When people talk about a healthcare team, they typically forget about the professionals who work in diagnostics. Sonographers are allied health professionals who operate a machine called a sonogram, a tool used to diagnose a variety of different conditions. Because sonography is one of the safest procedures today, the demand for ultrasound technicians has been on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has actually predicted a 46 percent increase in sonographer employment between 2012 and 2022, a percentage that cannot be beaten by other healthcare jobs.
Sonograms and safety
Sonograms are used to visualize internal organs and structures in the body, all without the use of an invasive procedure or dye. This makes it very popular in prenatal care when checking the status of a woman’s pregnancy. Because it doesn’t use radiologic waves (x-rays, MRIs), it is safe for people who have immune problems. Working as a sonographer also means that you won’t be exposed to harmful radiation used in other procedures. Lisa P’s articles go deeper into sonograms and how they affect sonographers and patient.
Focused assessment in trauma cases
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One of the most valuable roles sonographers play in the healthcare team today is real-time diagnosis. This is particularly important for trauma cases where immediate diagnosis is vital in giving timely management to the victim. In a study done by Clontz and Tasota in 2004, sonography was used as a non-invasive, 3-minute diagnostic test to evaluate a victim’s abdominal and chest injuries.
The victim had been brought to the ER with altered levels of consciousness and low blood pressure. A portable ultrasound was used in the study and it was able to detect fluid surrounding the heart (cardiac tamponade) and lungs (hemothorax). With these immediate results, the patient was immediately scheduled for surgery and his condition stabilized. The value of a well-trained sonographer in the healthcare team was very apparent in this study.
The victim had been brought to the ER with altered levels of consciousness and low blood pressure. A portable ultrasound was used in the study and it was able to detect fluid surrounding the heart (cardiac tamponade) and lungs (hemothorax). With these immediate results, the patient was immediately scheduled for surgery and his condition stabilized. The value of a well-trained sonographer in the healthcare team was very apparent in this study.
Pros and cons of working in sonography
This profession is quite popular among new high school graduates today because of great predictions on job outlook – in both employment and salary. It has earned the title of one of the fastest expanding medical-imaging practices in the country, with the job demand for ultrasound technicians continually rising.
In 2013, 58,250 sonographers were employed in the United States; ultrasound technician salary was $67,170 annually with an hourly rate of $32.39. This can explain how a lot of people are starting a good career in sonography in 2014. However, the cons of working in healthcare typically revolve around increased exposure to diseases, long and stressful shifts, and incidences of musculoskeletal problems.
When students think about starting a career in sonography, the most important factor they consider is if the healthcare system is in high demand for ultrasound technicians. With great salaries and employment and educational opportunities, there is no wonder that a lot of people who want to work in healthcare are choosing a career in sonography. You cannot deny the importance of sonographers in a fully-functioning healthcare team, which further adds to the pros of working in this career.
In 2013, 58,250 sonographers were employed in the United States; ultrasound technician salary was $67,170 annually with an hourly rate of $32.39. This can explain how a lot of people are starting a good career in sonography in 2014. However, the cons of working in healthcare typically revolve around increased exposure to diseases, long and stressful shifts, and incidences of musculoskeletal problems.
When students think about starting a career in sonography, the most important factor they consider is if the healthcare system is in high demand for ultrasound technicians. With great salaries and employment and educational opportunities, there is no wonder that a lot of people who want to work in healthcare are choosing a career in sonography. You cannot deny the importance of sonographers in a fully-functioning healthcare team, which further adds to the pros of working in this career.