Healthcare Technology Featured Article

May 10, 2022

Top 7 Benefits of Choosing Sonography as a Career Option in the Healthcare Sector




Sonographers are professionals who use imaging equipment to capture images of the body and then interpret these images to provide information about a patient’s health. They may also be called diagnostic medical sonographers, ultrasound technologists, or diagnostic medical imaging technicians. Sonographers can work in many different fields like hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, and medical laboratories.

There is an ever-growing need for trained sonographers these days. Thanks to the rising importance of technology in healthcare. Many hospitals are only capable of doing diagnostics tests like x-rays with the help of sonographers due to their specialization in machines that produce high-quality internal imagery.

Their skills also allow them to manage emergencies and work with other professionals on potentially life-saving procedures such as emergency cesarean sections, where every second counts.

The following is a list of the benefits of choosing sonography as a profession:

1. The Demand for Sonographers Is Always on the Rise

If you are looking for a high-demand career, consider becoming a sonographer. As the healthcare industry continues to shift towards providing more preventative care, people live longer than ever. Sonographers are responsible for imaging many parts of the body, including the heart and arteries, which are highly susceptible to disease. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for sonographers is expected to expand by 24% by 2022, making this one of the fastest-growing job opportunities in healthcare.

A sonograph careers program can take about a year or two to complete and usually involve classroom time and hands-on practice on cadavers. After finishing your training program, you will be able to apply for certification through groups such as ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography). After completing certification requirements, there are many opportunities within the healthcare sector in hospitals, medical offices, and clinics. Sonographers can also choose a specialization in different areas of interest, such as cardiology or vascular ultrasound.

2. The Sonography Profession Promises Great Career Growth

Sonography is one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare. Although sonographers are sometimes referred to as radiologic technicians, they are not the same as radiologists.

The two professions do work closely together. Sonographers typically work with doctors who are board-certified physicians. There is a difference between a sonographer and a radiologist. Sonographer holds just a two-year associate or bachelor's degree in Medical Diagnostic Imaging (MDI). It is up to the doctor to make any diagnoses after viewing the images taken by sonographers; they do not give specific diagnoses or provide treatment itself.

Sonographers bring versatility to their careers by working in every specialty healthcare field, from cardiology to radiology. Also, there are many subfields within sonography, such asobstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), vascular technology, and interventional neuroradiology. It means these professionals have lots of room for growth. It makes them an ideal option with a career with potential for growth and promotion over time since most people need more income as they get older and start families.

You will likely be able to find many job openings no matter where you live because many students choose this field due to its high demand and promising future. Suppose you are thinking about getting into health care but are unsure how you would fit into it. In that case, it may be worth considering what kind of experience you would like to find suitable job options along your journey toward greater happiness and fulfillment.

3. Sonography is a High-Paying Job that is Also Very Rewarding

A career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a great way to get into the medical field. It pays well and allows you to make a difference in the lives of others.

Your job as a sonographer will vary depending on where you work, but you will typically be responsible for:

  • Preparing patients by explaining what will happen during the exam
  • Conducting exams by inserting scanning probes into the body and taking images of the organs.
  • Evaluating results by comparing them to healthy reference values obtained from an image database

4. The Chances of Being Successful are High for Sonographers

Sonographers are a critical part of the healthcare system, which means they are in high demand. The role requires two skillsets: first, the ability to image patients through several imaging modalities, and second, the communication skills necessary to interact with patients during the imaging process. Although sonography is an exciting career path, it is crucial to understand the challenges in this field.

First off, it is a key to realize that a primary function of being a sonographer is to image patients for diagnostic purposes. There are no specific jobs for sonographers; instead, they have autonomy over their work setting and must be able to operate various imaging equipment without assistance from other staff members or medical technicians. It could be difficult, some CT machines require help with positioning and setup before scanning begins, so these machines are not always available as needed when you want them most.

With this in mind, you must find a job where free time is guaranteed or at least comes easy because if you are doing three or four-hour shifts daily (not uncommon), then scheduling sleep is difficult. Because there are no set hours for many sonographers (via time clocks or mandatory breaks), you have to be disciplined about getting rest on your days off. Many sonographers work full-time jobs during regular business hours.

Having control over when you can work and return home can mean freeing up much-needed life balance and personal growth, and professional happiness while also providing revenue for your household income.

5. Sonographers Have Higher Employment Rates as Compared to Others

Sonography is a career choice that will provide you with many job opportunities while giving you an excellent chance of being employed in the healthcare sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs in sonography will grow faster than the national average for all careers between now and 2026, and through 2024 it is expected to be one of the top 15 fastest growing professions. Plus, these careers are known for offering security, a good salary, and excellent benefits.

6. Sonography can be Done by Non-Physicians Too

We know that this branch of medicine is concerned with imaging the internal organs, tissues, and fluids. In short, a sonographer is someone who can take pictures of your insides. A lot has changed in this area since the first ultrasound in the late 1940s. Nowadays, these specialists do not need to have a medical degree to perform their job. It is possible to become a sonographer by doing a two-year or a four-year course. You will need to do some clinical training, but you are not obliged to attend college later.

With the proper knowledge and talent, one can also work as an interventional sonographer and a diagnostic sonographer (or both).

7. A Sonographer Can Be Self-Employed

Sonography is a field of healthcare that offers many benefits. Although you must complete the same degree as other healthcare specialists, you can be self-employed, set your hours, and choose what types of patients to work on. You might think about working for a hospital or medical clinic at first, but you could also become a traveling sonographer who works from home. You can specialize in a particular area once you complete your degree and choose to work in a niche market.

Bottomline

Sonography is an excellent career choice for those interested in working in the healthcare field. With an extensive and diverse career path, this field offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in different areas of medicine. Being a sonographer entails having medical knowledge and using it daily while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

With such steady demand for sonographers, there is little doubt that these professionals will continue to hold a spot near the top of their respective fields. If you are looking for a career in healthcare where your work could change lives (for the better!), look no further than becoming an ultrasound technologist!



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