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Career Exploration

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Also called: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Sonographer, Ultrasonographer

What they do:

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

On the job, you would:
  • Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
  • Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
  • Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service
  • administrative services

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • physics
  • psychology

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • understanding people's reactions
  • changing what is done based on other people's actions

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation

Medical software

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • MEDITECH software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Email software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $81,350

Education

Associate's degree or certificate after high school is usually needed.