People decide to attend sonography schools in 2017 for a variety of reasons, but there are two benefits they all share. One is that they are choosing an exciting career as a sonographer which requires a fascinating blend of people and technology skills. The second advantage is that sonographers enjoy a great career in health care. They work with a variety of health care professionals in a fast-pace work environment that is focused on helping others.
First Benefit: Great Career as Sonographer
Choosing a career is a major decision. Make the right decision, and work is something to look forward to every day because it is fulfilling. For many people, the right decision is to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. They choose the career because the duties offer a nice blend of opportunities to work with people and technology.
For example, the sonographer will spend work time doing the following:
- Patient Interactions – Preparing patients for sonographic imaging procedures while communicating with them about the procedure, their medical history and concerns they may have
- Technology – Preparing and operating imaging equipment, analyzing and recording test results
- Professional Collaborations – Working with other health care professionals in a medical setting, coordinating scheduling and patient transfers to imaging department and communicating test results to physicians
The prerequisites for sonographers entering programs usually include courses in math, science and communication. This gives people plenty of opportunity to determine if they have the right capabilities to complete an educational program. Those that successfully graduate and earn ARDMS registration as a sonographer go on to enjoy a great career that utilizes all the information absorbed while in school.
Second Benefit: Great Career in Healthcare
Deciding to work in healthcare is a good decision for people who want to help others, and sonography gives the opportunity to do just that. However, there are many other advantages to choosing a healthcare career:
- Work with a variety of people from across the health care professions and not just other sonographers, including nurses and nurse aids, radiologists, nuclear technologists, physicians and so on.
- Work in a fast-paced environment with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities to put professional skills to the test.
- People are encouraged to specialize because that means they can provide the highest quality of patient care. For example, sonographers can choose to specialize in cardiovascular sonography or pediatric sonography.
- The healthcare industry is uniform across the industry, meaning professional skills are transportable from state-to-state.
- There are daily opportunities to help people in various ways. For example, the sonographer works with patients requiring imaging services but may also assist health care professionals in other departments
Two Plus Two Equals Professional Success
Add the benefits of becoming a sonographer with the benefits of working in the healthcare industry, and the result is professional success. The icing on the cake is the excellent salary sonographers earn. The May 2016 U.S. Department of Labor salary survey reports that sonographers were earning an average of $34.49 per hour. That equates to $71,750 for an annual salary. The top tier of earners averaged $47.64 per hour or $99,100 annually. | See Job Openings
Anyway a person looks at the ultrasound technology career, it comes out on top. Take advantage of the opportunities to earn a degree, diploma or certificate in sonography because the health care industry is on the cusp of creating new demand for ARDMS registered sonographers. This is due to the implementation of the national health insurance program and a focus on using non-invasive procedures to provide better patient service. Sonography is an adaptable profession, and that means a great future is in store for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.