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How to Become a Diagnostic Medical SonographerLearn how to become a diagnostic medical sonographer. Research the job description, education, and licensing requirements to find out how to pursue a career in medical sonography.Diagnostic Medical SonographersDiagnostic medical sonographers use sophisticated equipment to project sound waves into patients' bodies and create images of their tissues for medical diagnostic purposes. Sonographers can choose from several specialization options, including abdomen, breast, vascular, and cardiac sonography. Because of the many fields available in sonography, these professionals can work in a variety of settings, from doctors' offices to medical laboratories. Most workers are hired full time, and some diagnostic medical sonographers must work graveyard and weekend shifts.Career RequirementsDegree Level: Associate or bachelor's degree; certificate programs typically for those with experienceDegree Field: Sonography or radiologic technologyLicensure and Certification: Few states require licensure; sonography certification required by many employers; basic life support (BLS) or CPR certifications typically requiredExperience: No experience outside of educational training is required for entry-level positionsKey Skills: Interpersonal, technical and detail-oriented skills; good hand-eye coordination and physical stamina; ability to operate computerized instruments and complex machinerySalary: $68,970 per year (2015 median salary for all diagnostic medical sonographers)Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Online Job Postings (August 2015)Necessary EducationAn associate or bachelor's degree is typically required to pursue employment as a diagnostic medical sonographer. Students also have the option to graduate with a degree in a related field, pursue a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography, and then receive on-the-job training. This option is usually reserved for professionals already working in the field, such as nurses, respiratory therapists, and radiologic technologists. Most degree programs allow students to choose an area of specialization, such as abdominal sonography, obstetrics/gynecology, vascular sonography, and echocardiography. Supervised clinical experience is an essential component of the curriculum for all degree programs.For students wishing to excel in this field, it is recommended that they develop strong people and communication skills. Since diagnostic medical sonographers spend the majority of their time working closely with patients, the ability to be an effective communicator is highly regarded. While in school, students can take advantage of clinical experiences to develop people skills and learn how to interact with patients. They will also need to choose an accredited program. Students should ensure that their program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), as employment and certification are often dependent on completing an accredited program.Obtaining sonography clinical experience is important for those who have earned a degree in a related healthcare field, such as radiologic technology or nursing. During this time, one can become acquainted with the daily responsibilities of a diagnostic medical sonographer while under the supervision of an experienced professional. These clinical experiences can also prepare individuals to meet certification requirements.Additional RequirementsMost employers require that diagnostic medical sonographers be certified. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers diagnostic medical sonographers the opportunity to become certified in a variety of specialties, including radiation therapy, radiography, nuclear medicine technology, sonography, and magnetic resonance imaging.Through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), sonographers can also pursue certification, such as the registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS), registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RDCS), registered vascular technologist (RVT), or registered in musculoskeletal (RMSK). Graduating from an accredited sonography program, completing sufficient clinical experience, and passing an exam are the main pathways to becoming certified.Only a few states require sonographers to be licensed. While state requirements can vary, a professional certification from a national credentialing organization is often required to become licensed.Registration through the ARRT must be renewed annually. Diagnostic medical sonographers must complete 24 continuing education credits every two years to remain certified. To maintain ARDMS credentials, sonographers must earn at least 30 continuing medical education (CME) credits in a 3-year period and pay an annual renewal fee.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diagnostic medical sonographers who are certified in more than one specialty are expected to have the most favorable job prospects. The ARDMS offers numerous specialty certifications for diagnostic medical sonographers who focus on abdominal sonography, breast sonography, obstetrics and gynecology, echocardiography, or neurosonology.Diagnostic medical sonographers are medical professionals who can specialize in a variety of different areas of the body. Becoming one requires at least the completion of a degree or certificate program in the field, clinical experience, and the completion of certification.Show me popular schoolsUltrasound & Sonography Technologies Guide1. 