If you’re considering a career in healthcare that combines cutting-edge technology with patient care, consider becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. If you’re unfamiliar, you may be wondering, “What is diagnostic medical sonography?” This field, often known as ultrasound technology, is an essential component of modern medicine.
At National Polytechnic College (NPCollege), Southern California’s premier school for medical imaging, we offer a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in Lakewood, CA. We aim to prepare students for this occupation, as well as other similar roles. Here, we discuss this career path, including the duties diagnostic medical sonographers perform.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography: What Is It?
Diagnostic medical sonography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses sonic sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. Unlike X-rays, sonography does not use radiation, making it safer for both patients and healthcare professionals. The images produced by sonographers are critical for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of medical conditions, from pregnancy to heart disease and cancer.
What Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Do?
The healthcare professionals who complete these imaging techniques are known as diagnostic medical sonographers. They can work in several healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private physician offices, imaging centers, and laboratories. Some of their typical job duties include:
- Prepare patients: The sonographer applies a conductive gel to the patient’s skin and places a handheld transducer over the area of interest.
- Operate ultrasound equipment: Sonographers use a transducer that emits high-frequency sound waves that travel into the body and reflect off internal structures, creating returning echoes.
- Create images: The ultrasound system analyzes these echoes and converts them into real-time images displayed on a monitor, which sonographers capture. They adjust settings, such as frequency, depth, and gain, to optimize image clarity and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Assist in diagnosis: Sonographers use the images they take to help doctors diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions.
- Analyze data: The sonographer must select and record relevant images and data for the physician to interpret.
By playing a direct role in patient care and the diagnostic process, many diagnostic medical sonographers find their work to be both satisfying and rewarding.
Types of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sonography encompasses a range of specialized modalities, each tailored to specific clinical applications. Therefore, a career in sonography offers access to diverse roles across healthcare settings. From acute care hospitals to outpatient clinics and research facilities, your skills will be in high demand. A career in diagnostic medical sonography unlocks a wide spectrum of professional pathways. Some of the specializations you can pursue in this field include:
- Obstetric and gynecologic sonography: This involves monitoring fetal development, evaluating uterine and ovarian health, and screening for anomalies.
- Echocardiography: This consists of producing detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow to diagnose cardiac diseases and evaluate heart function.
- Abdominal ultrasound: These examinations visualize organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys to identify stones, infections, and tumors.
- Vascular sonography: This type uses Doppler ultrasound to examine arteries and veins for blockages, clots, and aneurysms throughout the body.
- Musculoskeletal sonography: This involves taking images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to identify tears, inflammation, and degenerative changes.
To specialize in one of these areas, you may need to complete additional training or certification. However, each of these specialized sonographic modalities offers unique insights that guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and interventional procedures.
NPCollege’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
At National Polytechnic College, our Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is designed to thoroughly prepare graduates for careers as entry-level general sonographers. The program is divided into in-classroom instruction, remote lectures, and real-world clinical experiences via an externship. The program teaches students to:
- Perform appropriate ultrasound exams and procedures
- Select the proper settings for ultrasound equipment to get usable images
- Record data for interpretation by a physician
- Exercise discretion and judgment when performing sonography
- Provide compassionate care for patients
- Utilize appropriate communication with patients, colleagues, and physicians
We offer both a diploma (23 months) and an associate degree (26 months) program, offering different options for students to choose from.
Choose National Polytechnic College for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Are you asking yourself, “What is diagnostic medical sonography,” and wondering how it can launch your career in healthcare? National Polytechnic College has the answers and the resources to guide you:
- Our programs are flexible with different modalities, detailed curriculum outlines, and externship opportunities.
- We offer financial aid options for students who qualify, including scholarships, grants, and loan assistance that make education affordable.
- Our Career Services department offers personalized resume support, mock interviews, and job placement opportunities.
These are just some of the reasons why students choose NPCollege. Apply to our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in Southern California to get started. To learn more or to schedule a campus tour, contact us today.