[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Essential Career Information[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]2018 Median Pay[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]$67,080 per year / $32.25 per hour[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Number of Jobs, 2018[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]130,700[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]2018, wage of lowest 10 percent[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]$51,430[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Employment Change, 2018-28[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]+18,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]2018, wage of the highest 10 percent[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]$100,480[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Job Outlook, 2018-28[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]+18,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell]Typical Entry-Level Education[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell]Associate degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”font-bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/projections/occupationProj/” target=”_blank”]Alternate Job Titles[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading]

• Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
• Sonographer
• Ultrasonographer
• Ultrasound Technician
• Ultrasound Technologist

[hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what”]What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic medical sonographers operate imaging equipment in medical settings. Also called cardiovascular technologists or ultrasound technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers complete specialized training to use machines that create images of patients’ bodies with high frequency sound waves. These images help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic medical sonographers earn above-average salaries. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS), the average diagnostic medical sonographer salary exceeds $67,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to be a diagnostic medical sonographer?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most entry-level positions require an associate degree, which diagnostic medical sonographers can complete in two years. Many positions also require a professional certificate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make an hour?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic medical sonographers earn over $32 an hour or an annual salary of over $67,000 on average, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a diagnostic medical sonographer?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective diagnostic medical sonographers can pursue an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate from a college or university to qualify for employment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are sonographers in high demand?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, the BLS projects jobs for diagnostic medical sonographers to grow 14% by 2028, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”responsibilities”]What Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic medical sonographers specialize in creating medical images. Medical professionals use these images to diagnose medical conditions. For example, ultrasound technology can detect kidney stones, abnormal growths, and inflammatory conditions, like appendicitis. Unlike radiology, which relies on X-rays for medical imaging, sonography uses sound waves.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic medical sonographers operate imaging equipment, identify abnormalities in images, provide diagnostic information to physicians, and answer patient questions about the procedure. Most diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, or diagnostic laboratories.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During their training, diagnostic medical sonographers can specialize to prepare for a career path after graduation. Sonographers may specialize in imaging the abdominal area, breast tissues, the heart, or the musculoskeletal system. Sonographers may also work in obstetrics and gynecology, imaging the female reproductive system.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”howtobecome”]Become a Sonographer[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certificate Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A diagnostic medical sonography certificate program provides specialized training for careers in radiology and sonography. A certificate program emphasizes transferable skills that lead to career opportunities and prepare graduates for a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Most certificate programs require previous college-level coursework in a healthcare field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a certificate program, students complete courses in ultrasound physics, vascular sonography, and abdominal sonography. Students also complete clinical experiences to build hands-on professional experience. Most programs take 12-18 months to complete and may include specializations like cardiac sonography, pediatric sonography, or vascular sonography.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants must meet admission requirements before enrolling in a diagnostic medical sonography certificate program. Many programs set prerequisite courses for admission, such as anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology. Some programs require an associate degree for admission.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx/” target=”_blank”]Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs[/hen-ui-link] (CAAHEP) accredits diagnostic sonography certificate and degree-granting programs. CAAHEP measures student learning outcomes, assesses faculty qualifications, and evaluates graduation requirements. Many employers prefer to hire job candidates from CAAHEP-accredited institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, most [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm/” target=”_blank”]diagnostic medical sonographers[/hen-ui-link] need an associate degree for entry-level positions. During an associate program, sonography students take classes on topics like human anatomy, abdominal scanning, and ultrasound technology. Associate programs also incorporate general education courses in English, math, and science. Associate degrees typically comprise 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to meeting coursework requirements, associate degree students must complete clinical hours to strengthen their training. During a practicum, students work under the supervision of an approved mentor to build the skills required for diagnostic medical sonography careers. Many associate programs offer concentrations in areas like vascular sonography or echocardiography ultrasound. Students who choose a concentration complete advanced classes and clinical requirements, such as specialized labs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants may need to meet prerequisite requirements, hold a minimum GPA, and demonstrate professional experience in a healthcare setting. Some programs conduct interviews during the admission process. As with certificate programs, prospective students considering an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography should choose CAAHEP-accredited programs, which benefit graduates in the job market.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography helps graduates stand out in the job market and prepare for graduate study. During a bachelor’s program, diagnostic medical sonographers complete general education and major-specific classes. Most programs take four years to complete, though transfer students with an associate degree often complete their bachelor’s degree in two years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnostic medical sonography majors take classes on topics like medical imaging, anatomical cross-sections, and ultrasound science. Students often spend several months to a year completing clinical requirements through a supervised internship. During the internship, students work in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories to gain hands-on experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree may offer several specialties, such as vascular sonography, OB/GYN sonography, and cardiac sonography. With a bachelor’s degree and experience, diagnostic medical sonographers can assume leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s programs in diagnostic medical sonography are slightly less common than certificate and associate programs. Prospective diagnostic medical sonographers considering bachelor’s programs can use the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx/” target=”_blank”]CAAHEP accreditation database[/hen-ui-link] to identify accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Professional Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers prefer candidates with a professional license or certificate. Diagnostic medical sonographers can earn these credentials while completing their degree requirements or after gaining professional experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.ardms.org/Pages/default.aspx/” target=”_blank”]American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers[/hen-ui-link], the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.arrt.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]American Registry of Radiologic Technologists[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.cci-online.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]Cardiovascular Credentialing International[/hen-ui-link] all license diagnostic imaging workers. Candidates for licensure must hold an accredited degree or meet alternative qualification requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During the licensure process, candidates must pass an examination. Depending on the license, candidates may take a general sonography exam, a specialized exam, or a combination of the two. Certified diagnostic medical sonographers must maintain their credentials by meeting continuing education requirements and paying a renewal fee.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]