The Importance Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

A pregnant woman needs her pregnancy to be monitored, so her doctor refers her to a diagnostic medical sonographer. Diagnostic medical sonographers also known as ultrasound technicians use specialized imaging equipment to produce images of a patient’s internal organs. Abdominal, breast, musculoskeletal, neurological, obstetric, and gynecologist sonographers are different types of ultrasound technicians. All sonographers place an ultrasound transducer on the part of the body that is being examined. The transducer sends high frequency sound waves to the body, these sound waves produce echoes that are ‘bounced’ back to the transducer and displayed as images on the ultrasound machine. Ultrasound images are used to monitor pregnancies, detect …show more content…
Career Cruising states, “to enter this career, you need to complete an accredited program in diagnostic medical sonography” (Career Cruising). Most diagnostic medical sonographers acquire an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography for this job. One can also acquire a bachelor’s degree for better pay. Students in diagnostic medical sonography programs take classes in: anatomy, physiology, physics, and patient care. They also take classes in medical terminology and learn how to interpret sonographic images. Once a student has acquired their degree, he or she needs to be certified in diagnostic medical sonography. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography certifies students, so they can be able to work. Sonographers have to keep up with their education to keep their certification up to date. High school students that are interested in diagnostic medical sonography should take classes in: anatomy, physiology, and …show more content…
Sonographers have to be detail orientated. They must be able to pay close attention to the screen to obtain the best images possible for the doctor. They also need to have hand-eye coordination. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “to get quality images, diagnostic medical sonographers must be able to move equipment on the patient’s body in response to what they see on the screen” (Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). Since sonographers work closely to patients they need to have interpersonal skill. Patients may be in much pain and or mental stress, so the sonographer needs to comfort the patient and make the exam as easy as possible. Diagnostic medical sonographers should also have strength and stamina, because they need to help patients and are on their feet most part of the day. Sonographers also need to have good computer skills to be able to work the ultrasound