Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

What the job really is

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-2032
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
• Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
• Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
• Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
• Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
• Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
• Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
• Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
• Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
• Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
• Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.

Tools and technology

MEDITECH software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, eClinicalWorks EHR software, 3D sonography equipment, A-Mode ultrasound machines, Calendar and scheduling software, Cardiac ultrasound equipment, Color Doppler ultrasound equipment, Continuous-wave ultrasound equipment, Database software, Desktop computers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• Neurodiagnostic Technologists
• Radiation Therapists
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
• Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
• Endoscopy Technicians
• Surgical Technologists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.