Medical Sonography Research Paper
Medical Sonography: An Inside Look at a Rewarding Career
Natalia Sala
Southwestern Community College
Author’s Note:
This paper was prepared for English 114, taught by instructor Kenet Adamson
Abstract
The economic situation in the United States has led to many American workers considering the benefits of pursuing a two year, career-oriented education instead of the traditional four year bachelor’s degree. There are many associate’s degree programs that offer a quality education in flourishing and relatively high paying fields. One of these is Medical Sonography. Medical Sonography has enormous growth potential, and offers someone the ability to work in the medical field in a rewarding career. It is also a less competitive program than some of the other health sciences fields offered at the associate’s degree level, such as nursing or physical therapy assistant. Because of the less stringent admissions guidelines and a comparable earning potential, Medical Sonography is an exceptional choice for many people looking to further their careers in a limited amount of time.
Table of Contents
What is Medical Sonography? 4
What Does a Medical Sonographer Do? 6
How to Become a Medical Sonographer 7
Occupational Outlook 10
Recommendations 12
Conclusion …show more content…
12
References 14
There are many reasons to consider a technical education. With the rising cost of higher education and more employers placing emphasis on experience rather than a degree, it can be an economical decision for people from all walks of life. Some of the most worthwhile Associate Degree programs to enroll in are in the allied health field. Of these allied health programs, Medical Sonography is an often overlooked but promising option. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a college graduate having difficulty obtaining employment, or a seasoned professional seeking an exciting career change, a degree in Medical Sonography may be for you. This guide will serve as an introduction to the field of Medical Sonography, the future of the field, the requirements to become a medical sonographer, the career outlook for individuals graduating from these programs, and the personal characteristics required to be successful in the field.
What is Medical Sonography?
The Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography defines medical sonography as, “A diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.” . Medical sonography is a radiation free method of taking pictures of the body or viewing the body in real time using an ultrasound. Sonography is used to diagnose various conditions, monitor the health of mother and fetus during pregnancy, and assist physicians in creating an appropriate course of action for their patients. Medical sonography can also be used during laproscopic or less invasive surgeries to guide the surgeon in the area of the body being operated on. There are several areas of specialization within the field of medical sonography including:
-Abdomen (AB)
-Breast (BR)
-Cardiac (AE)
-Musculoskeletal (MSK)
-Neurosonology (NE)
-Obstetrics (OB)/Gynecology (GYN)
-Vascular Technology (VT)
The beginning of what we know as ultrasonography today began in the early 1970’s with the invention of real time ultrasound. This innovation allowed medical practitioners to not just take a photo and analyze it, but to watch what was happening in the body as it was happening. This was also the era in which technological advances in the field introduced smaller, more precise equipment and higher resolution images. According to medical writer Beth Ornstein in her article Ultrasound History, “A key moment in the history of sonography came in 1973 when the occupation of sonographer was created through the US office of education.” . Once the occupation was acknowledged, the educational requirements needed to be defined. This was done in 1979 by a joint review committee assigned to the task. This was the beginning of medical sonography as a legitimate career path with clearly defined occupational and educational standards. While there have been many developments in the field since then, the core requirements remain the same today.
What Does a Medical Sonographer Do?
Donna Misrati, chair of the radiography department at Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown, Massachusetts said, “Medical sonographers make magic every day. They give us a peek into the amazing processes the body is constantly performing. They are the magicians of the allied health field.” (D. Misrati, personal communication, October 2013). Medical sonographers are the individuals who operate the ultrasound equipment in order to produce internal images. They gather sonographic data in order to diagnose various conditions and monitor fetal development. Their main duties involve operating the appropriate equipment for the type of ultrasound being performed, observing the images being produced on the screen to ensure they are capturing the appropriate area, adjusting the equipment as needed to facilitate the production of more accurate images, and analyzing the effectiveness of their images and the pathology or pathologies present. While this is a general description of the activities a medical sonographer engages in on a daily basis, it does not describe the type of individual best suited for this position. A medical sonographer is interacting with patients on a very personal level. They are seeing a patient through both trying times, in the case of a difficult diagnosis, or exciting times, in the case of a new pregnancy. A medical sonographer who is good at their job must be able to interact with the patient in a professional and friendly manner. He or she must be able to put the patient at ease, accurately describe the procedures and outcomes, and accommodate different patients’ special needs. This takes a customer service oriented, patient, intuitive, and adaptable individual. Much of what a good medical sonographer does involves making a personal connection with the patient in order to provide them with the best possible care. Individuals with customer service backgrounds and a strong desire to help people would be best suited for a career in medical sonography.
