Is Sonography a Good Career: Learn about Specialties and Advanced Ultrasound Techniques in 2014
Incoming college freshmen who are unsure of what major they want to declare often ask about sonography, specifically “is sonography a good career in 2014 in 2014?” They want to know about salaries, employment rates, and advancement opportunities. These are all good questions to ask when deciding what career path you want to take in the future – because these questions carry the most weight before signing up for major college courses this year, as well as the following year in 2015.
Careers in Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology – formally called Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) in the educational system – is an allied health program that is offered in two categories: according to (1) program length and (2) specialty. There are three program lengths:
Careers in Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology – formally called Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) in the educational system – is an allied health program that is offered in two categories: according to (1) program length and (2) specialty. There are three program lengths:
The courses are also categorized under specialties, similar to the specialization of nurses, physicians, and other allied health professions. Currently, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) officially recognizes four specialties to have their own program:
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Sonography is in line with other similar occupations, such as radiologic technology and MRI technology. However, the major downside with these other occupations is exposure to radiation – even with protective gear, there is still a risk of exposure which is a factor that affects the technologists’ health. Sonography on the other hand, is completely safe – which is why it is a chosen diagnostic procedure for immune-compromised patients and pregnant women.
Advancements in sonography
The answer to the question “is sonography a good career” is yes. Today, one of the major advancements is the ability of sonography to penetrate bone – and even metal. Sound waves in regular sonograms are known to only penetrate soft tissues (and only until a certain level), but by changing the apparatus (the transducer), the sound waves are modified, being able to penetrate the “aberrating layers” in metal and bone. With these kinds of advancements, sonographers are able to perform more procedures – creating more job opportunities.