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What are the Different Sonography Careers?

Erika Peterson
Erika Peterson

There are many different types of sonography careers, and all of them are based in medical settings. Some sonography careers are in hospitals, while others are in clinics, specialty offices and doctors' offices. Sonographers take pictures of various parts of the body. They may look at internal organs, different bodily systems or even babies growing in the uterus. Regardless of the type of career, all sonographers use the same basic equipment. This equipment functions in a certain way to create images of the internal sections of the human body.

The process of sonography is a simple process that uses a great deal of technology. Sonography uses high frequency sound waves to create images of the body. Sometimes a sonography is called an ultrasound. Sonography machines are used to look at organs, blood flow and even as visual tools for other medical procedures. They can also be used as an alternative to x-rays.

Sonographers use devices that emit ultrasounds to monitor the condition of a patient's internal organs.
Sonographers use devices that emit ultrasounds to monitor the condition of a patient's internal organs.

Individuals who choose to study and eventually work in one of the different types of sonography careers often choose a special area to focus on. This is the specialty that is focused on for academic and hands on learning. It is also the job that the sonographer usually ends up finding after schooling is complete.

Sonography career specialties are usually in one of the following areas: abdomen, breast, obstetrics, echocardiography, neurosonology, and ophthalmology. Sonographers who specialize in echocardiography work mainly with the heart, and sonographers that focus on neurosonology work with the brain. Students who study ophthalmology sonography go on to jobs that take images of the eyes and eye areas.

Sonography uses high frequency waves to create images of internal organs.
Sonography uses high frequency waves to create images of internal organs.

Another career path for sonography careers is a diagnostic medical sonographer. This position is also sometimes called a vascular technologist. All of the different types of sonography careers work with medical physicians, but a diagnostic medical sonographer works specifically to create images for medical doctors and surgeons. These pictures are used by the doctor to assist in diagnosing the patient and pinpointing the problem the patient is having that needs medical attention.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@raynbow- I have a friend who works as a sonographer in an obstetrician's office. The training that she took to become certified in the field consisted of basic instruction to learn how to operate the equipment and hands-on experience in her chosen specialty.

To become a sonographer, students not only have to perform these procedures, but they also have to understand how to do them on different parts of the body. However, my friend explained that once you know what type of sonographer you want to be, you must take coursework and training geared towards that specialty. She said that this type of comprehensive training allows those entering this growing medical field to have flexibility within their careers when necessary.

Raynbow

Does anyone have specific information about the type of training required to work in the field of sonography? Is the coursework the same regardless of the type of specialty you choose for your career field?

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    • Sonographers use devices that emit ultrasounds to monitor the condition of a patient's internal organs.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Sonographers use devices that emit ultrasounds to monitor the condition of a patient's internal organs.
    • Sonography uses high frequency waves to create images of internal organs.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Sonography uses high frequency waves to create images of internal organs.
    • An ultrasound technologist may help detect heart conditions in patients.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      An ultrasound technologist may help detect heart conditions in patients.
    • Sonography technicians may perform ultrasounds for expecting couples.
      By: DNF-Style
      Sonography technicians may perform ultrasounds for expecting couples.
    • Vaginal ultrasound probes may be inserted into the vagina to obtain an image of the uterus.
      By: zayacsk
      Vaginal ultrasound probes may be inserted into the vagina to obtain an image of the uterus.
    • Sonography may be used in conjunction with mammography to check for signs of breast cancer.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Sonography may be used in conjunction with mammography to check for signs of breast cancer.
    • Sonography is often used in obstetrics to determine the sex of an unborn baby.
      By: Michael Ireland
      Sonography is often used in obstetrics to determine the sex of an unborn baby.