Sonographer

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Work Tasks

• Operate medical equipment which sends out sound waves and makes a picture based on how quickly the waves bounce back
• Explain procedures to patients and record any related medical history
• Position the patient and take sonogram pictures of various parts of the patient's body
• Make sure the pictures are clear and accurate; record and file results for each patient
• Work for hospitals, private physicians' offices, health maintenance organizations, clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and research institutions
• Work with patient records, ultrasound scanning equipment, printout strips, photographs, and video images

Salary, Size & Growth

• $66,000 average per year ($31.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (53,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree from a hospital, college, or vocational-technical school program
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year or master's degree
• Skills/Courses: College courses include anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics.
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is available.