Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

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Help doctors diagnose by capturing detailed images of internal organs.
Play a vital role in patient care and medical diagnosis with advanced imaging.
Use cutting-edge technology to ensure patient safety and comfort.

💰 Earn $98K-$150K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 15.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

5,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$119,120 in California

$84,470 Nationally

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@sydney__doyle

@malloryrawlss

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Service Orientation
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years