Are you fascinated by technological advancements? Do you feel rewarded for helping others improve their well-being? If so, becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer might be a great career for you. These healthcare workers operate advanced equipment to help physicians diagnose ailments and plan effective treatments.
National Polytechnic College (NPCollege) offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in Lakewood, California. Here, we discuss what a diagnostic medical sonographer is, including the job description, duties, and income, to help you choose a career path.
What Is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
Sonography, also called ultrasound, is an imaging technology. It relies on a piece of equipment called a transducer, which sends out high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves bounce back off of body structures, creating an echo that is used to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
You may associate sonography with pregnancy. Ultrasounds are often used to view a fetus in the womb and monitor its development. However, it has many other applications. It can also be used to diagnose and treat conditions in the abdomen, breast, heart, blood vessels, muscles, and bones. Technology innovations are constantly uncovering new ways that sonography can save lives.
A diagnostic medical sonographer, also called an ultrasound technician, is a healthcare worker who uses sonography or ultrasound technology to take images. They work closely with doctors and other medical professionals who use those images to make accurate diagnoses.
The Everyday Duties of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonographer’s primary duty is to take images using ultrasound equipment. This is a complex process that can be broken down into many parts. On an average workday, sonographers can expect to perform all of the following:
- Maintain imaging equipment
- Prepare exam rooms for testing
- Explain ultrasound procedures to patients
- Help patients into the proper position for imaging
- Evaluate ultrasound images for quality and coverage
- Analyze images for abnormalities and summarize findings
- Communicate and collaborate with radiologists
- Record image results in patient medical records
- Assist with other tests, like biopsies and fluid drains
Many diagnostic medical sonographers are generalists, performing imaging services for a wide variety of patients and conditions. Others choose to specialize. For example, a cardiovascular sonographer focuses exclusively on the heart. Specialization helps sonographers deliver a more focused service and may open the door to higher-paying opportunities.
Where Do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Work?
Diagnostic medical sonographers are invaluable to the diagnosis and treatment process. Because of this, they can be found in nearly any healthcare setting. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, private physician offices, imaging centers, laboratories, and more.
Most sonographers work full-time, or about 40 hours each week. Some of them have regular work shifts. Depending on the setting, however, many sonographers work evenings and weekends. They also frequently have times when they are on-call. While they can spend this time at home, they must be ready to report to work on short notice.
Sonographers spend most of their workdays in low-lit examination rooms. The dim lighting helps them better visualize the images they obtain, allowing for more detailed analysis. Some sonographers may also perform imaging at the patient’s bedside.
The Benefits of Becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
The medical industry is experiencing enormous growth. Between the increased need created by an aging population and the shift to digital records transforming how healthcare settings operate, support roles like diagnostic medical sonographers are in extremely high demand. In fact, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an 11% growth in sonographer employment between 2023 and 2033. This rapid growth indicates the following benefits:
- Opportunities: With so many new positions opening, it becomes easier to find the opportunity that fits your priorities.
- Flexibility: Diagnostic medical sonographer skills are transferable between many employers and locations, helping you find work wherever you go.
- Mobility: Sonographers can pursue further education to advance their careers into more specialized or higher-paying positions.
- Stability: Because sonographers are in demand, they often enjoy stable long-term employment with minimal risk of layoff.
Diagnostic medical sonographers also receive excellent pay. In 2024, BLS states that the average annual wage across the nation was $89,340. The state of California is a high-paying region, with an average salary of $108,632. This is competitive income, especially for a career that requires only a two-year diploma program to enter.
Start Your Career Training Today at National Polytechnic College
Does a diagnostic medical sonographer sound like an exciting career opportunity? You can start your career journey now at National Polytechnic College. Located in Lakewood, CA, we offer high-quality training programs for students throughout the state. We also provide financial aid for students who qualify and a Career Services department. To learn more about what a diagnostic medical sonographer is or to get started with admissions, contact us at 1-888-379-4090.