How Do I Get a Sonography Degree?
Sonography, also called ultrasonography, uses sound waves to produce a picture of the structures inside a patient's body. There are a number of different ways to learn sonography, and a sonography degree may take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the course of study. With the increase in online courses, students may also have the option to earn their sonography degree from home. Workers in other healthcare-related fields may also consider getting a certificate in sonography to assist in switching careers or to make themselves more marketable to employers.
As part of their coursework, students learn the skills to use various types of sonography equipment to obtain images of a patient's organs. These images are used to diagnose a number of different conditions, depending on the reason for the ultrasound. In addition to operating the machinery, sonographers may also be required to read the results of the images to assist the physician in delivering a diagnosis for the patient.
Graduates of accredited sonography degree programs may be able to continue their education to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, where they will be able to choose a specialty, such as neurosonography or obstetric sonography. A neurosonographer specializes in ultrasounds of the central nervous system and brain. Obstetric sonography is the most common specialty, and focuses on the female reproductive system. It is used throughout pregnancy to monitor the growth of the fetus or to find potentially dangerous issues that could harm either baby or mother. Other specialty areas include opthalmologic sonography, which is related to the eyes, and abdominal sonography, which focuses on the kidneys, liver, and other abdominal organs.
The typical work environment for sonographers is a 40 hour work week, though weekends, evening shifts, and on-call shifts may be required for sonographers who work in a hospital environment. Sonographers usually work directly with patients, keep patient records, and adjust equipment. Aside from hospitals, sonographers may be able to find employment in the offices of physicians and gynecologists.
In the United States, students who have earned a sonography degree may consider testing to become part of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to increase their chances of landing a position in the field. ARDMS is an independent organization, which certifies that sonographers have a certain level of training in the field. Employers often look for this certification when sorting through applications; however, this may or may not be a requirement in order to secure a position.
Written by Lucinda Watrous
