Are Sonographers in High Demand in Orlando, FL?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for qualified diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists is expected to rise by 17% over the next several years.
This explosive growth highlights the increasing importance of sonography in the medical field. But what is diagnostic medical sonography? What qualifications does it take to become one? How can job seekers in Orlando FL find the right training for this career path?
The Role of Diagnostic Sonography in Modern Medical Care
Medical imaging allows doctors to get an accurate idea of conditions inside the body without dangerous or invasive methods. The most familiar example is the sonogram machine found in every OBGYN office in the country. However, this isnât the only place where medical imagery improves health care.
- Chiropractors, osteopaths, and other doctors who deal with the musculoskeletal structures of the body use x-rays and ultrasound techniques to view broken bones, compromised joints, and malformations.
- Sonography is commonly used to examine breast tissues for possible tumors. This is different from a mammogram. If a mammogram reveals a possible problem, doctors use sonography to verify the results.
- Cardiac doctors use sonographic imagery to visualize structures within the heart and cardiovascular system. Using these methods reveals the condition of arteries, vessels, and muscles. Other doctors use sonography to explore blood flow to the brain.
- Internal medicine relies on sonography to see the insides of patientsâ stomachs, intestines, and other digestive organs. Everything from the kidney to the spleen can be visualized with these methods.
Doctors of almost every discipline use sonography to confirm diagnoses, formulate effective treatment plans, and track the progress of internal conditions.
Qualifications for Medical Sonography Positions
Currently, there are only four states that require medical sonographers to obtain a license to practice. Those include:
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
Future sonographers in Orlando, FL donât have to worry about getting a license. However, employers often require applicants to show proof of completing an accredited training program. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs oversees the educational objectives of many medical imagining training programs. Their standards ensure that every student receives the knowledge necessary to perform their duties on-the-job. In these programs, students learn how to:
- Maintain, operate, and inspect equipment
- Navigate ethical concerns at work
- Locate structures in the body
- Clinical procedures for safety and confidentiality
The basic training received in sonography training programs prepares graduates to take on the duties of any entry-level imaging position. Employers provide additional training for procedures specific to the needs of their practice.
In addition to skill and knowledge requirements, potential sonographers should possess these soft skills.
- Sonographers need to be able to spot minute differences and details in the images they obtain. This requires a superior level of attention to detail.
- Technicians use complex equipment during the course of their day. A high level of comfort with and knowledge of machinery and computerized instruments helps sonographers maintain the integrity of their results.
- Since sonographers work directly with patients, empathy and professionalism are essential. Superior verbal communication skills are also needed in order to clearly relay instructions and information.
- Like most positions in the medical field, sonographers need stamina to withstand the physical stress of their busy jobs.
Academic Options for Aspiring Sonographers in Orlando FL
Those seeking a career in sonography in the Orlando area have several options for finding the necessary training.
- Four-year degrees at a traditional college. This path includes a comprehensive education that includes curriculum requirements that are unrelated to your core concentration.
- Two-year degrees at a traditional college. These programs concentrate more on technical skills and essential medical terminology.
- Certificate programs at a training school or hospital. These brief programs are designed to provide the bare minimum knowledge. Additional training is provided through apprenticeships.
You might be wondering what the right path for you us, and that could depend on your situation, your goals, and your dreams.
Are you interested in sonography? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, consider ECPI University for the education you want. For more information about our accelerated classes, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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