How to Become a Medical Sonographer
In order to become a Medical Sonographer, the first step is to obtain an associate’s degree in Sonography.
Medical Sonography has become increasingly competitive, and while most programs are offered at open enrollment two year institutions, the programs themselves have specific admissions requirements that must be met. According to Southwestern Community College’s 2013-2014 academic catalog, the first steps in the admissions process to the Medical Sonography program are as follows:
-Complete an application for the
program
-Complete a high school diploma or equivalency (GED)
-Submit official transcripts from all schools attended
-Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (or higher) out of 4.0 on the most recent academic transcripts with at least ten semester hours completed
-Meet the SCC placement test requirement either by taking and passing the accuplacer exams, submitting satisfactory ACT or SAT scores or taking the appropriate developmental courses
-Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
-Complete a minimum of 2 hours (6 hours for maximum credit) of observation time in the Southwestern Community College scanning lab
In addition to completing the above requirements, applicants must be able to meet the technical standards of the program which include:
-Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds
-Ablility to reach, bend and stoop often
-Ablility to push and pull routinely
-Have full use of hands, wrists, and shoulders
-Ability to distinguish audible sounds
-Ability to distinguish colors correctly
-Ability to work while standing 80 percent of the time
-Interact compassionately and effectively with patients
-Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
-Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in order
Out of all the applicants that successfully complete the application and admissions requirements, twenty will be selected for a personal interview. The next Medical Sonography class will be selected from those interviewees. To put these requirements in perspective, Southwestern Community College received 55 applications for the Medical Sonography class beginning in the fall of 2013. Of those, 20 were interviewed and 10 were selected for the program.
Another important aspect of the admissions process that is new to Southwestern Community College is the TEAS exam. While there is currently no cut-off score for admissions, this is only because this is the first year the TEAS has been offered at SCC. According to Jay Sain, Testing Coordinator at SCC, “We are waiting to see the results of this years allied health applicants to see where our average lies, and we will be selecting cut-off scores based on that. The average score in North Carolina right now is approximately 70 percent. The average score at SCC currently is just under that, but is expected to go up as more people test.” (J. Sain, personal communication, October 2013). While the numbers may seem daunting, they are much more attainable than SCC’s most competitive allied health programs of nursing and physical therapy assistant which received 400 and 200 applicants respectively.
An accredited Medical Sonography program, must contain a clinical component, which requires the students to obtain hands on observation and training prior to graduation. Once students graduate from a program, they are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or ARDMS. Once an individual has successfully passed their national licensing examination, they are awarded the title of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or RDMS. Certification is valid for ten years, and a recertification exam is required to maintain valid licensing. Individuals wishing to gain certification in more specialized areas of sonography can take other exams through the ARDMS to become cardiac sonographers, vascular technologists or musculoskeletal sonographers. A table illustrating the examinations offered by the ARDMS, the corresponding specialties, and titles earned by successfully passing them is included in the appendix of this guide.
Occupational Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Medical Sonography field has a bright future. The job growth in the field between the years 2010-2020 is expected to increase at a rate of 44 percent, which is much faster than average. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). The BLS speculates that as technological advances occur in the field, it will become a preferred option for patients seeking alternative methods of diagnosis. The less invasive nature of sonography will make it preferable to traditional radiation based methods. The BLS also predicts that the field will expand to more outpatient settings such as physician’s offices and home health agencies, making the market for well-trained diagnostic medical sonographers much larger. A table illustrating some quick facts about Medical Sonography according to the BLS is included in the appendix of this guide:
The combination of great job prospects, minimal higher education, and attractive median pay all suggest that Medical Sonography is here to stay, that it is a promising career path, and that it is a viable option for those seeking a stable job in the medical field.
Recommendations
It is recommended that anyone interested in pursuing a career in Medical Sonography get in contact with a local community college offering the program. A list of accredited programs can be found here: http://www.caahep.org/find-an-accredited-program/ The best way to determine if Medical Sonography is the right fit for you is to seek academic counseling from someone in the department at your school of choice. They can talk to you about your personality, your academic and personal strengths and weaknesses, and offer you an inside perspective on what it’s really like to become a medical sonographer.
