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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Overview

Diagnostic medical sonographers work in a field that uses sound waves to generate an image used for assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Many people associate sonography with obstetrics and the viewing of the fetus in the womb. But this technology has many other applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in the abdomen, breast, heart and vessels (vascular).

Diagnostic medical sonography is an imaging modality that uses sound waves to diagnosis ailments and can work in conjunction with other imaging modalities such as x-ray, MRI, and nuclear medicine studies.

Diagnostic medical sonographers earn an average salary of $40,000 to $50,000 per year. To learn more, watch the video profile of "Diagnostic Medical Sonographers."

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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer October 1, 2010 [PDF 57KB]

Working Conditions

Most full-time sonographers work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening weekend hours and times when they are on call and must be ready to report to work on short notice.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Photo: iStock Images)

Average Salary

$48,660

Years in school

2 - 4

Job outlook

Excellent

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Academic Requirements

There are several avenues for entry into the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Sonographers may train in hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, colleges and universities, and the Armed Forces. Some educational programs prefer applicants with a background in science or experience in other health professions, but also will consider high school graduates with courses in math and science, as well as applicants with liberal arts backgrounds.

Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2- and 4-year programs, culminating in an associate or bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Search for schools that provide training for this career.

For information on how to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, see the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.