Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

At a glance

  • Career Clusters

    Health Science

  • Avg. Pay

    $84,410

  • Entry-Level Education

    Associate's degree
    (2 years college)

  • Job Outlook

    Faster than average

  • Total US Employment

    81,080

Overview

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

Job Tasks

  • 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.

Important Subjects

Employment by Industry

Wage Distribution

Average Wages by State

Data provided by:

O*NET in-it Bureau of Labor Statistics