A sonographer is trained in the use of a sonography machine to take visual images of the internal organs and structures. Sonography, commonly known as ultrasound, is a medical procedure used to aid in the diagnosis of many ailments, injuries and illnesses through the use of a transducer and a computer. The transducer, when rolled across the body area, sends out high frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off of the internal organs and structures and are then analyzed by the computer to produce images.
There are a wide variety of different medical sonography jobs available for a properly trained technician. Training for different medical sonography jobs varies from a one-year certification to a four-year degree program. Some more specialized areas of medicine require additional training.
Medical sonography jobs are most commonly found in a hospital, clinic setting or imaging centers. Career opportunities can also be found in private practices, laboratories and various healthcare facilities that routinely run diagnostic testing procedures. But for those who prefer less patient contact, medical sonography jobs also exist with the research and development of new technology, sales of machines and education, just to name a few.
Some medical sonographers choose to specialize. In other words, they have extensive knowledge of one condition or ailment, such as pregnancy through obstetrics and gynecology, or cancer. Sonography jobs can also be found with working with specific body parts or systems. For example, some sonography professionals specialize in ophthalmology, or the evaluation of the eye, while others perform this procedure to assess the heart. There are even positions where the sonography evaluates body systems. Vascular technologists focus on the blood vessels and blood flow. Neurosonographers, on the other hand, take images of the nervous system and the brain.
Medical sonography jobs can be full-time, part-time or have flexible schedules. Sonographers can be employed by the facility or be contracted out and travel from assignment to assignment. Since sonography is a diagnostic tool to assess a patient’s health, many sonographers, especially those working within a hospital setting, must be available on weekends and holidays. In many instances, sonographers must be on-call for emergencies.
However, since ultrasound has become the tool of choice over traditional x-rays, medical sonographer jobs are in high demand. With the rapid changes in technology prospects for the medical sonographers has expanded to include mobile services. In addition, many limited patient contact positions have been produced which may be creative opportunities for career advancement.
