Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sonography
There are many career options in the United States today, and you can literally be anything you desire as long as you have the motivation and drive to complete your educational requirements. With so many professions to choose from it can be extremely difficult to decide which career path is the right one for you. Right now the health care industry is booming and there are many careers to choose from within this field. As for me I would like to be in a rewarding career that has the opportunity to help others where I am valued and respected along with the added incentive of competitive pay, benefits, reasonable hours and positive job outlook, this is why I have chosen to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I am positive this …show more content…
will be an extremely rewarding career and something I would enjoy doing for many years to come.
To become a sonographer today you need a college degree.
The Austin Community College Catalog 2012-2013 States that you must obtain a two year, “Associate of Applied Science Degree” (174-175). “Typical Coursework includes classes in anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, physics and patient care”, as noted by Education Portal. According to The Austin Community College Catalog 2012-2013 you must complete a required total of “72 credit hours” (174-175). You must be knowledgeable in the anatomy of the human body and the function of its vital organs. The sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, operates medical equipment that produce images through sound waves, that can then be recorded either on video or still pictures and are then viewed for interpretation to diagnose many different ailments in various parts of the human body. There is also a required knowledge of how to use the sonography machine in order to properly provide a successful diagnosis. There are many different fields of sonography that one could specialize in as stated by the School for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, such …show more content…
as:
“Abdomen (AB) - evaluation of all the soft tissues, blood vessels and organs of the abdominal cavities (for example, liver, spleen, urinary tract, pancreas)
Breast (BR) - frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography
Cardiac (AE) - evaluation of the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels, including Pediatric (PE) and
Fetal (FE) Cardiac
Musculoskeletal (MSK) - evaluation of joints and soft tissue
Neurosonology (NE) - evaluation of the brain and spinal cord
Obstetrics (OB)/Gynecology - evaluation of the female reproductive system
Vascular Technology (VT) - evaluation and analysis of the hemodynamics
(blood flow) of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels”
The field I am most interested in is Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography) since I am told they make a descent amount of money but I hear the schooling is a bit more difficult.
Diagnostic medical sonographers make a significant amount of money as well “The median annual wage was $64,380 in May 2010” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Department of Labor. As the medical field expands there becomes an increased need for sonographers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor “Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow by 44% between 2010 and 2020”, much faster than the average for all occupations. If the ultrasound tech is certified in more than one field they will have greater job opportunities. They also receive great health benefits plus there will always be a need for them with the expanding health care industry. “Most full-time sonographers work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening weekend hours and times when they are on call and must be ready to report to work on short notice”, as noted by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. They also spend a majority of the time on their feet and at times must to be able to physically lift or move a patient in order to provide proper care to achieve adequate ultrasound results. InnerBody claims “Most sonographers (about 60 percent) work in hospitals. Others work in doctors’ offices, diagnostic facilities and outpatient centers”. Because they spend most of their time working one on one with their patients, they must have good communication and interpersonal skills in combination with a good bedside manner in order to
keep patients comfortable and their minds at ease during what might be a difficult time in their life.
Ultrasounds have advanced greatly over the years and it is now considered to be a safe noninvasive alternative to be able to look inside some one’s body to get a view of their internal organs without having to make any surgical incisions that would require extended recovery time. Bagely Jennifer, Thomas Kimberly, and DiGiacinto Dora stresses that, “However, Bioeffects research has yet to define the effects of exposure to sonography in humans; Therefore, sonographers have to be aware of potential risks and practice ALRA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) routinely” (252-261). However the medical field and the technology we use continues to advance and improve, providing people with cutting-edge technology for the best care possible.
With all this information in mind this is why I have decided on Medical Diagnostic Sonography as my future career. Getting the education will be the most difficult part of my journey, since it also means time away from my family but I know it will be well worth it in the long run. A good job is hard to come by these days and the only way to earn a high paying career is through education in the form of a college degree. I look forward to having the opportunity to help people and being able to work in a respectable environment where your presence and knowledge is valued. With the job security that sonography offers it is very possible I could work for the same company until I reach retirement age, if that is what I please. Making enough money to achieve financial freedom is always a positive thing for me and my family, so hopefully one day; I can put my kids through college and help make their dreams a possibility as well.
Works Cited
Bagley Jennifer, Thomas Kimberly, and Dora DiGiacinto. "Safety Practices Of Sonographers And Their Knowledge Of The Biologic Effects Of Sonography." Journal Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 27.6 (2011): 252-261. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. Web. 5 Nov. 2013
"Career: So You Want to Be a Sonographer." Career: So You Want to Be a Sonographer. School Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2013. .
Davila, Lisa. "Becoming a Sonographer." InnerBody. HOWTOMEDIA, Inc, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. .
"Diagnostic Medical Sonography." CAAHEP. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. .
"Sonography." Austin Community College Catalog. N.p.: n.p., 2012-2013. 174-75. Print.
"Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mar. 2012. Web. 05 Nov. 2013. .
"Ultrasound Tech Education Requirements and Career Information." Education Portal. N.p., 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. .
