What You Need to Know About Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Position Description Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.
A Day in the Life of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- 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.
- Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Skills
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Cardiac Sonographer
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer
- Vascular Sonographer
- Ultra Sound Technician
What Kind of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 67,300 jobs for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in 2016. 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.
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.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary
The typical yearly salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers is somewhere between $51,430 and $100,480.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who work in Hawaii, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers make in each U.S. state?
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 |
What Tools do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Use?
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
Becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Education needed to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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