A sonographer is a healthcare professional who uses specialized equipment to create images of the inside of the body. These images, called sonograms or ultrasounds, can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
To become a sonographer, you will typically need to complete a formal education program in diagnostic medical sonography. These programs are usually offered at the certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree level and can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and universities.
Coursework in a sonographer program will typically include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Patient care
- Medical ethics
- Physics
- Instrumentation
- Sonographic techniques
- Image evaluation
In addition to classroom instruction, sonographer programs often include clinical education components where students can gain hands-on experience working with patients and using sonographic equipment.
Upon completion of a sonographer program, students may be eligible to sit for a certification exam offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Certification is not required for all sonographers, but it may be preferred by some employers and may lead to higher salaries and career advancement opportunities.