Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary
Are you fascinated by x-rays, MRIs and other imaging techniques? If so, you may wish to pursue a diagnostic medical sonographer salary and career. Working in this field will allow you to make use of sound waves to aid in the diagnosis of various medical ailments. Most are familiar with the use of ultrasound in obstetrics, but it is used in many other areas also for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Special equipment will be used to direct these sound waves into a particular part of the body in order to capture an image. If this sounds like something you would love, you need to learn more about the education and certification needed as well as the salary you should expect to make.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary
As of May 2008, the median annual diagnostic medical sonographer salary was $61,980. Those in the lowest ten percent brought in $43,600 or less a year while those in the top ten percent made more than $83,950. Your salary will depend in part on where you work. All need to be considered before deciding if a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer is right for you.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Training and Education
If you decide to pursue a career in this field, there are many routes you may take. You may train in a college, university or vocational-technical institute. Many prefer to learn in the military or a hospital. If you choose to attend a college or university, a two or four year program will be offered resulting in either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Two year programs are the most common. Choose a program that has been accredited by the Commission of Allied Health Education Programs. Over 150 programs had received this designation as of 2008. One year programs provide a vocational certificate and are best for those who already work in health care.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certification
Licensure is not required in any state in the union. You do have the option of becoming certified if you so choose. This is known as registration and many employers prefer that you have this designation as it provides objectivity when it comes to professional standing. Education or work experience must be completed before sitting for this exam. Once certification has been achieved, you must take continuing education courses to maintain the designation.
Job Growth Outlook For Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Job growth for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to be right for a number of reasons. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics job growth is expected to hit around 18% which is faster than average when compared to the rest of US jobs in the country.
The increasing technological advancements in diagnostic sonography are expected to increase the use of ultrasound imaging over radiological imaging over the next while. This will result in a higher demand for diagnostic medical sonographers and increased job opportunities. While hospitals are expected to remain the highest employers of diagnostic medical sonographers, increasing reliance on outpatient care facilities such as physicians offices and diagnostic laboratories, will mean increased employment in those areas.
Those prospective sonographers who are willing to relocate are expected to have higher chances of landing the best jobs. Be sure to do some further online research in terms of certification, training and education. Good luck!
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