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Top SchoolsTop Schools for Ultrasound and Sonography TechnologyTop Physician Assistant Schools in the United States5 Things You Should Know About Diagnostic Medical SonographyDiagnostic medical sonography is a great career choice if you want to get into the medical field but don't want to become a full-fledged doctor. You get to have a lot of patient interaction and experience some important moments in patients’ lives without having to make critical medical decisions. Unfortunately, the images you are presented with about medical sonographers isn't a very complete one and most people don't even have a clear picture of what a medical sonographer does.Here are five things you should know about diagnostic medical sonography, to give you a better idea if it might be a career for you:Medical Sonography Isn’t Just for PregnancyMost people associate the profession of a diagnostic medical sonographer or an ultrasound technician with pregnancy but this career path has several different opportunities to choose from. Some of the possibilities for degree application include imaging and diagnosis for treatment of conditions in:The abdomenBreastHeartBlood VesselsMusculoskeletalThis diagnostic technology can also work with MRI, CAT scan, X-ray and other forms of diagnostic nuclear medicine to accurately detect a wide range of internal health issues. Sonography can also be very helpful, especially when used with other imaging, to perform surgical procedures more precisely and show the surgeons the internal landscape before cutting.Diagnostic Medical Sonography Pays WellThe average annual pay for someone with a degree in diagnostic medical sonography is $60,350according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary will vary by specialty, clinic, and location but a majority of jobs will fall within $10,000 one way or the other making it a lucrative career choice.Projected Job Growth of Diagnostic Medical SonographyAlong with great pay, this career has a great future outlook. With the increasing reliance on imaging equipment for medical diagnosis and monitoring, more people are needed to fill those roles. The average job growth is 11% from 2012 to 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The diagnostic medical sonography field is predicted to have a job growth rate of 39%, which is well above average. This statistic means opportunities after graduation.What are the Minimum Requirements to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?Because sonographers work in a hospital setting, it is easy to jump to the conclusion that they spend years in school similar to doctors. In fact, that isn't the case at all. Most programs only require you to have the equivalent of an associate's degree. There are programs dedicated to a career in diagnostic medical sonography that emphasize science, anatomy and medical terminology. Most of these specialized programs will also include a clinical rotation with a certified medical sonographer for real-world, hands-on experience and observation. After completing this degree most institutions would require you to have a certification before hiring you.The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography offers great information about the various certification exams, as well as other relevant information for current or prospective medical sonographers. Certification is typically required based on specialization. For example, abdominal sonography requires a certification, breast sonography requires a certification and so on.Medical Sonography is Physically DemandingMost of the time you’ll see on movies or TV shows videos of sonographers sitting and imaging a pregnant woman. However, this isn't always an accurate picture of everything a medical sonographer is required to do as part of their job. Most medical sonographers work full-time and even on-call or weekend hours. For this time, a medical sonographer will be on his or her feet walking to patient rooms or even standing through imaging procedures. Not only are they walking between patients but most are required to be able to lift and turn patients for imaging and those that are unable to move themselves. Some physical strength, along with proper lifting techniques are definitely going to be helpful to you in this career.If you are interested in a career in diagnostic medical sonography, contact ECPI University for program information. You could earn your Associate’s Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in as little as 1.5 years through our accelerated, year-round program! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in TexasDoes the idea of working with some of the most advanced technology in the medical field interest you? Would you like to play an important role in helping doctors diagnosis illness? As a diagnostic medical sonographer (formerly referred to as “ultrasound technologist”) you will use sonographic (sound wave) equipment to obtain internal images of a patient’s body for evaluation by physicians.Career OverviewSonography is the use of sound waves to create internal images of the body for use in diagnosing various medical conditions. Although commonly used and widely known for its application in obstetrics, sonography is used to diagnose and guide treatment for a variety of ailments throughout the body.Diagnostic medical sonographers (a.k.a. sonographers) use sonographic equipment that carries sound waves into select areas of the body. The equipment captures the reflected echoes of body structures and creates and image that can be videotaped or photographed for evaluation and diagnosis by physicians.Duties of a Diagnostic Medical SonographerThe process begins when the sonographer explains the procedure to the patient and records his or her medical history, especially as it relates to the condition being evaluated.The sonographer then adjusts the equipment to appropriate settings and guides the patient into different positions to obtain the best view.The sonographer prepares the patient’s body by spreading a special gel on the area to be examined and then scans the patient’s body using a transducer which emits sound waves in a cone- or rectangular-shaped beam.When viewing the image, sonographers search for subtle clues to the underlying medical condition. They then capture images to show physicians for further evaluation. As per Professor Charlotte Henningsen, President of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, “because of the real-time nature of sonography exams, it is one of the more operator-dependent medical imaging modalities.”Aside from imaging, sonographers also update and store patient records and maintain equipment.Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may specialize in such areas as obstetrics and gynecology, abdominal sonography (kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas), neurosonography (images of the brain and other parts of the nervous system), vascular sonography, cardiac sonography, and breast sonography.Career OutlookAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent through 2018—a rate that is faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth can be attributed to the continuing aging of the population with an increased demand for diagnostic imaging services. Growth in the field also arises from the realization by healthcare providers that the use of ultrasound equipment to diagnose illness is a safer and more cost-effective method than is the case with radiological procedures. The field is expected to evolve even further with the introduction of new sonographic equipment, enabling sonographers to scan areas of the body that have until this point not be examined.Education and Training to become a SonographerAccording to Professor Charlotte Henningsen, President of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS), the majority of states (Texas included) have no licensing or certification requirements for diagnostic medical sonographers and it is possible to enter the field with a high school diploma. There are several pathways for entering the field of sonography; however, Professor Henningsen does acknowledge that graduation from an accredited training program along with registration through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), or American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is highly recommended to enhance your marketability to potential employers. As per Professor Henningsen, all of the sonography-related professional associations embrace the idea of sonographers certification as the community standard-of-care. Accredited programs also provide preparation for certification examinations that you will need to pass in order to obtain sonographer certification.The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits over 190 educational programs offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and universities. Several hospital-based programs have received accreditation as well.Colleges and universities are where the majority of accredited programs are found. Coursework will include anatomy and physiology, medical instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics combined with extensive clinical education.There are also shorter educational programs that are acceptable to most employers. However, these programs are most appropriate for those who are already employed within a healthcare career seeking to transition into the field of sonography.View a list of schools in Texas offering programs in diagnostic medical sonography.Certification RequirementsAs per Professor Henningsen of the SDMS, there are currently limited certification requirements to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer. However, those who wish to enter this field are strongly encouraged to seek accredited sonography programs and obtain sonographer credentials. Most employers prefer to hire registered sonographers since this provides objective evidence of a candidate’s knowledge and professional standing. The profession is also seeking to establish stricter standards for entry as the field of sonography continues to evolve with the introduction of new technology.Diagnostic Medical Sonographers may become registered by passing two examinations administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): 1) the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) examination; 2) an additional exam chosen from such specialties as vascular, cardiac, breast, abdominal, and neurosonography.Upon passing both exams you will certified as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) by ARDMS. According to Professor Henningsen, there are currently 70,000 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers registered through this agency which is the organization that credentials the large majority of sonographers; however, CCI and ARRT also provide sonography certification examinations.Eligibility to sit for the exams:You may sit for the SPI exam upon successfully completion of ultrasound physics and instrumentation courses.You will not be eligible to sit for one of the specialty exams until you have graduated from a training program.Overview of Application Process for the SPI and specialty exams:You must first register with ARDMS before having access to the online application. When completing the application be sure to use your full legal name. You may pay the application processing fee of $200. online but must mail all supporting documents to ARDMS.Supporting documentation to sit for the SPI includes a transcript showing proof that you have passed two ultrasound physics courses, along with non-expired government issued photo identification.For graduates of accredited two year programs (60 semester credits) located in the U.S or Canada applying to take one of the specialty exams, supporting documentation includes:Copy of your school diploma or an official transcript andOriginal letter signed by program/medical director attesting to date of graduation and successful completion of the program andAn original signed and completed clinical verification (CV) form for each specialty area, if applicable, must be submitted. The CV form is not required if the application is submitted and received by ARDMS within one year of program graduation andPhotocopy of non-expired government issued Identification with your signature. The name on the ID card must match exactly the name you indicate on your test application form.For those who did not graduate from an accredited two year program or who have additional professional experience, visit http://www.ardms.org/Prerequisite.asp and complete the online questionnaire to determine your documentation requirements.ARDMS will review your documentation and compare your education and clinical experience to one of the published examination prerequisites and/or requirements.ARDMS will send eligible applicants an Examination Confirmation Letter within two to four weeks following submission of your application and all supporting documents to the ARDMS office. The letter will indicate the exam you are approved to take and notify you of the 90 day period during which the exam must be scheduled at an approved testing site.A Web site address and toll-free number will be provided so you may schedule an appointment to test. All examinations are administered online using Pearson VUE test centers located throughout the United States. New users will need to create a new web account with Pearson VUE. Once your web account is created, the username and password will be used to schedule all future examinations.You will be notified of your preliminary examination score immediately upon completing the exam. ARDMS will also be sent the score electronically. The results are subject to review and acceptance by ARDMS.Upon passing the exam ARDMS will grant the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RCDS), and/or the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential and you will receive a certification packet with temporary ARDMS Identification (ID) card and an official letter within six weeks. Your name will be printed on the certificate exactly as you recorded it on your application. The official ARDMS ID card is sent at a later date.Once you pass both exams, you will then be listed in the ARDMS online directory with your two letter state code so that potential employers can verify your credential.Additional information on ARDMS exams may be found at www.ARDMS.org/practiceexams.For comprehensive information on the ARDMS exams and application process, refer to the Application Booklet which can be found at http://www.ardms.org/downloads/app.pdf.For details regarding certification requirements through CCI, visit http://www.cci-online.org/content/certified-cardiographic-technician-cctFor details regarding certification requirements through ARRT visit, https://www.arrt.org/pdfs/Disciplines/Handbooks/RAD-Handbook.pdfCareer AdvancementDiagnostic Medical Sonographers can seek advancement by obtaining multiple credentials. For example, cardiac sonographers might seek certification in the area of neurosonogrpahy to broaden their career options and enhance their marketability to potential employers. Sonographers may also advance into management roles supervising the role of other sonographers.Salary of Diagnostic Medical SonographersThe following are median entry-level salaries of diagnostic medical sonographers in select Texas cities:Austin: $57,659-$60,744Dallas: $60,385-$63,315Fort Worth: $59,840-$$63,041Houston: $60,082-$63,296San Antonio: $56,085-$59,085Salary.com updated May 2011View a list of schools in Texas offering programs in diagnostic medical sonography.wikiHow to Become an Ultrasound TechnicianTwo Parts:Meeting the Educational RequirementsGetting Certified and Finding a JobCommunity Q&AUltrasound technicians use ultrasound technology to examine the health of organs as well as developing fetuses in the womb. They play a crucial role in aiding doctors with diagnosis and treatment of medical problems, and help to ensure the health of the mother and fetus during a pregnancy. To become an ultrasound technician, it's necessary to study human anatomy and receive training in using ultrasound technology. If you want to know more about how to become an ultrasound technician, keep reading.Part1Meeting the Educational Requirements1Get a high school diploma. You'll need a high school diploma or GED in order to enroll in the educational programs that prepare you to become an ultrasound technician. As part of your prep for a career as an ultrasound technician, study math, English, computer science, health, and both the physical and life sciences as part of your high school curriculum.2Complete an accredited Ultrasound Technician program. Find a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and get your Associate's Degree or complete a postgraduate certificate program.If you're shifting careers in the health care industry, or you're a high-school graduate, you can take a one-year program. These fast-track programs generally reward you with a vocational certificate.Two-year programs are the most popular, and when you complete the two years (one to one and a half years if you have taken many of the prerequisite courses), you will earn an associate's degree.You can also take a four year program, and graduate with a bachelors degree.Stay away from eight week or six month programs. Not only do they not prepare you adequately for a career as an ultrasound technician, but it will hardly matter as you will not be competitive in the job market.Note that some colleges may require you to complete a Certified Nursing Associate (CNA) course before being accepted into a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) program.If you already have a Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree and want to become an ultrasound technician, the diploma program may be the best option.Each program has different requirements, and the previously earned degrees may or may not have to be in a related field like Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine or an Allied Health disciplineDiploma programs offer you the opportunity to expand your career options by adding Diagnostic Medical Sonography to your expertiseThe previous degree earned and the program requirements will determine how long it takes to complete the program, but it usually take 12-18 monthsYou may need to complete prerequisite courses depending on your previously earned degreeAlways choose a CAAHEP accredited diploma programEarning a Master’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography can open up many new career options. If you are interested in moving into administration, teaching, research, publishing or a position in private industry, this is the degree to pursue.You must have a Bachelor’s degree to apply to a Master’s degree programThe program is designed to be completed in 12-15 monthsYou may have to take additional courses that are not part of the Master’s degree program’s core curriculum, which adds to the time it takes to complete the programAlways attend a CAAHEP accredited programClinical training may have to be completed.3Get clinical training. While you're enrolled in a program, you'll have opportunities to take internships that provide hands-on clinical experience.[1] You'll learn ultrasound skills in a health care setting and have the opportunity to put what you've learned into practice.You can receive additional training at professional conferences and continuing education opportunities.Work on gathering enough hours to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams.[2]Part2Getting Certified and Finding a Job1Take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams.[3] These are not required for ultrasound technicians, but you will greatly increase your marketability—and in turn, your paycheck—by successfully completing these exams and becoming a certified ultrasound technician or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).The exams include two parts: a general physics section and a sub-specialty of your choice (ob-gyn, abdominal, etc.).Take as many exams as you want to get extra certifications that will let you specialize in certain fields.2Apply for jobs. You've gone through the training, taken the tests, and now you're officially a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Look for job openings at hospitals, doctor's offices and health clinics in your area.