If you are looking for more information about the field before making the decision to pursue it, the following links may be helpful to you: http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/diagnostic-medical-sonographer http://www.ardms.org https://www.sdms.org http://www.healthpronet.org/ahp_month/08_06.html
Conclusion
While Medical Sonography is still a relatively new and uncompetitive field, with its future looking bright that may not be true for long. It is worth noting that with the short amount of time required to complete the degree program and the promising career and salary options, Medical Sonography stands to become one of the more competitive allied health professions sometime in the near future. It reasons to stand then that now is the time for people looking for a new career path to seriously consider Medical Sonography as a viable option. Medical Sonography can truly offer a rewarding career for minimal educational cost to someone interested in investing in themselves and their future.
Appendix
Examination
Corresponding Specialty Exam
Credential Earned
SPISonography Principles & Instrumentation Examination
Abdomen (AB)
RDMSRegistered Diagnostic
Medical Sonographer
Breast (BR)
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
Neurosonology (NE)
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
Adult Echocardiography (AE)
RDCSRegistered Diagnostic
Cardiac Sonographer
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
Vascular Technology (VT)
RVTRegistered Vascular
Technologist
MSKMusculoskeletal Sonography Exam
RMSKRegistered in
Musculoskeletal
PVIPhysicians ' Vascular Interpretation Exam
RPVIRegistered Physician in
Vascular Interpretation Figure 1. Table of Examinations, ARDMS. http://www.ardms.org/credentials_examinations/
Quick Facts: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
2010 Median Pay
$64,380 per year
$30.95 per hour
Entry-Level Education
Associate’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2010
53,700
Job Outlook, 2010-20
44% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20
23,400
Figure 2. Quick Facts: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, BLS Occupational Outlook, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-1
References
Career: So You Want to be a Sonographer? (2013). Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.sdms.org/career/career.asp Ornstein, B. (2008). Ultrasound History. Radiography Today. Vol. 9. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.radiologytoday.net/archive/rt_120108p28.shtml
Southwestern Community College. (October 2013). 2013-2013 Academic Catalog
Careers in Sonography. (2013). Retrieved October 29, 2013, from http://www.ardms.org/careers_in_sonography/
Occupational Outlook Handbook (2013). United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved
October 29, 2013, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm
Natalia Sala
Southwestern Community College
Author’s Note:
This paper was prepared for English 114, taught by instructor Kenet Adamson
Abstract
The economic situation in the United States has led to many American workers considering the benefits of pursuing a two year, career-oriented education instead of the traditional four year bachelor’s degree. There are many associate’s degree programs that offer a quality education in flourishing and relatively high paying fields. One of these is Medical Sonography. Medical Sonography has enormous growth potential, and offers someone the ability to work in the medical field in a rewarding career. It is also a less competitive program than some of the other health sciences fields offered at the associate’s degree level, such as nursing or physical therapy assistant. Because of the less stringent admissions guidelines and a comparable earning potential, Medical Sonography is an exceptional choice for many people looking to further their careers in a limited amount of time.
Table of Contents
What is Medical Sonography? 4
What Does a Medical Sonographer Do? 6
How to Become a Medical Sonographer 7
Occupational Outlook 10
Recommendations 12
Conclusion …show more content…
12
References 14
There are many reasons to consider a technical education. With the rising cost of higher education and more employers placing emphasis on experience rather than a degree, it can be an economical decision for people from all walks of life. Some of the most worthwhile Associate Degree programs to enroll in are in the allied health field. Of these allied health programs, Medical Sonography is an often overlooked but promising option. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a college graduate having difficulty obtaining employment, or a seasoned professional seeking an exciting career change, a degree in Medical Sonography may be for you. This guide will serve as an introduction to the field of Medical Sonography, the future of the field, the requirements to become a medical sonographer, the career outlook for individuals graduating from these programs, and the personal characteristics required to be successful in the field.
What is Medical Sonography?
