What Is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

A sonographer is a highly skilled Allied Health profession who performs diagnostic medical sonographic procedures utilizing high frequency sound waves. A sonographer is required to operate a variety of complex ultrasound equipment as well as numerous ancillary devices in order to perform a sonographic procedure. The profession of sonographer includes study of the human body in exam of the abdomen, obstetrical and gynecological, adult and pediatric cardiac, vascular technology neurosonography and ophthalmology. Sonographers are qualified by technological education to provide services to the patient using sound waves under the supervision of a medical physician or doctor of osteopathy. Such sonographic services may be provided by an institution such as a hospital or clinical setting whereby the physician is responsible for the interpretation of the sonographic images. Sonographers work as a team with the physician in collecting data for the purpose of diagnosing disease processes. ...  more

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a skilled professional who uses equipment producing high-frequency sound waves to create diagnostic images and data that help health care professionals diagnose patients with disease. Ultrasound imaging is used on many parts of the body, including the abdomen, blood vessels, and the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. When determining normal and abnormal findings, the sonographer must demonstrate sectional anatomy through transducer manipulation. The sonographer uses independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the study according to the diagnostic findings. These professionals participate in the reading sessions with physicians, contributing technical and professional knowledge and observation to the final diagnostic impression. The sonographer spends extended time with the patient obtaining a thorough history of symptoms, explaining the exam, answering questions, and performing the exam. He or she must also recognize ...  more

The diagnostic sonographer utilizes high frequency sound waves and other diagnostic techniques for medical diagnosis. The professional level of this health care service requires highly skilled and competent individuals who function as integral members of the health care team. The diagnostic sonographer must be able to produce and evaluate ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. The Diagnostic Sonographer must acquire and maintain specialized technical skills and medical knowledge to render quality patient care. Scope of Practice The Diagnostic Sonographer is able to: • Obtain, review and bring together pertinent, patient history, physical examination, and supporting clinical data to facilitate diagnostic results. • Perform diagnostic procedures by producing, assessing, and evaluating ultrasound images and related data that are used by physicians to render a medical diagnosis. • Provide and interpret to physicians an oral or ...  more

A diagnostic medical sonographer is responsible for the operation of ultrasonic imaging systems. These systems are used to create scans, videos, 3D anatomy and other images. These images are provided to nurses, doctors and health professionals to aid in diagnosis, treatment and surgical preparation. The diagnostic medical sonographer is an important member of the medical support team. The sonographer is responsible for providing high quality images and using her tools to meet the needs of surgeons, diagnosticians and doctors. In order to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will need a post-secondary education in sonographic education from an accredited program. These programs are highly specialized and provide a combination of theoretical coursework and practical experience. The typical degree is two years in length and is available only at select schools. The courses in this program require an excellent attention to detail. In the first year, the courses include human ...  more

2) Requirements for the career 3) Registration 4) Salary Potential 5) Schools 1) What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer? Sonography or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers begin by explaining the procedure to the patient and recording any medical history that may be relevant to the condition being viewed. They then select appropriate equipment settings and direct the patient to move into positions that will provide the best view. To perform the exam, sonographers use a transducer, which transmits sound waves in a cone or rectangle-shaped beam. Although techniques vary with the area being examined, sonographers usually spread a special gel on the skin to aid the transmission of sound waves. Viewing the screen during the scan, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers look for subtle visual cues that contrast healthy areas with unhealthy ones. They decide whether the ...  more

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is qualified by academic and clinical training to produce ultrasound images that provide diagnostic, anatomical information under the supervision of a qualified physician. A sonogram is a diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to image organs, masses, and fluid accumulations within a patient's body. The Inside Scoop provides more information on what sonographers do. How does this program prepare me for a career? Upon graduation with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for taking their national certification examination offered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) . The Certificate program is designed for students who are already credentialed in an allied health career (i.e., RT, RN, PTA, etc.). Upon passing the ARDMS board exam, an individual will then be a registered sonographer. What career paths could I follow after completing the program? ...  more