There are many career options in the United States today, and you can literally be anything you desire as long as you have the motivation and drive to complete your educational requirements. With so many professions to choose from it can be extremely difficult to decide which career path is the right one for you. Right now the health care industry is booming and there are many careers to choose from within this field. As for me I would like to be in a rewarding career that has the opportunity to help others where I am valued and respected along with the added incentive of competitive pay, benefits, reasonable hours and positive job outlook, this is why I have chosen to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I am positive this …show more content…
will be an extremely rewarding career and something I would enjoy doing for many years to come.
To become a sonographer today you need a college degree.
The Austin Community College Catalog 2012-2013 States that you must obtain a two year, “Associate of Applied Science Degree” (174-175). “Typical Coursework includes classes in anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, physics and patient care”, as noted by Education Portal. According to The Austin Community College Catalog 2012-2013 you must complete a required total of “72 credit hours” (174-175). You must be knowledgeable in the anatomy of the human body and the function of its vital organs. The sonographer, also known as an ultrasound technician, operates medical equipment that produce images through sound waves, that can then be recorded either on video or still pictures and are then viewed for interpretation to diagnose many different ailments in various parts of the human body. There is also a required knowledge of how to use the sonography machine in order to properly provide a successful diagnosis. There are many different fields of sonography that one could specialize in as stated by the School for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, such …show more content…
as:
“Abdomen (AB) - evaluation of all the soft tissues, blood vessels and organs of the abdominal cavities (for example, liver, spleen, urinary tract, pancreas)
Breast (BR) - frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography
Cardiac (AE) - evaluation of the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels, including Pediatric (PE) and
Fetal (FE) Cardiac
Musculoskeletal (MSK) - evaluation of joints and soft tissue
Neurosonology (NE) - evaluation of the brain and spinal cord
Obstetrics (OB)/Gynecology - evaluation of the female reproductive system
Vascular Technology (VT) - evaluation and analysis of the hemodynamics
(blood flow) of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels”
The field I am most interested in is Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography) since I am told they make a descent amount of money but I hear the schooling is a bit more difficult.
Diagnostic medical sonographers make a significant amount of money as well “The median annual wage was $64,380 in May 2010” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Department of Labor. As the medical field expands there becomes an increased need for sonographers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor “Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow by 44% between 2010 and 2020”, much faster than the average for all occupations. If the ultrasound tech is certified in more than one field they will have greater job opportunities. They also receive great health benefits plus there will always be a need for them with the expanding health care industry. “Most full-time sonographers work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening weekend hours and times when they are on call and must be ready to report to work on short notice”, as noted by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. They also spend a majority of the time on their feet and at times must to be able to physically lift or move a patient in order to provide proper care to achieve adequate ultrasound results. InnerBody claims “Most sonographers (about 60 percent) work in hospitals. Others work in doctors’ offices, diagnostic facilities and outpatient centers”. Because they spend most of their time working one on one with their patients, they must have good communication and interpersonal skills in combination with a good bedside manner in order to
keep patients comfortable and their minds at ease during what might be a difficult time in their life.
Ultrasounds have advanced greatly over the years and it is now considered to be a safe noninvasive alternative to be able to look inside some one’s body to get a view of their internal organs without having to make any surgical incisions that would require extended recovery time. Bagely Jennifer, Thomas Kimberly, and DiGiacinto Dora stresses that, “However, Bioeffects research has yet to define the effects of exposure to sonography in humans; Therefore, sonographers have to be aware of potential risks and practice ALRA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) routinely” (252-261). However the medical field and the technology we use continues to advance and improve, providing people with cutting-edge technology for the best care possible.
With all this information in mind this is why I have decided on Medical Diagnostic Sonography as my future career. Getting the education will be the most difficult part of my journey, since it also means time away from my family but I know it will be well worth it in the long run. A good job is hard to come by these days and the only way to earn a high paying career is through education in the form of a college degree. I look forward to having the opportunity to help people and being able to work in a respectable environment where your presence and knowledge is valued. With the job security that sonography offers it is very possible I could work for the same company until I reach retirement age, if that is what I please. Making enough money to achieve financial freedom is always a positive thing for me and my family, so hopefully one day; I can put my kids through college and help make their dreams a possibility as well.
Works Cited
Bagley Jennifer, Thomas Kimberly, and Dora DiGiacinto. "Safety Practices Of Sonographers And Their Knowledge Of The Biologic Effects Of Sonography." Journal Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 27.6 (2011): 252-261. Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. Web. 5 Nov. 2013
"Career: So You Want to Be a Sonographer." Career: So You Want to Be a Sonographer. School Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2013. .
Davila, Lisa. "Becoming a Sonographer." InnerBody. HOWTOMEDIA, Inc, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. .
"Diagnostic Medical Sonography." CAAHEP. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. .
"Sonography." Austin Community College Catalog. N.p.: n.p., 2012-2013. 174-75. Print.
"Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mar. 2012. Web. 05 Nov. 2013. .
"Ultrasound Tech Education Requirements and Career Information." Education Portal. N.p., 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2013. .