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• Society of Pediatric Echocardiography (SOPE)
• Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
• Society

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As the world gets more complex and competitive, it is important to take advantage of all the help available. For sonographers that includes joining professional organizations dedicated to the field of ultrasound. There are many reasons to join and actively participate in the associations as a sonography student or a working sonographer, including networking opportunities, and access to up-to-date industry information and financial resources. The amount spent on annual membership dues is money well spent.

Many Sonography Organizations and Associations

There are many organizations and associations that sonography students and professionals can join. In general, these organizations are dedicated to helping ultrasound technologist students and/or working professionals stay connected to the broader group of sonographers working around the world.

Following are some the well-recognized groups:

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)

American Society of Echocardiography at (ASE)

American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM)

Society of Pediatric Echocardiography (SOPE)

Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)

World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB)

American College of Radiology (ACR)

Academy of Emergency Ultrasound (AEUS): an academy of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG)

Sonography Canada

Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA)

British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS)

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Society (MUSOC)

One of the features to note about the list is the fact there is an association or organization to match every need. The benefits of membership vary from organization to organization, so it is important to review the list of items that come with each membership.

For example, some memberships include a subscription to a professional journal or access to a list of open positions, while others focus on tracking the ultrasound industry and sharing the latest ultrasound research. People who have decided to change careers and become a sonographer or go back to sonography school will find the professional organizations are very helpful and enable students to immerse themselves in the sonography field.

Host of Advantages

There are many advantages to joining professional associations. They include:

Finding resources for additional training in specific areas

Ability to collaborate with other professionals, sharing new ideas and asking questions

Ability to advocate for professional causes

Affordable access to continuing ultrasound education, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer training programs and general education courses

Reduced conference fees

Right to publish position papers

Subscriptions to journals and other publications

Access to newsletters and the latest information

Get answers to FAQ, simplifying time spent on research

Access to association and other college scholarships and grants for sonography students

Notifications of important trade shows

Joining an industry or career-related organization also keeps students and working sonographers in the mainstream. Some of the websites include forums where members can ask questions and join chat sessions, and other groups manage social media sites. Joining the online conversations gives an ultrasound technologist access to fellow professionals around the world and opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.

It is also quite possible that opportunities will arise for career advancement as people let others in the online community know about new positions or their experiences in a certain specialty. The associations that offer student memberships will also help students find grants for college. The membership is one way to pursue personal success.

Choosing the Right One

Since many of the organizations charge a membership fee, it is not possible to join all of them. In fact, that is not a good idea, even if it is affordable. The best way to get the most benefit from a professional association is to fully participate in everything it offers. Join one or two and take full advantage of their features and support systems. The organizations offer an important means of expressing professionalism.

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Benefits of Joining Sonography Organizations * Ultrasound Technician

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As the world gets more complex and competitive, it is important to take advantage of all the help available. For sonographers that includes joining professional organizations dedicated to the field of ultrasound. There are many reasons to join and actively participate in the associations as a sonography student or a working sonographer, including networking opportunities, and access to up-to-date industry information and financial resources.

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A sonographer is one of the highest paid professionals for just a 2 year degree . There serivces are in demand and starting salerys are very generous . Hours are flexible depending on if you work at a hospital or clinic

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Those interested in sonography as a career choice should thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages of working in this field. See Job Openings

Ultrasound Technician Benefits

Some positive aspects already mentioned in the Ultrasound Salary Section include the fact that sonographers are among the highest paid professionals for whom a two-year degree is commonly accepted. After only two years of educational expenses, sonographers graduate to find that their services are in demand and that starting salaries are generous enough to justify the investment in a college education and to enable them to pay back any student loans they received.

Other advantages have also been touched on including strong demand for workers in this sector in future, job security, good benefit packages, the opportunity for ultrasound career development and the satisfaction of helping patients as part of a dedicated team of health care professionals. Career development choices for interested and qualified sonographers can include specialization, administration, research and teaching as well as acquiring credentials in related healthcare fields. Furthermore, the high demand for sonographers spans many regions of the U.S. and the rest of the world, so sonographers have a high degree of potential mobility and need not fear being unemployed if they move to new locations.

