A Day in the Life: Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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A Day in the Life: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
On December 02, 2020

What is a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Like a bat flying through a dark cave, I use sound waves to see. That's the short way of explaining the science of sonography. My name's Ellen, and I'm proud to use my equipment and knowledge to create images of a patient's underlying conditions.

What is a diagnostic medical sonographer's typical day like?

I use special equipment that directs safe, high-frequency sound waves toward a particular body part. The echoes of those waves are collected and turned into moving images that reveal inner body structures. These images are known as “sonograms” or “ultrasounds.” I then select particular ultrasounds and record them. Physicians use these when making a diagnosis or monitoring pregnancies or medical conditions.

My interpersonal skills come into play when I calm anxious patients and explain the process to them. Apart from communicating with the physicians and patients, my day is spent keeping patient records, adjusting and maintaining equipment, and preparing work schedules. Since I work in a hospital, I'm always busy with plenty of patients. Other sonographers may work in less hectic environments, such as private practices and clinics, but I enjoy helping a large number of patients.

Why should I earn a degree in sonography?

Sonography is a growing career with many different areas of specialization. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that job openings for diagnostic medical sonographers would increase by 14% between 2018 and 2028.1 You could choose to specialize in a specific field such as obstetrics and gynecology or in a specific area of the body such as the abdomen, heart, or circulatory system. You could also find more job opportunities by earning additional credentials such as the RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) credential in Abdomen and Obstetrics or the RT (S) (Registered Technologist—Sonography) in Abdomen and Obstetrics.

You could earn your associate degree from Stautzenberger College in as little as 19 months. This program teaches anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of scanned organs as well as appropriate scanning protocols. You could also complete an externship with a local clinic to gain real-world experience before graduation. Stautzenberger College wants to see you succeed. That's why the school offers free tutoring, job placement assistance, and financial aid to those who qualify.

Don't hesitate to start a better career. Call 888.859.8225 or submit the Request Information form online to learn more. You'll be helping not only yourself but also many patients in your own community.

Reference:
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm (visited August 14, 2020).

 

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