Sonographer can specialize in OB/GYN testing.
Studying sonography can pave the way to a rewarding career in the health care field. Ultrasonography, also dubbed sonography, aids physicians in determining the cause of a medical issue. This diagnostic tool uses high-frequency sound waves to examine various part of the body. Sonographers work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and in private practices performing this diagnostic procedure on patients. Specialization in this field can lead to a variety of career paths.
Education
If you have an interest in training to be a sonographer, also called an ultrasound technician, many colleges and universities offer programs. You can start by earning an associate's degree or opt for a four-year program. Depending on the state, a license may be be a requirement to perform ultrasonography. Technicians who wish to earn a certification can do so through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The organization offers a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) designation and a specialized certification program for a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS). The sonographer must pass comprehensive examinations prior to receiving a certification.
Generalist
Obtaining employment in a hospital means working with a wide range of patient conditions. Technicians receive orders to perform ultrasonography from attending physicians. Many hospitals require at least a two-year degree and some practical experience. Additionally, applicants have an improved chance of obtaining a position if they are certified.
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
One way to steer your career into a specialty field is performing medical imaging in the private practice of an OB/GYN doctor. There are two basic needs for ultrasonography in this field. Many patients in an OB/GYN practice are pregnant women who typically have ultrasonographs performed about 20 weeks into the gestation. Sonographers introduce parents to their child as images of the baby appear on the screen. Often the sex of the child is determined at this stage of the pregnancy. Ultrasound technology also determines the presence of more than one fetus and the age, health and position of the child.
Pelvic ultrasound procedures help doctors review and diagnose any conditions of the female reproductive system. Tests reveal the reason for pelvic pain and the existence of fibroid tumors. Women undergoing fertility treatments also have ultrasound procedures.
Other Specialties
Neurosonography is a specialty field for technicians. These sonographers work performing tests that reveal the condition of the brain and nervous system. A further specialty in this segment of the medical field is neonatal neurosonography. Tests uncover the nature of any birth defects or developmental abnormalities.
Mammography is another career path for ultrasound technicians. Breast sonography is a viable way of detecting cancer at an early stage.
Another specialty requiring the skills of a sonographer is the cardiac field. Echocardiographs show the vessels, value function and blood flow of a patient's heart. Many colleges offer an associate's degree in cardiovascular sonography.
Tags: associate degree, Diagnostic Medical, perform ultrasonography, Registered Diagnostic, specialty field
