Sonographers are also known as Ultrasound Technologists. Sonography uses complex equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into specific areas of the patient's body to produce images that show the shape and position of internal organs, fluid accumulations, masses, or fetuses. The "echo" information which results from the "bounceback" of sound from areas being scanned is viewed on a screen and may be recorded on film. Sonographers select appropriate equipment, check patient's diagnostic studies, explain the procedure to the patient and record both the previous medical history and the results of the tests. They must be able to recognize subtle differences between healthy and diseased tissues, and to judge if the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. A high degree of technical skill and knowledge of anatomy and physiology are essential. One must be able to communicate well with patients and other health care professions. Good vision, accuracy, and the ability to maintain detailed records are also necessary.

Certification to become a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. To qualify, Sonographers must complete a one to two year accredited training program. Many programs require a degree in another health related field (such as Radiology, Nursing, or Medical Technology) prior to acceptance.

• 2 year Associates Degree
• 4 year Bachelors Degree

Currently there are far more jobs available than there are Sonographers. With the growth of sophisticated diagnostic methods, employment opportunities will continue to grow. Current as well as new uses of imaging equipment are virtually certain to sharply increase demand for Sonographers. Technology will continue to evolve and new generations of diagnostic imaging equipment are expected to give even better information to physicians. Since ultrasound is non-invasive and less risky, it will be used more widely in the future. Hospitals will remain the primary employer. However, employment is expected to grow most rapidly in offices and clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2005 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. Some jobs will also come from the need to replace Sonographers who leave the occupation

Sonographers operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients. So do radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, cardiology technologists, electroencephalographic technologists, clinical laboratory technologists, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists.

$44,820

• Argosy University/Twin Cities
• Cox Health Systems Schools Of Diagnostic Imaging
• Fort Hays State University
• Kaskaskia College
• Mrmc Schools Of Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Scie
• Newman University
• St. Louis Community College @ Forest Park
• University Of Kansas Medical Center Program Of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• University Of Kansas School Of Allied Health
• University Of Missouri - Columbia
• University Of Missouri - Columbia School Of Health Professions
• Washburn University

• Aft Healthcare
• American Registry Of Radiologic Technologists
• American Society Of Radiologic Technologists
• National Association For Medical Equipment Services