How Long Does it Take to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Orlando?
Diagnostic medical sonographers play a very important role in the medical field. They use sonographic equipment and high-frequency sound waves to obtain internal images of the human body.
Most people are familiar with pregnancy ultrasounds that show the growth and sex of the baby before birth, but there is a myriad of other ways that sonograms are used:
- To find possible abnormalities in the abdomen, breast, and other internal organs
- In prenatal, neonatal, and trauma settings
Findings from sonograms are critical in helping physicians correctly diagnose health issues and prescribe the proper treatment.
The Job Description of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
The responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer will vary from day to day. The main responsibility is providing care for patients. They provide physical assistance as well as medical and emotional support. Daily tasks may include:
- Gathering info to update medical records
- Document tests and procedures
- Communications with patients, supervisors, physicians and other colleagues
- Working on computers and complex medical equipment
- Interpreting complex medical information and sharing it in a simple to understand way for patients
- Analyzing information and evaluating results
- Comply with laws, standards and regulations
- Be knowledgeable about equipment, control mechanisms and machine processes
- Organizing, planning and prioritizing workflows
- Coaching and helping other colleagues
- Repairing and maintaining equipment
- Monitoring and controlling resources to be financially solvent
What is the Job Outlook for a Sonographer?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, sonographers are in high demand, as those in the healthcare field in general. As Baby Boomers become elderly, and are living longer and being more active, the need for physicians and other medical practitioners are in demand. Unless they decide to change careers, sonographers should always be able to get a job. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics goes on to say that the field of sonography is growing at 46%, which is much faster than those in many other careers are.
How Long Will it Take You to Complete Your Education?
There are some careers that require a medical education as well as hands-on experience. This is true for a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer as it involves not just patient care, but the ability to learn the technology and medical equipment that you depend on as a sonographer.
If you decide that a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer, you will take a wide range of hands-on, interactive learning as well as classroom education and a clinical externship which positions you well for your new career.
During your educational program you will probably learn the following:
- Ultrasound principals and operation of equipment
- Sonographic principals of internal structures such as the abdomen, gynecology, breast and other organs
- Cross sections of the anatomy
- Development of diagnostic images
- Recording appropriate patient information
- Ongoing patient care
After completing your degree, you should be prepared to take exams required for certification, which are necessary to gain employment. Those exams include the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). Examinations include: registry examination in Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation (SPI), and the Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN). The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
ECPI University is Your Fast Track to Career Success
Are you interested in a career in sonography? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a knowledgeable admissions professional today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Sonography - Associate’s
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