How to Become a Sonographer
If you are considering a career in healthcare, let us introduce you with a projected employment growth rate that’s double the average. In this article, we show you how to become a sonographer, for which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be over 10,000 job openings per year over the next decade.
Besides the many job opportunities and low unemployment rate for this profession, another reason to learn how to become a sonographer, is that it’s considered the absolute best health care support job and ranks 22nd on the U.S. News top 100 best jobs chart.
What Is Sonography?
Sonography is a diagnostic medical procedure performed to help diagnose a large variety of conditions by using high-frequency sound waves, also called ultrasound waves. Thanks to this technique, with the help of a device called a transducer and a computer, it is possible to create images of tissues, glands, organs, and blood or fluid flow within the body.
With a sonogram or ultrasound exam, it’s possible to find out exactly what is going on inside a patient’s body in real time and in a noninvasive way. The most common reasons to get a sonogram include the diagnosis of conditions like lumps, kidney stones, and gallbladder disease, and to check the development of a fetus during pregnancy.
What Is a Sonographer and What Does a Sonographer Do?
A sonographer is a healthcare technician who uses ultrasound equipment to performs sonographic examinations, including abdominal, vascular, OB-GYN, infant, head/hip/spine, and interventional procedures. Part of a sonographer’s job is instructing patients on how to get ready for the procedure, carefully explaining how it works, and patiently answering any questions they might have.
After an ultrasound exam is complete, the sonographer who performed it communicates the results to a radiologist or other physician, who will later discuss them with the patient. Other common sonographer responsibilities include:
- Understanding anatomy and physiology of the human body and disease processes, where applicable to ultrasound.
- Assisting physicians in such procedures such as breast tissue biopsies, paracentesis, and thoracentesis.
- encouraging confidence and cooperation from the patient
- Acquiring additional knowledge and skills through in-service, continuing education and/or experience.
- Adapting to new technologies and protocols used in the sonography industry.
- Adhering to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
Where Do Sonographers Work?
Over 55% of all diagnostic medical sonographers in the U.S. works in hospitals, over 20% work in physician offices, about 10% in medical and diagnostic laboratories, and around 4% in outpatient care centers. When employed in 24/7 medical facilities, sonographers might have to work evenings, weekends, or overnights shifts.
How to Become a Sonographer
When considering how to become a sonographer, it may be surprising that this is a career that doesn’t require as many years of learning and training before you can start working. However, the more certifications and experience on the job you acquire the larger the pool of job opportunities and the higher your salary will be.
The Educational Requirements to Become a Sonographer
So, how long is sonography school? and how long does it take to become a sonographer? To complete the educational requirements, you can take from as little as one year if you pursue a sonographer certification, to two or four years if you opt for an associate or bachelor’s degree in sonography. Other common sonographer requirements include certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) and ARDMS Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer with specialty examinations abdomen, breast, OB-GYN, pediatric sonography and fetal echocardiography.
Discovering how to become a diagnostic medical sonographer in terms of education routes is also valid for finding out how to become a cardiac sonographer and how to become a neuro sonographer as well. In fact, no matter which type of sonographer you want to become, the minimum educational requirements will often be the same and the only thing that’ll make a difference is your experience and the amount and type of certifications you hold.
Skills You Need to Successfully Become a Sonographer
Another important step in your journey to solve the question of how to become a medical sonographer is discovering which skills are essential to the job. To be successful in your career you should master the following:
- Be able to work independently but also in collaboration with other members of the staff when needed.
- Deliver accurate results in a timely manner.
- Have exceptional attention to detail.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including people with no medical background.
How Much Is a Sonographer Salary?
A sonogram tech salary mainly depends on your work location, experience and the precise role. In the United States, sonographer salaries range from $25.32 to $42.90 per hour and average $33.07 per hour.
This figure is the result of research into all types of sonogram technician salary, including diagnostic medical sonographer salary, neuro sonographer salary, baby sonographer salary, and more. Moreover, as with most jobs in healthcare, on top of a decent pay, sonographers often also enjoy benefits such as health and dental insurance, a company matched 401(k), and paid time off.
How to Find Sonographer Jobs
After learning how to become a sonographer and satisfying all the requirements, you must prepare your resume and a cover letter to apply to jobs. Check out our tips on resume writing that’ll help you optimize yours and make recruiters see that you’re the ideal candidate. We also have many cover letter examples you can read to get an idea of what’s appropriate to include in yours.
When you're ready to land your first job as a sonographer, head over to Monster's list of sonographer jobs and diagnostic medical sonographer jobs and start sending applications.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that top five states offering the most diagnostic medical sonographer jobs are:
The top five U.S. metropolitan areas with the most diagnostic medical sonographer jobs are:
Take the Next Step by Joining Monster’s Database of Skilled Candidates
Now that you’ve learnt how to become a sonographer, create a free profile on Monster. Share with us the locations you’d like to find employment and you’ll receive customized job alerts so you never miss an opportunity to apply. Upload your resume as well to gain exposure in our database of skilled candidates and pique hiring managers’ curiosity.