Sonography Career for Working Moms

Is sonography a good career for working mothers? The combination of a good salary, generous benefits and flexible scheduling options are attractive considerations. Being able to take time off for a sick child or schedule work hours during the school day, for example, results in greater job satisfaction and lower stress because the constant challenge of balancing work and family life is less acute than in some other kinds of jobs. For some single people, the option in many settings to work evening and weekend hours lets them avoid rush-hour commutes and is another way in which flexibility and variety in scheduling is a potential benefit. | See Job Openings

Male Sonographer

Men interested in becoming sonographers may wish to know that 85 to 90 percent of sonographers are women. This can present a disadvantage to men insofar as many female patients prefer a female sonographer for breast, abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds. However, some male patients likewise may prefer a male sonographer for some procedures although others are comfortable having women administer their ultrasounds. Gender is less of a concern in some ultrasound specialties that involve areas of the body for which modesty may not be an issue for either men or women.

Potential Risks for the Ultrasound Technician

Despite the many advantages to a sonography career, significant risks to sonographers exist that need to be acknowledged in any balanced discussion.

Sonography is physically demanding and involves repetitive and sometimes awkward motions that result in a higher rate of pain and occupational injury than is seen in many other professions. Despite efforts by professional organizations and government to address this issue, a 2009 survey of sonographers indicated that almost 90% of them work in pain and that the number of musculoskeletal injuries has risen. Cases of pain and musculoskeletal injury occur most often in the shoulder, neck, wrist, hands and fingers, and upper back. Some of these sonographer injuries are serious enough to cause ultrasound technicians to leave the profession, adding to staffing shortages and the workloads of those remaining.

Sonographers entering the profession today can lower their likelihood of future ultrasound injury by ensuring that their college education and clinical training includes the most up-to-date information on safe scanning techniques and practices. They need to take the risk seriously and not choose to ignore pain or work through it, and they need to follow all new safety recommendations and guidelines that arise over the course of their careers.

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Is Sonography a Good Career? Discover Benefits and Risks * Ultrasound Technician

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Those interested in sonography as a career choice should thoroughly consider the advantages and disadvantages of working in this field. See Job Openings Some positive aspects already mentioned in the Ultrasound Salary Section include the fact that sonographers are among the highest paid professionals for whom a two-year degree is commonly accepted.

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Before you can become a sonographer you have to take the TEAS test witch is a standardized test you have to take if your applying for admission in a health and science program

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Before a student is admitted into a sonography program in 2017 ( sonography programs by state) or later, it is necessary to take the TEAS test for sonographers. TEAS is a standardized test administered to people applying for admission into health sciences programs. The CAAHEP accredited sonography programs have a limited number of openings each session, so the program staff want to admit those who are most likely to succeed. The TEAS scores help them make that determination.

Get Started As An Ultrasound Tech Today! Click Here For Local Or Online Schools!

What is the TEAS Test for Sonographers?

Johnston Community College is a CAAHEP accredited program that requires prospective students for the Cardiac Vascular and Medical Sonography programs to take the TEAS test. The student must score at the Exemplary, Advanced or Proficient level before the student is eligible for admission.

Montgomery College with another CAAHEP accredited program, also requires students interested in applying for entrance into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. Consideration for admission requires students earn a 70 percent minimum reading score and a 66 percent adjusted individual total score. The higher the score, the more competitive the student is during the admission process.

What is the TEAS Test and What do the Levels Mean?

TEAS stands for Test of Essential Academic Skills. It is for health sciences students in general, and not sonography students in particular. Sonography is considered a health sciences discipline. The questions on the test are designed to assess the student's basic knowledge in four areas:

Reading - 48 questions on paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension and informational source comprehension

Science - 54 questions on human body science, earth and physical science, life science and scientific reasoning

Mathematics - 34 questions on algebraic applications, numbers and operations, data interpretation and measurement

English and Language Usage - 34 questions on spelling and punctuation, grammar and word meanings in context and structure

The TEAS was created by the Assessment Technologies Institute ( ATI). Students set up an account with ATI and take the test online, usually at the school the student is interested in attending. However, there may be other testing centers used or available.

The multiple-choice TEAS is administered online through ATI and is proctored. Some schools will accommodate special needs students who need to take the test using paper and pencil. Either way, the student gets four hours to complete all the questions on the TEAS test for sonography students. ATI scores the tests and sends the results to the school.

