You are correct in assuming that you need schooling before you can start working as a professional diagnostic medical sonogram. A school can help you learn some of the most common practices involved in the field and also help you to become accustomed to the lifestyle of a medical professional. What an exciting career awaits you!
First thing’s first, go to school and make sure you choose a school that is accredited by a recognized authority. Never take claims at face value without first investigating them. While you can get a certificate in as little as a year, this may only qualify you to accept positions in small clinics or offices, or perhaps labs. However, this employment would look good on your resume, along with a four-year degree on medical sonography.
You must choose a specialization to start with, though you may soon want to branch out into more than one area. Your duties will involve using special equipment as well as helping patients to understand the process. You will handle a transducer and must make sure the sound waves are being recorded properly so that they appear easy to decipher on the screen.
Sonographers are not merely assistants in diagnosis; sometimes they will be asked to perform some procedures involving stimulating action from inside the body, as well as collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team to make an informed decision. Most importantly (and this is a huge factor when it comes to hiring a new sonographer) you must demonstrate caution and knowledge of safety procedures.
Diagnostic medical sonogram school will teach you the importance of keeping the area safe and not exposing patients or medical personnel to blood or bodily fluids. Lastly, a diagnostic medical sonogram school will also teach students the lifestyle associated with this type of career. For instance, you might be called upon to lift heavy machinery or help move patients, bend and stoop regularly as well as stand, and distinguish audible sounds. You must also demonstrate willingness and an ability to interact compassionately with very ill and worried patients.
The good news is that sonographers can make upwards of $60,000 per year (sometimes as much as $80,000) and can eventually move up to supervisory jobs. This is a promising career that will pay you well and keep you part of a very important field—that of helping people! Why not contact an accredited school and ask for some opening information?
