In these four states, it will be impossible to become a sonographer without receiving a license or certificate. In states where ultrasound certification is not legally required, most employers still prefer or require an ultrasound technician to be licensed or credentialed.
Generally speaking, those who are certified have a competitive advantage over those who are not when searching for employment. Diagnostic medical sonography is frequently categorized as one of the top paying jobs available without a four year degree.
In a recent article , Monster. More experience in the sonography field can result in higher compensation. Certifications and higher education may lead to more advanced or specialized job roles which correlate to a higher salary. The setting a sonographer works in plays a part in determining their salary. Additionally, sonographers who are on-call or working less desirable shifts may receive additional compensation conditions in your area may vary.
Lastly, geographic location is also a factor in determining salary. Hawaii, Alaska, California, the District of Columbia, and Washington provided the highest salaries to their sonographers compared to other states. As new technologies have emerged, so have new fields within medical imaging.
There is an emerging job market for traveling or temporary sonographers, which we explore in an interview with Dave Felix , founder of SonoTemps, Inc. Traveling as an ultrasound tech is an appealing option for many due to the more flexible schedule, variety in the workplace, and often higher compensation.
Is being a traveling sonographer your dream job? Find out in this 2-part interview with Stephanie Eisler, RDMS, where she chronicles the ups and downs of traveling for a living. Most employers, especially those in competitive markets such as large cities and high-paying areas, require certification.
In fact, the more credentials you earn, the more you can stand out in a field of candidates. Gaining certification in several sonography specialties can make you more versatile and widen your job prospects. Sonographers are responsible for operating equipment that produces and records images or conducts tests. These images are then used by physicians to make a diagnosis. Most people are familiar with the role of a sonographer as it relates to pregnancy, but sonograms are also used to examine breast tissue, the brain and spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints, and organs in the abdominal cavity.
Like other allied health careers, you can specialize as a sonographer. A vascular sonographer focuses primarily on blood vessels and blood flow. Sonograms are used to examine breast tissue, the brain and spinal cord, the heart, and many other parts of the body. Analyzing diagnostic information and providing it to the physician is another regular task. Some programs prefer applicants with a background in science or experience in another healthcare profession, but many also will consider high school graduates with courses in mathematics and science, as well as applicants with liberal arts backgrounds.
Because these students already have a healthcare background, a certificate program focuses specifically on sonography. In a sonography program, you will take classes with your cohort. With several options to choose from, which sonography degree is best?
Several branches of medicine use sonography to help diagnose and treat medical issues. Here's a list of sonography specializations:. Related: Radiology vs. Sonography: What's the Difference? While there are multiple paths to becoming a sonographer, one of the shortest is to earn an associate degree in sonography, which takes two years to complete. This is a great plan for people who are interested in a medical career but aren't able to commit to the number of years of schooling it takes to become a doctor or other specialist.
It's also a financially feasible career plan because it can allow you to take out more modest student loans than you would for a longer degree program and pay them off sooner. Sonographers work with doctors to meet their imaging needs while also speaking with patients during their sonograms.
Interacting with doctors, nurses and other specialists during the workday can provide professional satisfaction for sonographers.
Close interaction with patients can be a satisfying aspect of a job in sonography as you can make a real difference in patients' lives through diagnostics. Sonographers with specialties, however, can make more than the base average salary.
The U. This increases the likelihood that you could find a job after obtaining sonography training. Job growth also lends itself to job stability, which is an important factor to consider as you embark on a career. A more stable job can help you weather economic downturns more readily. Sonographers can work in a variety of settings, from private medical offices to large hospitals and diagnostic labs. Not only can you work in different settings, but you can also find jobs in smaller towns or larger cities, depending on your preference.
This flexibility allows you to find what size of workplace fits your lifestyle best. There are also opportunities for travel sonography, which allows you to travel while you work.
This can be a great way to find out what kind of environment you enjoy working in. Do you enjoy helping others? Becoming an ultrasound technician might be a great choice for you. To learn more about sonography or about the digital sonography program at Cambridge, give us a call at Apply or Request Info.
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