Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Tasks Include:
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
more »
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +16.0%
National: +14.7%
Education
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$81,350.00
State
$80,250.00
Regional
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Description
Career Cluster: | Health Science |
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Education
Required Level of Education
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 47.13%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 19.34%
- Bachelor's Degree = 16.83%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. = 16.70%
Related Work Experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 57.22%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 15.54%
- None = 12.62%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 5.81%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 4.71%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 2.41%
- Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 1.69%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- None = 29.81%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 19.29%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 15.29%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 13.12%
- Up to and including 1 month = 11.20%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.51%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 0.79%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 22.19%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 21.27%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 15.48%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 15%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 11.96%
- None or short demonstration = 11.03%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 2.28%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 0.79%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
- Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
- Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.
- Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.
- Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
- Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.
- Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.
- Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.
- Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.
- Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.
- Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.
- Load and unload film cassettes used to record images from procedures.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo three dimensional components (3D sonography equipment)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use (A-Mode ultrasound machines)
- Cardiac ultrasound or doppler or echo units or cardioscopes (Cardiac ultrasound equipment)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use (Color Doppler ultrasound equipment)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use (Continuous-wave ultrasound equipment)
- Desktop computers
- Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Evacuated blood collection tubes)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo transducers or accessories (High frequency transducers)
- Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use (Immobilization and positioning devices)
- Intravenous tubing with catheter administration kits (Intravenous IV supplies)
- Lancets
- Medical radiological shielding freestanding or portable screens (Lead barriers)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use (M-mode ultrasound machines)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo printers (Medical ultrasound printers)
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Hazardous material protective apparel (Personal protective clothing)
- Medical picture archiving computer systems PACS (Picture archiving and communication systems PACS)
- Body plethysmographs (Plethysmographs)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use (Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound units)
- Safety glasses
- Protective gloves (Safety gloves)
- Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use (Sandbags)
- Blood pressure cuff kits (Sphygmomanometers)
- Tablet computers
- Tourniquets
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo transducers or accessories (Transducers)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use (Two-dimensional doppler ultrasound equipment)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo monitors (Ultrasound monitors)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo monitors (Ultrasound video equipment)
- Hypodermic needles (Venipuncture needles)
- Medical x ray apparatus filters (X ray beam restriction devices)
Technologies Include:
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Medical software
- Patient medical record software
- Spreadsheet software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
- Word processing software
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Special Requirements
Required Fees:
• Processing Fee: $60
• Annual Renewal Fee: $60
For More Information, Contact:
The American Registry Of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
51 Monroe Street, Plaza East One
Rockville, Maryland 20850-2400
Phone: 301.738.8401
Phone: 800.541.9754
Fax: 301.738.0312
http://www.ardms.org/
Society Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
2745 Dallas Parkway
Suite 350
Plano, Texas 75093
Phone: 800.229.9506
http://www.sdms.org/
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Additional Resources
For more information on a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer, contact:
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
12770 Coit Rd.
Suite 708
Dallas, TX 75251
http://www.sdms.org
The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
600 Jefferson Plaza
Suite 360
Rockville, MD 20852-1150
http://www.ardms.org
For a current list of accredited education programs in diagnostic medical sonography, write to:
