Did you know that ultrasound was developed for industrial use first, not for medical use? In the early 1940s, the first ultrasound devices were used to detect defects in metal castings.
Sonographers are also known as ultrasound technologists and ultrasound technicians. They are a qualified and skilled advanced practice specialist. Sonography is a vital imaging technique in healthcare.
Ultrasounds are generally associated with women who are pregnant. There are many specialized career paths one can take within the ultrasound medical field. To name a few, abdominal, gynecologic, and musculoskeletal sonographic imaging.
Do you want to become a sonographer? Here’s a guideline on how to become a sonographer ultrasound technician, and how to maintain certification.
Definition of Sonography
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A technique that uses high-energy sound waves to examine tissues and organs within the body. Sound waves create echoes that shape images of tissues and organs on a computer screen, also called a sonogram. The Sonographer sends these pictures to doctors for diagnosis.
What Does a Sonographer Do?
A sonographer is a professional who uses instruments to produce photographs of tissues inside the human body. The photographs are then sent to doctors to diagnose the medical problem.
During the sonographic process, a sonographer uses a tiny instrument called a transducer against a patient’s skin. That is to scan the inside of the body.
The transducer transmits and receives sound. It delivers a pulse of high-frequency sound waves through the body. It then tracks them as they bounce off underlying organs.
Sound waves reflect in different ways by different structures in the body. A machine analyzes the reflected sound waves to generate a picture of the structure.
You can view that picture on a monitor or capture it in hard copy files. Diagnostic sonographers specialize in different areas of the body.
Why Become a Sonographer?
Sonographers are in high demand and earn a good starting salary. Professional sonographers may find jobs in several healthcare facilities. These could be clinics, hospitals, private doctor’s offices, and diagnostic laboratories.
This flexible career sector has a range of specialization options. The options of specializing in breast, obstetrics, pediatric and abdominal sonography amongst many.
What Education Do You Need to Become a Sonographer?
Below you will find how to become an ultrasound sonographer. The first step is to get your high school diploma. You can choose between certification programs, associate degrees, or a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees are the most common choice in this career.
Make sure you choose a CAAHEP accredited program. This program will take between two to four years.
Some work experience, whether obtained during or after graduation, will be needed. That is so that you can get certified.
Once the qualifications for ultrasound tech have been met, applicants for ultrasound continuing medical education can choose between various specific medical field certifications.
Get Certified!
The quickest way to start a career in the world of medical sonography is to become a sonographer.
A diagnostic medical sonography career provides exciting opportunities and challenges. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics, projects job prospects to rise in diagnostic medical sonography. The phenomenal growth rate is around 12 percent higher than the average
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