Are you interested in pursuing a career as a sonographer? Maybe you're exploring various careers in healthcare and would like to know more about the sonography profession.
If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll talk about the education requirements needed to become a sonographer, including getting a sonography degree, and the steps you can take to begin working in this field.
What Does a Sonographer Do?
A sonographer is a diagnostic imaging professional who uses ultrasound technology and equipment to produce internal images of the body.
These images are most often associated with pregnancy, as ultrasound images of unborn babies are common. However, ultrasounds or sonograms can also help diagnose a variety of diseases and injuries.
Sonographers perform various job duties, including:
- positioning patients and explaining sonogram procedures
- operating and maintaining ultrasound equipment
- interpreting image results and summarizing them for doctors
- coordinating treatment plans with other healthcare professionals
- updating patient records
Sonographers typically work in hospitals. They may also work in outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and laboratories.
They typically spend much of their time on their feet and may be called upon to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Sonographer?
Sonographers must have good interpersonal skills, as they may work with patients from all walks of life, as well as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
They must be able to clearly communicate test procedures and results to patients and medical staff, and they must have good written communication skills for keeping patient records up to date.
Sonographers must be kind, compassionate, empathetic, able to calm nervous patients, and be able to provide emotional support throughout the procedure.
Finally, sonographers must be physically fit to be able to stand and walk for long periods of time and to move imaging equipment.
So, are you interested in becoming a sonographer? Let's take a look at the education requirements and other steps you can take to follow this career path.
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate or Associate Degree
Most aspiring sonographers opt for a short-term training program by pursuing an undergraduate certificate or an associate degree.
Certificate programs provide specialized training in sonography and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Most certificate programs last from one year to one year and a half.
Associate degree programs also feature classroom and clinical trainings. Some include additional sonography classes for those hoping to specialize, as well as general education classes.
Associate degree programs typically last for one year and a half to two years.
Step 2: Consider Pursuing an Advanced Degree
Sonography students can also pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. These may be the best options for you, depending on your long-term goals.
Bachelor's degree programs in sonography or diagnostic imaging may include in-depth sonography instruction, clinical rotations, and general education courses to give you a well-rounded education.
Master's degrees in health science with an emphasis in diagnostic sonography are available to those holding a bachelor's degree and can prepare you for leadership or administrative roles.
Bachelor's degrees take about four years to complete, while master's degrees may take an additional year or two.
Students looking to specialize in a particular area of sonography, pursue other healthcare fields, or become supervisors or administrators would most benefit from pursuing these advanced degrees.
Step 3: Get Certified
Certification in sonography isn't always required, but the vast majority of employers prefer to hire candidates who have been certified.
You can pursue a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
This basic sonographer certification requires you to pass a test or series of tests.
Obtaining the RDMS credential makes you a more competitive job candidate by showing employers you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive as a sonographer.
Step 4: Specialize
Once you have your basic sonographer certification and have gained a bit of professional experience, you may decide you want to specialize.
Sonography is a broad field, so many sonographers choose a particular area that interests them and specialize in that. Specializations include:
- OB/GYN sonographer
- abdominal sonography
- cardiac sonography
You can obtain specialized certifications through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Each specialty you apply for requires passing a test to receive the credential.
Step 5: Complete Continuing Education
Whether you have a general RDMS or a specialized certification, you will need to maintain it. This means taking continuing education courses on a regular basis.
The amount of continuing education varies depending on the specific certification you hold. A good general rule of thumb is to complete 30 continuing education credits every three years.
Continuing education not only helps you stay certified, it also keeps you up to date on the latest advancements in the field of sonography, helping you keep your skills and knowledge fresh.
Become a Sonographer Today
Sonography is a fascinating field for anyone interested in diagnostic imaging. To become a sonographer, begin following the guidelines provided in this article today.