The Society for Diagnostic Medical Sonography defines medical sonography as, “A diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body.” . Medical sonography is a radiation free method of taking pictures of the body or viewing the body in real time using an ultrasound. Sonography is used to diagnose various conditions, monitor the health of mother and fetus during pregnancy, and assist physicians in creating an appropriate course of action for their patients. Medical sonography can also be used during laproscopic or less invasive surgeries to guide the surgeon in the area of the body being operated on. There are several areas of specialization within the field of medical sonography including:
-Abdomen (AB)
-Breast (BR)
-Cardiac (AE)
-Musculoskeletal (MSK)
-Neurosonology (NE)
-Obstetrics (OB)/Gynecology (GYN)
-Vascular Technology (VT)
The beginning of what we know as ultrasonography today began in the early 1970’s with the invention of real time ultrasound. This innovation allowed medical practitioners to not just take a photo and analyze it, but to watch what was happening in the body as it was happening. This was also the era in which technological advances in the field introduced smaller, more precise equipment and higher resolution images. According to medical writer Beth Ornstein in her article Ultrasound History, “A key moment in the history of sonography came in 1973 when the occupation of sonographer was created through the US office of education.” . Once the occupation was acknowledged, the educational requirements needed to be defined. This was done in 1979 by a joint review committee assigned to the task. This was the beginning of medical sonography as a legitimate career path with clearly defined occupational and educational standards. While there have been many developments in the field since then, the core requirements remain the same today.
What Does a Medical Sonographer Do?
Donna Misrati, chair of the radiography department at Bunker Hill Community College in Charlestown, Massachusetts said, “Medical sonographers make magic every day. They give us a peek into the amazing processes the body is constantly performing. They are the magicians of the allied health field.” (D. Misrati, personal communication, October 2013). Medical sonographers are the individuals who operate the ultrasound equipment in order to produce internal images. They gather sonographic data in order to diagnose various conditions and monitor fetal development. Their main duties involve operating the appropriate equipment for the type of ultrasound being performed, observing the images being produced on the screen to ensure they are capturing the appropriate area, adjusting the equipment as needed to facilitate the production of more accurate images, and analyzing the effectiveness of their images and the pathology or pathologies present. While this is a general description of the activities a medical sonographer engages in on a daily basis, it does not describe the type of individual best suited for this position. A medical sonographer is interacting with patients on a very personal level. They are seeing a patient through both trying times, in the case of a difficult diagnosis, or exciting times, in the case of a new pregnancy. A medical sonographer who is good at their job must be able to interact with the patient in a professional and friendly manner. He or she must be able to put the patient at ease, accurately describe the procedures and outcomes, and accommodate different patients’ special needs. This takes a customer service oriented, patient, intuitive, and adaptable individual. Much of what a good medical sonographer does involves making a personal connection with the patient in order to provide them with the best possible care. Individuals with customer service backgrounds and a strong desire to help people would be best suited for a career in medical sonography.
How to Become a Medical Sonographer
In order to become a Medical Sonographer, the first step is to obtain an associate’s degree in Sonography.
Medical Sonography has become increasingly competitive, and while most programs are offered at open enrollment two year institutions, the programs themselves have specific admissions requirements that must be met. According to Southwestern Community College’s 2013-2014 academic catalog, the first steps in the admissions process to the Medical Sonography program are as follows:
-Complete an application for the
program
-Complete a high school diploma or equivalency (GED)
-Submit official transcripts from all schools attended
-Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (or higher) out of 4.0 on the most recent academic transcripts with at least ten semester hours completed
-Meet the SCC placement test requirement either by taking and passing the accuplacer exams, submitting satisfactory ACT or SAT scores or taking the appropriate developmental courses
-Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
-Complete a minimum of 2 hours (6 hours for maximum credit) of observation time in the Southwestern Community College scanning lab
In addition to completing the above requirements, applicants must be able to meet the technical standards of the program which include:
-Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds
-Ablility to reach, bend and stoop often
-Ablility to push and pull routinely
-Have full use of hands, wrists, and shoulders
-Ability to distinguish audible sounds
-Ability to distinguish colors correctly
-Ability to work while standing 80 percent of the time
-Interact compassionately and effectively with patients
-Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
-Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic procedure in order
Out of all the applicants that successfully complete the application and admissions requirements, twenty will be selected for a personal interview. The next Medical Sonography class will be selected from those interviewees. To put these requirements in perspective, Southwestern Community College received 55 applications for the Medical Sonography class beginning in the fall of 2013. Of those, 20 were interviewed and 10 were selected for the program.
Another important aspect of the admissions process that is new to Southwestern Community College is the TEAS exam. While there is currently no cut-off score for admissions, this is only because this is the first year the TEAS has been offered at SCC. According to Jay Sain, Testing Coordinator at SCC, “We are waiting to see the results of this years allied health applicants to see where our average lies, and we will be selecting cut-off scores based on that. The average score in North Carolina right now is approximately 70 percent. The average score at SCC currently is just under that, but is expected to go up as more people test.” (J. Sain, personal communication, October 2013). While the numbers may seem daunting, they are much more attainable than SCC’s most competitive allied health programs of nursing and physical therapy assistant which received 400 and 200 applicants respectively.
