Position Description: Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

A Day in the Life of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
• Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
• Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
• Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
• Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
• Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Skills

• Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work‑related documents.
• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Monitoring: Monitoring/assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Other Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Titles

• Cardiac Sonographer
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
• Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
• Vascular Sonographer
• Ultra Sound Technician

What Kind of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Opportunities Are There?

In the United States, there were 67,300 jobs for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 23.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 15,600 new jobs for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers by 2026. The BLS estimates 5,400 yearly job openings in this field.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary

The typical yearly salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is somewhere between $51,430 and $100,480.

How much do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers make in each U.S. state?

The typical yearly salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers varies by state, ranging from around $56,450 in Alabama to $94,350 in Hawaii. Highest salaries are often seen in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.

What Tools do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Use?

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• Email software
• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Database software
• MEDITECH software
• Medical procedure coding software
• Calendar and scheduling software

Becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Education needed to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer typically includes a post‑secondary degree or certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography, as well as completion of an accredited clinical practicum.