How To Become A Sonographer

Sonographers are professionals who use special imaging equipment and techniques to probe a patient's body and obtain images of their muscle, tissue, or organs. The equipment is special because it uses sound waves as its medium. From normal ultrasounds to echocardiograms, we have either heard or experienced this technology. Because of its non-invasive nature, sonographers are in higher demand than professionals who use X-rays and other methods. According to reports by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this field is expected to grow by about 44 percent between 2010 and 2020. This corresponds to over 20,000 jobs being added. If you want to know how to become a sonographer, our guide will help you understand the various requirements and training required to enter this profession.

How to Become a Sonographer
Sonography is a specialized area which is offered at an associate or bachelor's degree level at many colleges and universities. Some programs last a year and allow the quickest entry into the profession. These are only recommended for individuals who are currently working in the healthcare industry and have prior experience. Some employers also prefer a degree or certificate from an accredited institute or hospital program. These programs will cover both the theoretical and practical aspects of the profession in one package, and they allow you to gain experience with the instruments and understand how to interpret the results as well. Sonographers use their skills and specialize in obtaining images of a particular area of the body - the abdomen or thorax, for instance. This will require additional hours of training, but also tends to pay higher.

Skills Needed
Sonographers are expected to have excellent hand-eye coordination because the instruments they use are very sensitive and any mistake may cause an error in the results. These professionals also need to have a sharp eye for detail, and should be able to follow instructions rigorously in order to capture the right results which could help in diagnosis. A large part of a sonographer's job requires interaction with patients. As a result, interpersonal and communication skills are important assets, and may help patients cooperate during sessions. Another large part of a sonographer's job is conducted on their feet and manipulating instruments on their own. Having good stamina and technical skills will allow them to handle the long hours with ease and work the instruments effectively.

Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the median annual salary in 2010 for this profession was $64,380, and the top ten percent earned more than $88,490. Outpatient care centers were among the highest paying employers, and private physician offices were a close second.

Additional Information
When looking into schools for enrollment, make sure that they are teaching a state-approved curriculum. Without state approval, you may not take the state's licensing exams, without which you cannot practice your profession legally in the US or elsewhere. An undergraduate degree is a major investment, and you must be careful before making the decision to enroll.