An accredited Medical Sonography program, must contain a clinical component, which requires the students to obtain hands on observation and training prior to graduation. Once students graduate from a program, they are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography or ARDMS. Once an individual has successfully passed their national licensing examination, they are awarded the title of Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or RDMS. Certification is valid for ten years, and a recertification exam is required to maintain valid licensing. Individuals wishing to gain certification in more specialized areas of sonography can take other exams through the ARDMS to become cardiac sonographers, vascular technologists or musculoskeletal sonographers. A table illustrating the examinations offered by the ARDMS, the corresponding specialties, and titles earned by successfully passing them is included in the appendix of this guide.
Occupational Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Medical Sonography field has a bright future. The job growth in the field between the years 2010-2020 is expected to increase at a rate of 44 percent, which is much faster than average. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). The BLS speculates that as technological advances occur in the field, it will become a preferred option for patients seeking alternative methods of diagnosis. The less invasive nature of sonography will make it preferable to traditional radiation based methods. The BLS also predicts that the field will expand to more outpatient settings such as physician’s offices and home health agencies, making the market for well-trained diagnostic medical sonographers much larger. A table illustrating some quick facts about Medical Sonography according to the BLS is included in the appendix of this guide:
The combination of great job prospects, minimal higher education, and attractive median pay all suggest that Medical Sonography is here to stay, that it is a promising career path, and that it is a viable option for those seeking a stable job in the medical field.
Recommendations
It is recommended that anyone interested in pursuing a career in Medical Sonography get in contact with a local community college offering the program. A list of accredited programs can be found here: http://www.caahep.org/find-an-accredited-program/ The best way to determine if Medical Sonography is the right fit for you is to seek academic counseling from someone in the department at your school of choice. They can talk to you about your personality, your academic and personal strengths and weaknesses, and offer you an inside perspective on what it’s really like to become a medical sonographer.
If you are looking for more information about the field before making the decision to pursue it, the following links may be helpful to you: http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/diagnostic-medical-sonographer http://www.ardms.org https://www.sdms.org http://www.healthpronet.org/ahp_month/08_06.html
Conclusion
While Medical Sonography is still a relatively new and uncompetitive field, with its future looking bright that may not be true for long. It is worth noting that with the short amount of time required to complete the degree program and the promising career and salary options, Medical Sonography stands to become one of the more competitive allied health professions sometime in the near future. It reasons to stand then that now is the time for people looking for a new career path to seriously consider Medical Sonography as a viable option. Medical Sonography can truly offer a rewarding career for minimal educational cost to someone interested in investing in themselves and their future.
Appendix
Examination
Corresponding Specialty Exam
Credential Earned
SPISonography Principles & Instrumentation Examination
Abdomen (AB)
RDMSRegistered Diagnostic
Medical Sonographer
Breast (BR)
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
Neurosonology (NE)
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
Adult Echocardiography (AE)
RDCSRegistered Diagnostic
Cardiac Sonographer
Fetal Echocardiography (FE)
Pediatric Echocardiography (PE)
Vascular Technology (VT)
RVTRegistered Vascular
Technologist
MSKMusculoskeletal Sonography Exam
RMSKRegistered in
Musculoskeletal
PVIPhysicians ' Vascular Interpretation Exam
RPVIRegistered Physician in
Vascular Interpretation Figure 1. Table of Examinations, ARDMS. http://www.ardms.org/credentials_examinations/
Quick Facts: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
2010 Median Pay
$64,380 per year
$30.95 per hour
Entry-Level Education
Associate’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
None
On-the-job Training
None
Number of Jobs, 2010
53,700
Job Outlook, 2010-20
44% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20
23,400
Figure 2. Quick Facts: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, BLS Occupational Outlook, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm#tab-1
References
Career: So You Want to be a Sonographer? (2013). Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.sdms.org/career/career.asp Ornstein, B. (2008). Ultrasound History. Radiography Today. Vol. 9. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.radiologytoday.net/archive/rt_120108p28.shtml
Southwestern Community College. (October 2013). 2013-2013 Academic Catalog
Careers in Sonography. (2013). Retrieved October 29, 2013, from http://www.ardms.org/careers_in_sonography/
Occupational Outlook Handbook (2013). United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved
October 29, 2013, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm