What People Think vs. How It Actually Is: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic medical sonographers are typically overlooked when people think of possible medical careers. Because sonographers are commonly known as ultrasound technicians, they are not usually thought of as a member of the healthcare team – this is a quite incorrect view on the profession. Sonography is a diagnostic medical procedure, requiring lengthy training in order to perform correctly. Sonographers are tasked not only with operating the sonogram, but with analyzing results and giving minimal care to patients undergoing to the diagnostic procedure.
How the sonography procedure works
Sonography or ultrasound is performed with a machine called a sonogram or ultrasound machine. The machine has two major parts – the screen and the transducer. The sonogram itself may change in shape, size, and function, but it will always have these two parts. The transducer is a handheld device that sends sound waves through the body while the screen displays the images of internal organs, bones, and other structures. Visit this website to get more detailed information.
The transducer houses thin crystal sheets (called piezoelectric sheets) that vibrate at high frequencies when electricity is applied to them. The sound waves travel through the body, rebounding off structures and creating images without surgical intervention. The procedure can be performed invasively as well, by inserting a modified transducer into different orifices (e.g. transvaginal or transrectal sonography).
How the sonography procedure works
Sonography or ultrasound is performed with a machine called a sonogram or ultrasound machine. The machine has two major parts – the screen and the transducer. The sonogram itself may change in shape, size, and function, but it will always have these two parts. The transducer is a handheld device that sends sound waves through the body while the screen displays the images of internal organs, bones, and other structures. Visit this website to get more detailed information.
The transducer houses thin crystal sheets (called piezoelectric sheets) that vibrate at high frequencies when electricity is applied to them. The sound waves travel through the body, rebounding off structures and creating images without surgical intervention. The procedure can be performed invasively as well, by inserting a modified transducer into different orifices (e.g. transvaginal or transrectal sonography).
The BLS report on occupational outlook
Ultrasound tech income and job openings are one of the most popular searches online when it comes to sonography. The latest information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics includes data from May 2013, which shows that there were 58,250 sonographers working in the United States by that time. These sonographers were earning an hourly wage of $32.29, amounting to an annual salary of $67,170. With a predicted increase in employment of 46 percent between 2012 and 2022, these numbers are expected to go up in 2014 and 2015. The Bureau of Labor Statistics annually releases updated reports on different occupations. If you need more information you can click here for the complete report on sonography employment and wages. |
Studying sonography
Because of the great outlook for sonography, there are more and more sonography schools opening in the United States. However, not all of them are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP is responsible for accrediting medical programs offered by schools in the United States. Currently, there are 208 training programs accredited by the CAAHEP, available for sonography students.
Remember, it is the sonography program that is accredited – not the school. Accredited programs offer the best training that prepares the sonographer to sit for the ARDMS exam, a certification exam similar to licensure exams given to other medical professions.
The bottom line: Sonographers and the health care team
Diagnostic professionals, especially sonographers, are important members of the health care team. The skills of a sonographer are invaluable to the patient’s management, especially their analysis of the results of the procedure. They are not merely technicians tasked with operating the diagnostic machine. To get a clear view on the tasks of a sonographer and what is expected of them in a health care and patient management setting, you can visit this link.
Because of the great outlook for sonography, there are more and more sonography schools opening in the United States. However, not all of them are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP is responsible for accrediting medical programs offered by schools in the United States. Currently, there are 208 training programs accredited by the CAAHEP, available for sonography students.
Remember, it is the sonography program that is accredited – not the school. Accredited programs offer the best training that prepares the sonographer to sit for the ARDMS exam, a certification exam similar to licensure exams given to other medical professions.
The bottom line: Sonographers and the health care team
Diagnostic professionals, especially sonographers, are important members of the health care team. The skills of a sonographer are invaluable to the patient’s management, especially their analysis of the results of the procedure. They are not merely technicians tasked with operating the diagnostic machine. To get a clear view on the tasks of a sonographer and what is expected of them in a health care and patient management setting, you can visit this link.