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Health Care Career Profiles: Medical Sonography/Ultrasound

Ultrasonography is used to help diagnose patients, and sonographers play an important role in the health care community. Here is a description of the career from Dale E. Collins, M.S., R.T.(R)(M)(QM), RDMS, RVT, Chairman of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' Sonography Chapter and Radiologist Assistant Program Director, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Collins speaks from his own experience as a sonographer.

"The advantage in being a medical sonographer/technologist is the time I spend with the patient. Sonographers usually spend more time with patients than other medical imaging specialists. The exams require a hands-on approach, plus it's usually necessary to obtain more clinical information from the patient concerning why they are having the procedure. This provides an opportunity to develop a relationship with the patient that can make the procedure more efficient in identifying the possible problem.

Depending on where you are in your career, you can complete a post-secondary certificate program or complete an associate degree and bachelor's degree program. Associate and bachelor's degree programs teach the math and science skills that are necessary to practice in radiologic science clinical settings. If you have prior allied health education, usually in radiologic technology, you can opt for a certificate program. What's great is that every program teaches the importance of interpersonal skills, which are crucial in this profession.

A day at work for me involved a lot of testing. General sonography includes imaging abdominal organs, superficial glandular anatomy and the pregnant patients, and these types of exams can include tissue sampling procedures to further evaluate prior abnormal findings. In addition to exam performance, I would summarize my findings with a preliminary impression. This requires an understanding of normal, abnormal or variant anatomy. Exams that require biopsy or interventional treatment require more time and skill to process tissue samples or assist with treatment options. Patient information processing can take as much time as exam performance.

As a sonographer, I earned competitive salaries compared to similar imaging professionals. Moreover, I have many opportunities to specialize. Besides technical roles in the clinical environment, I could move into supervisory, management and academic positions."

Additional Information for Individuals Seeking a Career in Sonography Found on Health-Care-Careers.org:
Accredited Sonography/Ultrasound Training Schools

Additional Resources for Professionals Interested in a Ultrasound Technician Career:
Wikipedia Information on Sonographers
Bureau of Labor Statistics Data on Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Kaplan College - KHE

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Diploma: X-Ray Technician/Medical Assistant Back Office
  • Diploma: Medical Assistant
  • Diploma: Therapeutic Health Technician
  • More
Quick Summary: Get a professional education designed with your future in mind at Kaplan College.

Career Colleges of America

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • Surgical Technology
  • Medical Assistant
Quick Summary: Get your career started with Career Colleges of America.

California College San Diego

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties with Radiography Emphasis
  • Associate of Occupational Studies in Medical Specialties
  • Bachelor of Science Completion in Health Science (Online)
Quick Summary: California College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Kaplan University

[Campus]
Programs:
  • BS in Health Science
  • BS in Heath and Wellness
Quick Summary: Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.

Everest College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical General
  • Diploma - Surgical Technologist
  • Diploma - Medical Assistant
Quick Summary: Leave that dead-end job behind with training from Everest College.

American Career College

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology
  • Medical Assistant
Quick Summary:

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California.


Bellevue University

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Bellevue
Programs:
  • BA in Health Science
Quick Summary:

Bellevue University makes it possible for you to earn a high-quality college degree.


Walden University

[Online]
Programs:
  • B.S. in Health Studies - Health Management
  • B.S. in Health Studies - Health Communication
  • B.S. in Health Studies - Self-Designed
  • More
Quick Summary: Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University.

South University Online

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Savannah
Programs:
  • Health Sciences (BS)
Quick Summary: Designed with the needs of working adult students in mind, South University, Online Programs is built on the same curriculum offered at South University's campus locations. As a student at South University, Online Programs you will receive the same degree, quality instruction, variety of learning options and level of service found at the campus locations.

Carrington College California

[Campus]
Programs:
  • AS in Surgical Technology
  • Certificate - Surgical Technology
  • Certificate in Medical Assisting
  • More
Quick Summary: Ready for a rewarding career? Start with a certificate or degree from Carrington College California.

Concorde

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Surgical Technology
  • Medical Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant - (AS)
Quick Summary:

At Concorde, you’ll find that a “learn by doing” approach to healthcare training will get you the skills you need to succeed-- and get you into the workforce quickly.


Columbia Southern University

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Orange Beach
Programs:
  • Industrial Hygiene Management Certificate
Quick Summary: Columbia Southern University offers a broad range of online degrees and prides itself on its high-quality instruction and affordable pricing relative to many other online universities.

Keiser University

[Campus]
Programs:
  • Medical Assisting, AS
Quick Summary: For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

Grand Canyon University

[Campus]
Locations:
  • Phoenix
Programs:
  • M.S. in Health Care Administration
  • B.S. in Health Sciences: Professional Development & Advanced Patient Care
Quick Summary:

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.


Allied Health Institute

[Online]
Programs:
  • Medical Assistant
Quick Summary: Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.