Diagnostic Medical Sonography Certificate - Sonographer Career & Salaries
 | Sonography is the use of sound waves to form an image. These high sound waves are used to image structures within the body. Medical ultrasonography is a field that requires specialized training and skills in order to review and analyze the scanned information of this image. There are high levels of decision leeway and the highest degree of responsibility. Some states require a sonographer license and a professional certification before practicing ultrasonography. Close to 60% of sonographers work in hospitals, while others work in doctors' offices, diagnostic facilities and outpatient centers. In most settings, they operate their equipment in a fairly large suite with dim lighting. At times, their expertise is needed on an emergent basis (especially in hospitals) so they will occasionally work overnight shifts, weekends and holidays. |
Education and Degree
There are various levels of training in; from certificate to degree programs. A certificate in ultrasonography is a one to two years training that requires lectures and course work together with internship at a health centre. Getting a certificate become a first thing for people to do that are interested in going into the field of medicine.There are certain prerequisite modules that have to be completed before going for the clinical internship.
The ultrasound degree program requires a sharp mind and judgment to use the sophiscated equipment and evaluate the images produced in making a diagnosis. The basic requirements for a degree include a high school diploma, be at least 18 years old, minimum reading and writing COMPASS, a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, a physical exam (medical form)/immunization record, among others.
Associated Organizations & Associations
Most employers will only employ a sonographers who have passed through an accredited program. In some US states, a medical ultrasonography license is required. In addition, professional certification is necessary in almost all states, however, for most ultrasonographers to get a job. Certification is included in some educational programs, or sonographers can obtain it through professional associations such as the ARDMS.
New Mexico, New Virginia, New Jersey and Oregon became the first four states to require a license before practicing sonography and the ARDMS anticipates that other states will soon follow suit and enact similar laws. Licensure laws require that an individual practicing a specific profession has met, and will maintain, entry-level standards.Currently, certification is not a requirement in the state of California, but to remain competitive, it advisable to undergo an accredited course. Furthermore, ARDMS registration is often required by employers.
SDMS is membership organization established in 1970 to promote, advance, and educate professional sonographers. The society boasts over 23,000 members and is the largest professional group of sonographers and ultrasound students in the world. The society provides its members with continuing education through various publications, products, and conferences. Its continuing education credit is accepted by the ARDMS and other professional organizations.
Salary, Benefits and Career Information
Average sonographer wage is 35% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide. Estimated salary ranges from a minimum of $25 to a high of $40 per hour. The annual average salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in CA is $105,000, which is $40,000 more than the average pay of the profession nationally. Check out http://sonographersalarydata.com for more information about sonography salary.
The future outlook for is bright as use of sonography will continue to increase as the population grows and patient numbers continue to grow. Hospitals will still remain the major employer of to qualified medical sonographers, but physicians' offices and in medical and diagnostic laboratories will also continue to create vast opportunities for graduating students. Further, the shift towards more outpatient healthcare facilities will also create more employment opportunities, plus sonographers with more than one certification specialty stand a better chance in the industry. |  |