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
1248 Harwood Rd.
Bedford, TX 76021-4244
http://www.caahep.org
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
88.75 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
76.75 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
67.75 | Physics | Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. |
64.75 | Medicine and Dentistry | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
58.25 | Administrative | Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
56.25 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
55.75 | Psychology | Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. |
54.50 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
72.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
68.75 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
68.75 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
68.75 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
62.50 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
62.50 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
59.50 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
59.50 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
56.25 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
56.25 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
56.25 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
53.00 | Operation and Control | Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
53.00 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
53.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
53.00 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
53.00 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
50.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
50.00 | Persuasion | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
50.00 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
72.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
72.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
72.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
72.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
68.75 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
65.50 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
62.50 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
62.50 | Arm-Hand Steadiness | The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
62.50 | Control Precision | The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
62.50 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
59.50 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
59.50 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
53.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
53.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
50.00 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
50.00 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
50.00 | Speed of Closure | The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns. |
50.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
50.00 | Visualization | The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged. |
50.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
50.00 | Manual Dexterity | The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. |
50.00 | Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
50.00 | Multilimb Coordination | The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
82.00 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
80.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
78.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
78.00 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
77.00 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
74.50 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
73.25 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
71.25 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
69.50 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
69.25 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
69.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
68.50 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
67.25 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
66.75 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
65.50 | Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials | Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
65.50 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
65.00 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
63.50 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
60.00 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
58.00 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
57.75 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
54.50 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
53.25 | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others | Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
53.00 | Communicating with People Outside the Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
52.25 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
51.50 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
51.25 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
50.50 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
49.75 | Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information | Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
49.75 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
49.50 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
96.25 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
95.50 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
92.50 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
92.50 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
91.25 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
90.50 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
90.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
88.50 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
85.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
85.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
82.25 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
78.75 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
78.75 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
76.00 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
71.75 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
66.00 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
77.83 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
77.83 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
66.67 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
66.67 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
61.17 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
55.50 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
97.40 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
97.00 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
96.20 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
96.00 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
94.40 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
94.20 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
93.20 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
89.80 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
89.20 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
88.60 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
86.20 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
85.60 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
84.60 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
83.60 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
80.80 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
80.40 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
79.80 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
75.80 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
72.20 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
70.60 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
70.00 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
68.40 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
67.80 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
67.20 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
64.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
60.80 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
59.80 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
59.00 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
57.00 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
56.60 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
54.00 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
53.80 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
52.60 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $61,430.00 | $81,350.00 | $97,350.00 |
Virginia | $63,010.00 | $80,250.00 | $92,710.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | $82,446.59 | $103,729.33 | $109,500.96 |
Bay Consortium | $74,330.18 | $87,240.01 | $98,588.04 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $65,719.47 | $85,296.06 | $90,259.78 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $59,414.09 | $75,025.93 | $81,581.58 |
Crater Area | $67,661.35 | $85,045.80 | $88,917.09 |
Greater Peninsula | $67,965.61 | $84,184.94 | $86,725.99 |
Hampton Roads | $63,865.87 | $79,966.81 | $83,768.52 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $66,501.42 | $79,832.85 | $84,822.54 |
Northern Virginia | $79,769.51 | $100,514.34 | $106,960.94 |
Piedmont Workforce | $68,902.28 | $82,453.86 | $95,003.36 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | $60,142.04 | $78,878.53 | $80,710.33 |
West Piedmont | $53,761.89 | $78,594.00 | $79,858.81 |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 82,300 | 94,400 | +14.7% |
Virginia | 1,711 | 1,984 | +16.0% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Bay Consortium | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Central VA/Region2000 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Crater Area | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Greater Peninsula | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Hampton Roads | No Data | No Data | No Data |
New River/Mt. Rogers | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Northern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Piedmont Workforce | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Southwestern Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
Western Virginia | No Data | No Data | No Data |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
- Radiation Therapists
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
- Surgical Technologists
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Surgical Assistants
- Cardiologists
- Radiologists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Respiratory Therapists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Phlebotomists
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Careers in Diagnostic Services Pathway:
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Cytogenetic Technologists
- Cytotechnologists
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Epidemiologists
- Histology Technicians
- Histotechnologists
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical Dosimetrists
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Health Science Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Not Occupationally Qualified, General
- Radiology
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Titles
- Cardiac Sonographer
- Cardiac/Vascular Sonographer
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician)
- Registered Diagnonstic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
- Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Sonogram Technician
- Sonographer
- Sonography Technician
- Ultra Sound Technician
- Ultrasonic Tester
- Ultrasonographer
- Ultrasound Technician
- Ultrasound Technologist
- Ultrasound Tester
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Related Schools
- ECPI University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Piedmont Virginia Community College
- Southside College of Health Sciences
- Sovah School of Health Professions
- Tidewater Community College
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)