How to Become a Medical Sonographer

• You can become a medical sonographer with an associate degree or a certificate from a community college or vocational school.
• You should choose a program that has received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Many programs prepare graduates for specialty certifications administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The employment outlook for medical sonographers has never been better. As the U.S. population ages, the country will need more skilled medical professionals to monitor and assess conditions associated with the elderly, such as musculoskeletal issues, heart disease, and cancer.

The healthcare industry increasingly views sonography as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to radiation imaging.

Continue reading to find out how to become a medical sonographer. Learn about degree options, opportunities for specialization, and salary prospects.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Medical Sonographer?

Becoming a medical sonographer requires about two years of postsecondary study. Many sonographers earn an associate of applied science degree from a community college, career college, or university.

Other educational paths include one-year associate degrees offered by hospital training programs or colleges, or four-year undergraduate degrees in sonography.

The path of how to become a medical sonographer involves a lot of technical skills — you'll need to be able to work and maintain the sonographic equipment.

Performing an ultrasound requires good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail, to ensure images capture what the physician needs to see. Interpersonal skills help put patients at ease in what can be uncomfortable circumstances.

Only four states require licensing for medical sonographers: New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oregon. However, many programs prepare graduates for professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

This credential requires documented education and clinical experience. Candidates must also pass an exam.

What Does Medical Sonography Training Look Like?

Your education to become a medical sonographer includes a combination of classroom study and hands-on learning. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, physics, sonographic instruments, and procedures for various types of ultrasound imaging. You also study how to document findings and write medical reports.

Clinical rotations ensure you can apply the principles and theories covered in the classroom in a real-world setting and allow you to gain experience working with patients. Medical sonographers must

• Position patients for exams
• Monitor video displays
• Adjust equipment settings
• Create required images

You can choose from certificate programs or associate degree programs. Be sure the program you choose holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and prepares you for ARDMS examinations.

Some schools may offer elective courses in specialized ultrasound technology, like breast or musculoskeletal sonography. You can find programs offering on-campus, online, and hybrid learning opportunities.

What Are the Types of Sonographer Specializations?

While many students may prefer to be a medical sonography generalist, the field offers opportunities to specialize.

Specialization allows you to focus on a specific type of ultrasound imaging, like the abdomen or breast. You can also prepare to work with a particular population, like pediatric patients.

Some specializations may require additional training or continuing education. ARDMS offers certification in the specialties. You must pass the Sonography, Principles, and Instrumentation exam and a specialty exam to earn the professional credential.

Specializations include:

• Abdomen
• Adult echocardiography
• Breast
• Fetal echocardiography
• Musculoskeletal sonography
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Pediatric echocardiography
• Pediatric sonography
• Vascular technology

ARDMS previously offered a neurosonography credential, but discontinued the exam in 2017. According to the organization, components of the certification exam complement the content of the pediatric certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Medical Sonographer's Career

Do medical sonographers have good salaries?

The median medical sonographer salary in May 2022 exceeded the median wage for all workers in May 2022. Sonographers reported median earnings of $78,210 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Wages ranged from less than $61,430, in the bottom 10th percentile to more than $107,730 in the 90th percentile.

Hospitals employ about 56% of medical sonographers. They paid sonographers an average salary of $84,410. Where you live also impacts your earning potential. Medical sonographers in California made the most in May 2022, with a median salary of $ 114,480.

Is medical sonography a good career?

Medical sonography jobs offer good pay and job security. The BLS projects 10% growth in the employment of diagnostic medical sonographers from 2022-2032. As medical imaging evolves, sonographers trained in cardiac, vascular, or muscular sonography may find increased career opportunities in hospitals, physicians' offices, and other healthcare settings.

Are ultrasound tech and sonography the same?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences. Ultrasound technicians provide monitoring information working with a team of doctors and healthcare professionals. Sonographers monitor, diagnose, and treat medical conditions for diverse patient populations with specific conditions. While medical sonographers perform some of the same procedures as ultrasound technicians, they often work in more specialized areas such as oncology or obstetrics.

Does sonography require a lot of math?

You need strong math skills to work in the field of sonography. You must complete prerequisites in high school science and math courses, including algebra, calculus, and geometry, for admission to a sonography program.

Is medical sonography harder than nursing?

Each of these professions requires a unique set of skills and different training. While nursing degrees provide students with comprehensive medical knowledge applied to patient care, sonographers must master a broad set of technological skills to monitor and assess a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Sonography programs require more clinical hours and final exams than a nursing degree.