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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Life As a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Description Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

List of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Duties

  • Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
  • Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
  • Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
  • Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
  • 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.
  • Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures.

Skills Needed to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

These are the skills Diagnostic Medical Sonographers say are the most useful in their careers:

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

  • Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech)
  • Ultra Sound Technician
  • Sonography Technician
  • Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician)
  • Vascular Sonographer

Is There Job Demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?

There were about 67,300 jobs for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in 2016 (in the United States). 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 Sonographer by 2026. The BLS estimates 5,400 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer are Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Illinois, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

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

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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who work in Hawaii, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.

How much do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $56,450
Alaska $93,740
Arizona $83,320
Arkansas $63,140
California $92,660
Colorado $83,430
Connecticut $82,370
Delaware $72,230
District of Columbia $90,860
Florida $65,830
Georgia $61,960
Hawaii $94,350
Idaho $80,330
Illinois $76,700
Indiana $68,970
Iowa $68,960
Kansas $72,020
Kentucky $65,790
Louisiana $60,360
Maine $78,220
Maryland $75,270
Massachusetts $83,780
Michigan $61,130
Minnesota $80,390
Mississippi $61,200
Missouri $73,920
Montana $76,700
Nebraska $64,200
Nevada $76,220
New Hampshire $79,680
New Jersey $77,110
New Mexico $63,840
New York $74,960
North Carolina $66,850
North Dakota $70,950
Ohio $65,840
Oklahoma $68,900
Oregon $86,380
Pennsylvania $66,470
Rhode Island $84,990
South Carolina $65,870
South Dakota $60,500
Tennessee $64,080
Texas $71,580
Utah $75,070
Vermont $78,210
Virginia $74,390
Washington $87,960
West Virginia $61,740
Wisconsin $83,670
Wyoming $66,090

Tools & Technologies Used by Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may use on a daily basis:

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

How do I Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Individuals working as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer may also be interested in:

References:

Image Credit: via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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