Understanding the TEAS Scoring

The overall TEAS score is a composite score of the scores earned in the four categories: reading, math, science and English and language usage. Sonography schools determine the cutoff scores for admission. Most are like Montgomery College, and the student must score at the Exemplary, Advanced or Proficient level which means getting a composite score of at least 57.7 percent.

Students who score at the developmental or basic levels are not likely to be considered for admission. The test can be taken twice over a 12-month period.

Preparing to Take the Test

It is important for sonography students to prepare for the TEAS test because it requires the ability to use critical thinking skills and to apply knowledge quickly. Preparation and practice can make a big difference.

Click here to get all of the preparation materials now!

There are several ways to prepare:

Purchase the TEAS Test Prep materials through ATI which includes a practice test, the "Study Manual for the Test of Essential Academic Skills" or a package containing both

Attend an academic skills workshop at the school the student is applying to (if available)

Review the university or college TEAS resources and study materials website (if available)

Complete online self-assessment modules

Take the free TEAS practice test online like the one on this website (Google the words "free TEAS practice test" and there will be many results pop up)

All of the preparation materials will have TEAS test sample questions.Click here to learn more.

If necessary, the student can attend a TEAS preparatory course which reviews the basic material the student should have mastered before attempting the TEAS questions. There is usually no test that can be substituted for the TEAS.

The TEAS test for sonography students is required to ensure that students who are the most prepared are admitted into the sonography program. They are the students who are most likely to succeed.

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TEAS Test for Sonographers and Health Science Students * Ultrasound Technician

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Before a student is admitted into a sonography program in 2017 ( sonography programs by state) or later, it is necessary to take the TEAS test for sonographers. TEAS is a standardized test administered to people applying for admission into health sciences programs. The CAAHEP accredited sonography programs have a limited number of openings each session, so the program staff want to admit those who are most likely to succeed.

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With an associates degree you would get payed around $67,732 per year . With a bachelors degree you get payed around $69,000 per year

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Sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create internal images of the body.

Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

Many professions in the health care field offer high salaries, but often require a substantial investment in education. However, there are exceptions. Many technicians and technologists, such as ultrasound technicians, can begin practice with no more than a two-year associate degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupation Finder shows ultrasound to be one of the highest-paying positions open to associate degree holders, and one of only two with unusually high demand.

National Income Range

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median income of $65,210 for ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, in its May 2011 Occupational Employment Statistics. Sonographers at the 25th percentile earned up to $53,830 per year, while those at the 75th percentile reported earnings of $76,060 and higher. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists provides more detailed numbers in the 2010 edition of its salary survey. The ASRT reports a median income of $66,593 per year for sonographers, and an average of $68,821. This discrepancy suggests that a small number of high-earning sonographers distort the average upwards.

Associate Degrees

The ASRT survey reports that 72.1 percent of sonographers hold an associate degree or certificate, as opposed to 27.9 percent with a bachelor's degree or higher. Among respondents who specified their level of education, the average yearly income for sonographers with an associate degree was $67,732. This is only slightly lower than the average income of sonographers with a bachelor's or master's degree, both of which were slightly higher than $69,000 per year.

Comparisons

Sonographers with associate degrees reported higher earnings than many of their peers in the radiology department. For example, radiographers with associate degrees averaged $50,800 per year. Bone densitometrists reported earning $54,280 per year, mammographers with associate degrees averaged $60,205 per year, and CT technologists earned $60,679 per year. Within the sonography profession, job title and seniority were more important factors than education in determining sonographers' salaries. Senior sonographers reported an average income of $72,010 per year, chief sonographers averaged $76,445 per year, and supervisors earned $79,640 per year. Sonographers with six to 10 years' experience averaged $61,847 per year, but those with 21 to 30 years' experience earned $72,447.

Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for diagnostic medical sonographers will show a growth of 44 percent between 2010 and 2020, one of the highest rates for any occupation. Ultrasound is increasingly used in smaller settings such as physicians' offices and outpatient clinics, where its relatively low cost and compact size are convenient. Ultrasound is also less invasive than other diagnostic technologies, using sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. This combination of income, demand and relatively low educational requirements makes sonography an especially compelling career choice.

