What Are Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?

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Special equipment commonly known as, a sonogram or an ultrasound is used by diagnostic medical sonographers. These machines produce a high frequency sound wave when passing over areas of the body by applying a special gel which works as a conductor to the part of the body that will be scanned and using a transducer device pressed against the patients skin. These sound waves then create images on a monitor which allowsthe sonographer to collect the data received by the sound waveswhich may be videotaped or photographedto be evaluated by a physician for diagnosis. Sonographers may also use other imaging procedures, such as x-ray or MRI, in order to diagnose medical conditions. They must be able to work well with others and have excellent communication skills as they are in direct contact with patients and physicians. Part of their job duties include not only preparing patients for the procedure by explaining how it works and ensuring their comfort by answering any questions they may have, but they perform the procedure itself as well. There are several other duties in which a sonographer has to perform, such as maintaining and preparing diagnostic imaging equipment, operate machinery which produces the diagnostic images which physicians evaluate in order to make a diagnosis, be able to distinguish between abnormal and normal images, and keep track of patients records. These are just a few of the duties diagnostic medical sonographers are responsible for. Diagnostic imaging may also be used during emergencies; therefore, it is imperative for a sonographer to always be prepared to report to work on short notices as well as possibly having weekend shifts and having to be on call. It is not uncommon for a sonographer to have to be on their feet most of the day as well as assist with disabled patients by having to lift or turn them during a procedure. Diagnostic medical sonographer education may be obtained through most 2-and 4-year college or university degree programs in which an associates or bachelors degree is gained. Some vocational-technical institutes and the Armed Forces also offer diagnostic medical sonographer education programs for certificates and degrees. Training may also be provided at hospitals or other imaging clinics with or without clinical-trials through an educational institute such as colleges, universities, or vocational technical schools. Although obtaining a degree from an accredited educational program is preferred, some high school graduates with a background in advanced math and sciences may also be able to receive training diagnostic medical sonography field. The coursework for diagnostic medical sonography may include the study of physics, anatomy, medical ethics, and math applications. There are also several fields of study in which a sonographer can be trained and certified in such as abdominal sonography, breast sonography, obstetric and gynecological sonography, and a few others. The annual average diagnostic medical sonographer salary can be expected between $40,000 and $50,000; however, a diagnostic medical sonographer salary can increase with training and certification in other areas of diagnostic imaging, such as being trained and certified in MRI and CT scanning. Diagnostic medical sonographers work closely with patients and doctors in diagnosing disorders and diseases in a variety of settings such as hospital emergency rooms or specialty imaging centers. The diagnostic medical sonography field is constantly growing and may eventually be an alternative to other testing procedures which can be invasive, costly, or exposes patients to radiation, which can become dangerous after extensive exposure over a period of time. Diagnostic medical sonographers work closely with patients and doctors in diagnosing disorders and diseases in a variety of settings such as hospital emergency rooms or specialty imaging centers.