Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound technology, uses sound waves to create diagnostic images of tissues within the human body. In the public mind it's largely associated with grainy pictures of infants in the womb, but sonography is a broad profession containing many sub-disciplines. Several professional organizations offer certifications in specialized fields of sonography.
Joint injuries and abnormalities can sometimes be difficult to diagnose effectively, because the softer tissues of the muscles and ligaments are concealed behind denser bone tissues. Ultrasound can provide immediate, real-time images of injuries to the joints, guiding sports physicians and orthopedic surgeons in their diagnosis and treatment.
Many women are screened regularly for breast cancer using specialized X-rays called mammograms. Mammograms often provide inconclusive or misleading results, so doctors use breast sonography as a method of verifying or contradicting the results of a mammogram.
Echocardiography uses ultrasound technology to create diagnostic images of the heart at work. It enables cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to see the heart and its valves in operation, and visually detect abnormalities. A specialized form of ultrasound called Doppler imaging can calculate the speed, volume and direction of blood flow through the heart and its major blood vessels. There are separate certifications available in adult, pediatric and fetal echocardiography.
Vascular technology is closely related to echocardiography. It uses ultrasound technology to identify damaged areas or blockages in blood vessels, and to gauge the flow of blood through veins and arteries.
Neurosonology is another closely related field. It uses sonography to detect flaws, blockages or damage to blood vessels within the brain, which can result in death or debilitating strokes. Neurosonology can also detect tumors or other abnormalities within the brain.
Abdominal sonographers work with internists, endocrinologists, nephrologists and other physicians to diagnose conditions affecting the abdomen and its internal organs. Their images can reveal kidney stones, gall stones, and a variety of tumors or other health concerns.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Sonographers specializing in obstetrics and gynecology provide the well-known images of babies in the womb, but that's only a by-product of their work. Their primary function is to monitor fetal growth and development, and to identify any potential abnormalities. They also help doctors diagnose ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancies and many other womens' health issues.
Most new sonographers enter the field with a two-year associate degree in sonography or the equivalent military training program. Some already hold related degrees in other fields, and can qualify in sonography by taking a one-year certificate program. Some sonographers train as generalists, then learn specialized skills in the workplace. Others complete training programs focused on a single specialty, such as echocardiography. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Credentialing International all offer certification in various sonographic specialties, for candidates who pass their examinations and meet the criteria for education and training. Sonographers are among the most employable of all healthcare professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected 44 percent employment growth for sonographers between 2010 and 2020, much higher than the average for all occupations.
- Radiology Info: Ultrasound -- General
- American Medical Association: Health Care Careers Directory -- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Credentials and Examinations
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists: Sonography Certification
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook -- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
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