About the Author

Fred Decker is a trained chef and certified food-safety trainer. Decker wrote for the Saint John, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, and has been published in Canada's Hospitality and Foodservice magazine. He's held positions selling computers, insurance and mutual funds, and was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Photo Credits

Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

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Salaries for Ultrasound Technicians With Associate Degrees

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Many professions in the health care field offer high salaries, but often require a substantial investment in education. However, there are exceptions. Many technicians and technologists, such as ultrasound technicians, can begin practice with no more than a two-year associate degree.

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Need an associates degree witch only takes you 2 years to get or you can get a bachelor's degree witch will take you up to 4 years

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Essential Information

A diagnostic medical sonographer uses an ultrasound machine to create medical images of patients' internal organs. These images are used by physicians to diagnose illnesses and injuries. Most sonographers work in hospitals, but there are job opportunities in several other settings, including physicians' offices and outpatient care centers.

Many education paths are available for prospective sonographers, but the most common is a 2-year degree through an accredited sonography training program. Bachelor's degrees are also available, as are 1-year certificate programs in sonography for persons already trained in another healthcare field. Professional certification is not a legal requirement to work as a sonographer, but most employers prefer it because Medicare and some insurance companies will not reimburse costs for imaging done by uncertified technicians.

Required Education
Associate's degree in diagnostic medical sonography most common; bachelor's degree and certificate programs also available

Other Requirements

Employers usually desire professional certification

Projected Job Growth
26% from 2014-2024*

Source: * U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Sonography Career Information

Sonographers use equipment that directs high-frequency sound waves to body organs and tissue to generate medical diagnostic images. Opportunities are available to generalize or specialize in a particular field of sonography, such as the female reproductive system, vascular system, brain or abdomen.

Career opportunities are available in hospitals, medical clinics and imaging centers. Ultrasound technology is expected to remain popular, because it doesn't use radiation and patients do not experience any side effects from this procedure. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer in May 2015 was $68,970.

Athletic Trainer

Cardiovascular Technologies

Electrocardiograph Tech. - ECG, EKG

Electroencephalographic Tech. - EEG, END

EMT and Paramedic

Genetic Therapy

Industrial Radiologic Technology

Medical Radiologic Therapist

Nuclear Medical Technologist

Perfusionist

Physician Assistant

Radiation Protection Technology

Radiological Science and Technologies

Respiratory Care Therapy

Surgical Technologies

Ultrasound and Sonography Technologies

Education Requirements

The Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has approved over 200 diagnostic medical sonography training programs in the country. Most of these programs are available through 2-year degree programs at technical and community colleges. This has become the standard educational route for prospective sonographers. Hospitals, vocational schools and universities also provide a range of certificate, diploma and bachelor's degree programs that are acceptable to most employers and are recognized in the industry.

Many programs prefer that applicants have a strong educational background in science and healthcare. Allied healthcare professionals interested in pursuing a sonography education may complete special 1-year certificate programs. Bachelor's degree programs may include advanced courses in science, patient care, medical ethics, fundamentals of physics, anatomy and physiology and intensive training in instrumentation. Sonography programs require students to participate in supervised clinical training in a professional setting.

Graduates of a sonography program must pass the professional certification exam offered through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

While certification may not be required by all states, it does prove to potential employers that an applicant has the ability to work in this field.

To summarize, a 2- or 4-year degree in diagnostic medical sonography earned through a CAAHEP-approved program can start you on your way to a career in medical technology. Though it is not required, it's advisable that obtain certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. You may have the opportunity to specialize in a particular field of sonography.

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Sonography Education Requirements and Career Information

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A diagnostic medical sonographer uses an ultrasound machine to create medical images of patients' internal organs. These images are used by physicians to diagnose illnesses and injuries. Most sonographers work in hospitals, but there are job opportunities in several other settings, including physicians' offices and outpatient care centers.

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who uses special image equipment to create images or conduct tests on people

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Summary

Video transcript available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYLfPP0UQWw.

Quick Facts: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
2022 Median Pay

$78,210 per year
$37.60 per hour

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.

Most diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and offices of physicians. Although most are full time, part-time work is common.

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians typically need formal education, such as an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification.

The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $63,020 in May 2022.

The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $81,350 in May 2022.

Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,600 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians with similar occupations.

Learn more about diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Do About this section

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or conduct tests. They work closely with physicians and surgeons, who view the images and test results to assess and diagnose medical conditions.

