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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

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What Does it Take to Be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

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

Life As a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

  • Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
  • Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
  • Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
  • Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.
  • 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.
  • 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.

What a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Should Know

When polled, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

  • Polysomnographic Technician
  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
  • Polysomnographic Technologist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Staff Sonographer

Is There Job Demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?

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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 5,400 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

How Much Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Make?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers make between $51,430 and $100,480 a year.

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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?

Are there Diagnostic Medical Sonographers education requirements?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Sector

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The table below shows the approximate number of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers employed by various industries.

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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