What is the role of the Sonographer?

The role of the sonographer is vital both in outpatient and inpatient settings.  Roughly one half of sonographers work in hospital settings.  The sonographer generally spends more time with the patient than most other health care providers.  Ultrasound is a rewarding blend of patient care with highly sophisticated technology.  Ultrasound is often regarded as the most "operator-dependent" imaging modality.  The ultrasound field has rapidly expanded in the last thirty years.  Specialties include adult, pediatric, fetal and other miscellaneous procedures.

The sonographer obtains, reviews, and integrates pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.  He/she also performs appropriate procedures, and records anatomies, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician.  He/she records, analyzes, and processes diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.  One must also provide patient education related to medical ultrasound, promote principles of good health, act in a professional and ethical manner, and demonstrate kind and compassionate communication skills with patients and colleagues.

What income range can I expect?

Median entry-level salaries are between $50,000 - $60,000 per year.  If travel is a desire then the salary range becomes $60,000 - $75,000 per year or more.