Education for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a vital member of the medical team. A sonographer assists in the diagnosing of illness using sonography. Sonography is the use of sound waves to produce an image of the body's insides. While sonography is well known for its use during pregnancy to check on the developing fetus, it also plays an important part in medical diagnosis. As with all medical positions, there are certain education requirements that must be met to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Traits and Skills
A diagnostic medical sonographer should possess certain traits and skills to do his job well. Good communication skills are necessary. Sonographers will often have to explain the sonography procedure to patients and may have to reassure them. Since many patients are afraid of medical procedures and tests, it is important for a sonographer to be good at working with people and have compassion for patients. Sonographers should also possess good hand-eye coordination and should have a love of learning, because sonographers continue to learn long after official training has ended.
Training
There is no specific education that diagnostic medical sonographers are required to have. Some sonographers are trained on the job at hospitals or clinics, but most employers prefer sonographers to be graduates of a diagnostic medical sonography program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Accredited programs include two-year and four-year programs. Many of the two-year programs are available at community colleges and technical schools.
Certification
Certification is not required for sonographers, but it can lead to better career opportunities. The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers offers a voluntary certification and registration leading to the RDMS, or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. To become an RDMS, sonographers must register for and then pass a general exam on physical principles and instrumentation and a specialty exam on obstetrics, neurosonography or abdominal sonography. Continuing education is required to keep the RDMS status.
Advancement
Advancement is gained by cross-training in other specialties. A sonographer who specializes in abdominal sonography might study obstetrics or vice versa. Some sonographers go on to management positions or gain further education so they can teach other sonographers. Other opportunities include research, administration and other careers in the medical field.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that careers in diagnostic medical sonography will grow faster than average. Those who choose this career are likely to continue to find employment as more people seek medical care.
Tags: diagnostic medical, diagnostic medical sonographer, abdominal sonography, Diagnostic Medical, Education Diagnostic
