What is a 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.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.
- 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.
- Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
- 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.
Qualities of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Below is a list of the skills most Diagnostic Medical Sonographers say are important on the job.
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
- Ultra Sound Technician
- Ultrasonographer
- Cardiovascular Sonographer
- Staff Sonographer
- Ultrasonic Tester
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. There will be an estimated 5,400 positions for Diagnostic Medical Sonographer per year.
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.
Salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
The salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ranges between about $51,430 and $100,480 a year.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who work in Hawaii, Alaska, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Diagnostic Medical Sonographers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Calendar and scheduling software
How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
What education is needed to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers work in the following industries:
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References:
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