Sonography is a diagnostic medical procedure used to evaluate the tissues and organs of the body. It can diagnose abnormalities or confirm organs are functioning properly. Using high frequency sound waves, it produces visual images of the body, including the organs, tissues, and how the blood flows. A sonographer is trained to use specialized equipment to create sonograms.

Specialties in Sonography

Within sonography careers, there are specific areas of expertise.

Obstetrics and gynecologic sonographers focus on the imaging of the female reproductive system. This can be done to examine the fetus during pregnancy or to view the reproductive system to check for irregularities. Generally, obstetrics and gynecologic sonography is the most well-known and frequently used specialty.

Cardiac sonographers focus on the heart, checking for irregularities in the valves and chambers. They work closely with cardiologists to prevent and diagnose heart failure and heart attacks.

Breast sonographers can aid in a mammography, helping to detect breast cancer. Breast sonography can also be used to track tumors, monitor blood supply to the breasts, and assist in the fine-needle biopsies done of breast tissue.

Abdominal sonographers focus on the abdominal cavity, helping to diagnose abnormal conditions of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, spleen, and male reproductive system.

Neurosonographers help study and diagnose disorders of the nervous system. Scanning the brain and spinal cord, neurosonographs are frequently used to help diagnose abnormalities in premature infants.

Vascular technologists focus on the blood flow of the body and the abnormalities that may occur. Using sonography, they can track veins and arteries and help treat issues with blood pressure and circulation.

Veterinary sonography allows the technology of sonography to be used on pets and livestock.

While typical sonography careers include working in clinics, hospitals, private physician offices, and laboratories, others may include positions in education, administration, and research.

Sonography Education

Because sonography does not involve any radiation, there is a growing trend in replacing current radiologic imaging with sonography. This means the need for more sonography jobs in the future. The education required to enter the sonography field is varied. Training can be obtained through hospitals, vocational-technical institutions, colleges or universities, or the armed forces. A training program may require certain prerequisites before applying for the program, and this may include experience in other healthcare fields or high school graduation.

Degrees and Certificates in Sonography

Many colleges offer a 2-year program that results in an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree. These programs use classroom lessons and hands-on clinical experience to teach general sonography. Coursework will lean heavily on anatomy, physiology, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics. Obstetric and gynecological, abdominal, and vascular sonography will be covered briefly as an introduction to the specialties. Once this degree is completed, graduates can sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers examination. While this may not be required by prospective employers, it provides an additional credential.

Those seeking additional education can obtain a 4-year bachelor degree. In addition to the sonography specific classes, students will be required to take general education courses in Math, Science, and English. Specialties will be visited more in depth. Graduates will only be able to sit for one the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s many examinations after they have met all of the organization’s published list of prerequisites for a specific test of interest. Passing one of these exams grants the recipient corresponding certification in a specific branch of sonography.

There are a few 1-year programs in which graduates receive a certificate of completion. This is an accelerated program that teaches only the basics of sonography and may not discuss the specialties in depth. Whether this certificate is accepted is up to each individual employer.

Education for the specific fields may require additional classes and training in the respective fields. Specialists in cardiac sonography and neurosonography require at least a 2-year associates degree for an entry level position. While it may be tempting to complete a 1-year certificate program to get into a position quickly, those with 4-year degrees will have the opportunity to learn more in-depth procedures and specialties. There are also more opportunities to work in a clinical setting.

The average salary for sonography jobs in 2011 was between $52,000 and $84,000 a year. For those in specific fields and those with two and four year degrees, the salary is in the higher end of this range.