Duties

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians typically do the following:

Prepare patients by explaining the procedure to them and answering their questions

Prepare exam rooms and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment

Properly situate patients for imaging

Operate equipment to obtain diagnostic images or to conduct tests

Review images or test results to check for quality and adequate coverage of the areas needed for diagnoses

Analyze results for abnormalities and other diagnostic information and provide a summary of findings to physicians

Record findings and keep track of patients' records

Diagnostic medical sonographers specialize in creating images, known as sonograms or ultrasounds, that depict the body's organs and tissues. Sonography is often the first imaging test performed when disease is suspected.

Sonography uses high-energy sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. The sonographer uses an instrument called a transducer to scan parts of the patient's body that are being examined. The transducer emits pulses of sound that bounce back, causing echoes. The echoes form an image on a computer that physicians use for diagnosis.

The following are examples of types of medical sonographers:

Abdominal sonographers specialize in imaging a patient's abdominal cavity and nearby organs, such as the kidney, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. Abdominal sonographers may assist with biopsies or other examinations requiring ultrasound guidance.

Breast sonographers specialize in imaging a patient's breast tissue. Sonography can confirm the presence of cysts and tumors that may have been detected by the patient, the physician, or a mammogram. Breast sonographers assist with procedures that track tumors and help to provide information that will aid physicians in making decisions about treatment options for breast cancer patients.

Cardiac sonographers (echocardiographers) specialize in imaging a patient's heart. They use ultrasound equipment to examine the heart's chambers, valves, and vessels. An echocardiogram may be performed either while the patient is resting or after the patient has been physically active. Cardiac sonographers also may take echocardiograms of fetal hearts so that physicians can diagnose cardiac conditions during pregnancy.

Musculoskeletal sonographers specialize in imaging muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. These sonographers may assist with ultrasound guidance for injections, or during surgical procedures, that deliver medication or treatment directly to affected tissues.

Pediatric sonographers specialize in imaging of children and infants. Many of the medical conditions they image are associated with premature births or birth defects. Pediatric sonographers may work closely with pediatricians and other caregivers.

Obstetric and gynecologic sonographers specialize in imaging the female reproductive system. For example, many pregnant women receive sonograms to track the baby's growth and health.

Vascular technologists (vascular sonographers) create images of blood vessels and collect data that help physicians diagnose disorders affecting blood flow. Vascular technologists often evaluate blood flow and identify blocked arteries or blood clots.

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians create images and conduct tests involving the heart and lungs. The following are examples of types of cardiovascular technologists and technicians:

Cardiovascular invasive specialists, also known as cardiac catheterization technologists or cardiovascular technologists, monitor patients' heart rates and help physicians in diagnosing and treating heart problems. They assist with cardiac catheterization, which involves threading a catheter through a patient's artery to the heart. They also prepare and monitor patients during open-heart surgery and during insertion of pacemakers, defibrillators, and stents. Technologists may prepare patients for procedures by shaving and cleansing the area into which the catheter will be inserted and by administering topical anesthesia. During the procedure, they monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate.

Cardiographic or electrocardiogram (EKG) technicians specialize in EKG testing. EKG machines monitor the heart's performance through electrodes attached to a patient's chest, arms, and legs. Tests record heart metrics while the patient is at rest or is physically active, such as walking on a treadmill.

Pulmonary function technologists monitor and test patients' lungs and breathing. For example, they use a spirometer to measure how much and how fast patients can inhale or exhale. These technologists help physicians in diagnosing and treating problems of the pulmonary system.

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians held about 58,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of cardiovascular technologists and technicians were as follows:

Hospitals; state, local, and private

76%

Offices of physicians

12

Self-employed workers

4

Outpatient care centers

3

Medical and diagnostic laboratories

1

Diagnostic medical sonographers held about 83,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of diagnostic medical sonographers were as follows:

Hospitals; state, local, and private

56%

Offices of physicians

24

Medical and diagnostic laboratories

10

Outpatient care centers

4

Self-employed workers

2

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians complete most of their work at diagnostic imaging machines in dimly lit rooms. They may need to stand for long periods and to lift or turn patients who are ill or disabled.

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians work as part of a healthcare team that includes physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and respiratory therapists.

