Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
What they do
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Expected pay range
Expected pay range
This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
About diagnostic medical sonographers
Other titles
Cardiac Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Medical Sonographer, Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), Sonographer, Staff Sonographer, Ultrasonographer, Ultrasound Technician (Ultrasound Tech), Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech)
Tasks they perform
- 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.
Skills they need
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Licenses and Certifications
How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.
Certifications
Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications (external link opens new tab)
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Additional career information and resources
Learn more about diagnostic medical sonographers with these helpful sites.
- Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (external link opens new tab)
- American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (external link opens new tab)
- American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (external link opens new tab)
- American Society of Echocardiography (external link opens new tab)
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (external link opens new tab)
- Cardiovascular Credentialing International (external link opens new tab)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (external link opens new tab)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists (external link opens new tab)
- Society for Vascular Ultrasound (external link opens new tab)
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (external link opens new tab)