Aboout the Profession

Job Description

A Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly skilled professional who creates diagnostic images of structures inside the body using soundwaves. Sonographers are responsible

• Operating sonographic equipment


• Performing medical sonograms 


• Critically analyzing information


• Communicating findings of the examinations to physicians

What are the different types of sonograms that can be performed?

• Organs in the abdomen


• Blood vessels in the extremities, neck, and abdomen


• Structures such as the thyroid, breast, uterus, ovaries, prostate, and testicles


• Obstetrical imaging including high-risk pregnancies

Career Information

Sonography is a dynamic field with ever changing technology. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers a short but very informative video and brochure on the career. For quick access to this information select this link: SDMS Career Information. The ARDMS also provides excellent information regading a career as a sonographer, select the following link for quick access: Career Opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Sonography careers offer many routes for advancement and growth. Those interested in a sonography career may find employment in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or other settings, working as:

• Staff sonographers


• Lead sonographers


• Department managers


• Application Specialists


• Education

Estimated Starting Salaries

Salaries vary by geographical location. Average starting salary in the Mid-South area is approximately $22-$25 per hour with the national annual average around $25 per hour according to theDepartment of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  Certifications

 There are several credentialing agencies that offer National Board Examinations in sonography:

• The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers allows sonographers to earn credentials such as:
  
  
  
  • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
  
  
  • Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
  
  
  • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)

• The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) allows sonographers to earn credentials such as:
  
  
  
  • RCCS: Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer
  
  
  • RCS: Registered Cardiac Sonographer
  
  
  • RPhS: Registered Phlebology Sonographer
  
  
  • RVS: Registered Vascular Specialist

• The American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)
  
  
  
  • Sonography R.T. (S)
  
  
  • Breast Sonography R.T. (BS)
  
  
  • Vascular Sonography R.T. (VS)