The medical field of diagnostic sonography is highly technical and constantly growing in demand. Diagnostic sonographers learn the skills to perform non-invasive imaging procedures that can detect cancer, heart disease, risk of stroke and other life-threatening diseases, all while earning an above average salary.
What is a Diagnostic Sonographer?
A licensed diagnostic sonographer is a trained medical professional, skilled in the use of ultrasound, a high frequency sound wave technology that allows medical personnel to view inside of a patient's body without the use of radiation emitted from traditional X-rays. The images are called sonograms. Physicians use these images to diagnose disease and other disorders in patients as an alternative to exploratory surgery when possible. Diagnostic sonographers can find work in hospitals and private doctors' offices, as well as laboratories, clinics and specialized medical centers.
Diagnostic Sonography Pay
The salary range for diagnostic sonographers depends on several factors, including years of experience and geographic location. A first-year diagnostic sonographer can expect to earn around $21.38 per hour. With one or more years of experience, diagnostic sonographers can earn on average $23.71 per hour. Those with at least five years of job experience can earn an average of $28.32 per hour, and after 10 years on the job, diagnostic sonographers can earn about $31.35 per hour. According to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the median pay for full-time diagnostic sonographers in the U.S., including overtime and on-call pay, is around $61,000 per year.
Training for Diagnostic Sonography
Although it varies from one state to another, the average amount of time required to complete a diagnostic sonography program runs between two and four years. Both degree and certification programs are available and can be found at junior colleges, universities and technical schools. The program should be accredited through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Job Forecast for Diagnostic Sonographers
The job outlook for medical diagnostic sonographers is expected to be good through the year 2016, with both full-time and part-time job opportunities anticipated to be available.
Specialization Areas and Other Requirements
Diagnostic sonographers may choose to specialize in a specific medical area, such as neurosonology (brain and spinal cord imaging), ophthalmology, mammograms, blood flow, obstetrics and gynecology. As a diagnostic sonographer you must be physically fit, because you will be routinely bending, lifting (50 pounds or more), pushing and pulling. Because of the close contact with patients, good people skills are also a must.
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