Work Schedules

Most diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are full time, although part-time work is common. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, they may have shifts that include evenings, weekends, or overnights.

How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician About this section

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians typically need formal education, such as an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification.

Education

High school students who are interested in medical sonography or cardiovascular technology should take classes in anatomy, physiology, physics, and math. EKG technicians may qualify for entry-level jobs with a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Colleges and universities offer both associate's and bachelor's degree programs in sonography and in cardiovascular technology. One-year certificate programs also are available from colleges and some hospitals.

Sonography and cardiovascular education programs usually include courses in anatomy, medical terminology, and applied sciences. Instruction in sonography programs generally corresponds to the relevant certification field, such as abdominal sonography or breast sonography. Cardiovascular programs include coursework in either invasive or noninvasive procedures. Programs also typically include a clinical component in which students earn credit while working under the direction of an experienced technologist in a hospital, a physician's office, or an imaging laboratory.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Employers may prefer to hire diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians who have professional certification, or they may expect applicants to earn certification shortly after being hired. For payment purposes, insurance providers and Medicare may stipulate that a certified sonographer, technologist, or technician perform certain procedures. Certification is available from several organizations, such as the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, and National Healthcareer Association.

All diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians must pass an exam to earn certification. To sit for the exam, eligibility requirements vary and may include graduating from an accredited program or a combination of education and experience. Certifications are typically for specialties in diagnostic imaging; for example, a sonographer may earn a certification in areas such as abdominal, breast, or pediatric sonography.

In addition, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

States may require diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians to be licensed. Typically, certification is required for licensure; other requirements vary by state. Contact state medical boards for more information.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians work closely with patients, including those who may be in pain, and must be able to explain the procedure in an understandable way. They also must convey information clearly when discussing images with physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

Detail oriented. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians must follow precise instructions to obtain the images needed to diagnose and treat patients. They also must pay attention to the images they produce, because healthy and unhealthy areas may be subtle.

Hand-eye coordination. To get quality images, diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians must accurately move equipment on the patient's body in response to what they see on the screen.

Physical stamina. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians stand for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.

Technical skills. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians must understand how to operate complex machinery and computerized instruments.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Median annual wages, May 2022

Diagnostic medical sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians

Health technologists and technicians

Total, all occupations

The median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $63,020 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,000.

The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers was $81,350 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,730.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for cardiovascular technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Outpatient care centers

$83,890

Medical and diagnostic laboratories

72,990

Offices of physicians

66,470

Hospitals; state, local, and private

62,060

In May 2022, the median annual wages for diagnostic medical sonographers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Outpatient care centers

$107,970

Offices of physicians

82,110

Hospitals; state, local, and private

81,420

Medical and diagnostic laboratories

79,070

Most diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are full time, although part-time work is common. Because they may work in medical facilities that are always open, they may have shifts that include evenings, weekends, or overnights.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Percent change in employment, projected 2022-32

Diagnostic medical sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians

Health technologists and technicians

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians

Total, all occupations

Overall employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,600 openings for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of diagnostic imaging workers varies by occupation (see table). As the large baby-boom population continues to age, the need to diagnose medical conditions that affect older adults-such as blood clots and heart disease-will likely increase. Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians use imaging technology as a tool to help physicians diagnose these conditions. Moreover, these workers will continue to be needed in healthcare settings to provide an alternative to imaging techniques that involve radiation.

Occupational Title

SOC Code

Employment, 2022

Projected Employment, 2032

Change, 2022-32

Employment by Industry

Percent

Numeric

Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians

-

142,800

156,900

10

14,200

-

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians

29-2031

58,900

61,100

4

2,200
Get data

Diagnostic medical sonographers

29-2032

83,800

95,800

14

12,000
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Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state's websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

For more information about diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, visit
Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals American Society of Echocardiography Society for Vascular Ultrasound Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
For more information about certification, visit
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Cardiovascular Credentialing International National Healthcareer Association
For a current list of accredited education programs in medical sonography and cardiovascular technology, visit
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
CareerOneStop

For a career video on cardiovascular technologists and technicians, visit
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
For a career video on diagnostic medical sonographers, visit
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
O*NET
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

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Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians operate special equipment to create images or to conduct tests.