These images are used to help doctors diagnose and treat many medical conditions. ... Diagnostic medical sonographers, therefore, have an important role in conducting and interpreting initial imaging tests that may help narrow down a patient’s diagnosis and quickly get them the care they need.
What are the benefits of a sonography?
- They are generally painless and do not require needles, injections, or incisions.
- Patients aren’t exposed to ionizing radiation, making the procedure safer than diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and CT scans. ...
- Ultrasound captures images of soft tissues that don’t show up well on X-rays.
Why is medical sonography important?
Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is an allied health field that uses imaging equipment and sound waves are used to create images of organs, tissues, and even blood vessels inside the body. ... The role of a diagnostic medical sonographer is critically important in helping doctors make accurate diagnoses .
Is being a sonographer worth it?
According to U.S. News and Money, the sonography profession was rated as the #5 Best Health Support Jobs . The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19.5 percent employment growth for diagnostic medical sonographers within the next ten years. ... Despite this, sonographers have reported that their profession is rewarding.
What does a medical diagnostic sonographer do?
Diagnostic sonography uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body . The sonographer uses an instrument called an ultrasound transducer to scan parts of the patient’s body that are being examined. The transducer emits pulses of sound that bounce back, causing echoes.
Is sonography harder than nursing?
To become a sonographer, you’ll need to obtain an Associate degree, which includes two years of study. ... Yet, to become a Registered Nurse, you’ll need to attend a two-year Associate program. Due to these requirements, a sonography program might be a bit more challenging than a CNA program.
Why is sonography so hard?
The requirements for sonography school include passing difficult courses in anatomy and physiology, mathematics and physical sciences . They must also complete months of full-time clinical training, often under stressful conditions.
What are the disadvantages of sonography?
The main disadvantage of sonography is its inability to penetrate bone . This makes visualization of some areas of the body very difficult, if not impossible. The presence of gas also affects the visual quality of ultrasound images, as gas induces poor quality image output.
Is sonography painful?
The test itself doesn’t have risks. Unlike X-rays, an ultrasound doesn’t use radiation. A transabdominal ultrasound shouldn’t hurt . You might feel some discomfort during a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound when the transducer is inserted.
What are the risks of being a sonographer?
Sonographers may work in hybrid suites designed specifically to conduct TEEFP diagnostics for heart defects, implants, and repairs , further increasing the possibility of radiation exposure. Radiation exposure can increase the risk for cataracts, leukemia and other forms of cancer.
What type of sonography makes the most money?
- Neuro (brain) sonography: $112,000.
- Pediatric cardiac sonography: $80,000.
- Cardiac sonography: $79,000.
- Vascular sonography: $68,000.
- Ob/gyn sonography: $68,000.
Do you have to be good at math to be a sonographer?
Sonography programs require prerequisite courses that include math and science. For example, you’ll need to take and pass college algebra as well as anatomy and physiology . ... Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography.
How stressful is sonography?
Diagnostic medical sonographer was rated as the least stressful job . The position involves using medical imaging equipment like ultrasound machines.
How many hours a week do sonographers work?
Most full-time Sonographers work about 40 hours a week . Hospital-based Sonographers may work evenings and weekends. They may also be scheduled to work on call, so they must be ready to report to work on short notice.
What are the pros and cons of being a sonographer?
- You will have the opportunity to help patients.
- You can work closely with physicians and other medical personnel.
- You’ll be an important part of a diagnostic team.
- The salary and benefits of a sonographer are generous.
- You only need two years of training to be ready to work.
How long is diagnostic medical sonography?
Many education paths are available for prospective sonographers, but the most common is a 2-year degree through an accredited sonography training program. Bachelor’s degrees are also available, as are 1-year certificate programs in sonography for persons already trained in another healthcare field.
