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About the Profession of Sonography
What is Sonography?
Ultrasonography, commonly called Sonography, is a diagnostic medical procedure
that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce dynamic visual
images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Sonography can be
used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, female
reproductive system, prostate, heart and blood vessels.
The process involves placing a small device called a transducer against the
patient's skin near the body part to be imaged. The transducer works like a
loudspeaker and microphone because it can both transmit and receive sound.
The transducer sends a stream of high frequency sound waves into the body that
bounce off the structures inside. The transducer detects sound waves as they
bounce off the internal structures. Differently structures in the body reflect
these sound waves differently. These sounds are analyzed by a computer to make
an image of the structure(s) on a television screen or that can be recorded on
videotape.
What does a Sonographer do?
Sonographers are non-physician professionals who perform ultrasound procedures.
Sonographers that specialize in imaging and tests of blood vessels are known as
vascular technologists. A diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly-skilled
professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of structures
inside the human body that are used by physicians to make a medical diagnosis.
Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact that may include performing
some invasive procedures. They must be able to interact compassionately and
effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill.
There are several areas of specialization in the field of Sonography.
- Abdomen - Evaluation of all the soft tissues, blood vessels and
organs of the abdominal cavities (for example: liver, spleen, urinary tract,
pancreas).
- Breast - Frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are
found with screening or diagnostic mammography.
- Obstetrics/Gynecology - Evaluation of the female reproductive
system.
- Vascular Technology - Evaluation and analysis of the hemodynamics
(blood flow) of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels.
- Neurosonology - Evaluation of the brain and spinal cord.
- Ophthalmology - Evaluation of the eye, including orbital structures
and muscles.
- Echocardiography - Evaluation of the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood
flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels.
What are the career opportunities?
Sonographers and Vascular Technologists can choose to work in clinics, hospitals,
private practice physician offices, public health facilities, laboratories, and
other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization.
Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research,
and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales
representatives, technical advisors, etc.
Do you want to become a Registered Sonographer?
If the student wants to become a 'registered' sonographer upon graduation, the
student needs to know the accreditation status of the education program before
they apply for admission to the program. Increasingly, employers require their
sonographers to become registered or hire only registered sonographers.
Why is the Accreditation Status of the program important?
By attending a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied
Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the student will be able to apply to take
the national certification examinations offered by the ARDMS (American Registry
of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) upon graduation from the program. By
successfully completing the certification exams, the student will be awarded
the credential of 'registered sonographer.' Students who graduate from our
program are also eligible to sit for the certification in Sonography, Primary
Pathway, offered by the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists®. Please visit
ARRT.org
for details.
General Ultrasound concentration
Our program grants a certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography from
Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center and an Associate in Science Degree
from Union County College.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is:
- Full-time two semester general education requirements
- Twenty month professional course sequence
- Advanced standing/credits evaluated
View our course
outline for more information.
Course time limits:
- 5 year limit for sciences
Professional Responsibilities
- Providing an oral or written summary of the technical findings to the
physician for medical diagnosis.
- Providing quality patient care.
- Collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team.
- Obtaining and recording an accurate patient history.
- Performing diagnostic procedures and obtaining diagnostic images.
- Analyzing technical information.
- Using independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope to
the procedure according to the diagnostic findings.
Technical Standards
- Lift more than 50 pounds routinely
- Push and pull routinely
- Bend and stoop routinely
- Have full use of both hands, wrists and shoulders
- Distinguish audible sounds
- Adequately view sonograms, including color distinctions
- Work standing on their feet 80% of the time
- Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick or injured
- Assist patient on and off examining tables
- Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
- Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a sonographic
procedure in the proper sequence
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