Diagnostic Medical Sonography

My interest in Sonography first stemmed from another career interest in computers. I gained my problem solving skills at a young age through using computers. I was able to decipher different codes and morph them into something new. When something went amiss with the computer I would know what procedure to use in order to fix the computer. I loved the feeling of taking something broken and making it full of potential again. However, I knew I wanted to do something more than working with technology. I also had an interest in the medical field. I loved visiting the doctor. I was fascinated how the doctors and nurses could use their problem solving skills as well as their compassion to change someone’s life. I wanted to make a difference in people’s

Dr. Fox is an emergency physician at UCI Medical Center, treating and diagnosing patients using an ultrasound. His scope of research involves looking at patients’ internal organs via ultrasound, which is much quicker and less harmful than using x-ray scans that are traditionally used in emergency departments. He is also a part of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (“Faculty and Staff”). Dr. Fox is also a director of instructional ultrasound and is the assistant dean at the UCI School of Medicine (“John Christian Fox”). He started an ultrasound rotation at the UCI School of Medicine, and with a grant given by SonoSite, Inc., the ultrasound curriculum is now embedded within the UCI School of Medicine curriculum (“Faculty and Staff”). He went to Tufts University School of Medicine, receiving his MD in 1997 (“John Christian Fox”). His main research focus is to try to incorporate ultrasound more into the emergency department, and tries to find revolutionary ways to utilize ultrasound, especially because it is very cost-efficient and images are seen real-time, unlike MRI scans or x-rays, which can emit harmful radiation or results take much longer to acquire. Eric Viquez is one of the Bio 199/EMRAP (Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program) students in Dr. Fox’s ultrasound lab. He is currently a 4th year undergraduate biological sciences major who is going to medical school in the fall; he shadows shifts with Dr. Fox and

One of the main reasons for choosing a healthcare career in todays society, aside from the basic need for a self sustaining income, is the opportunity to make differences in peoples lives. With the demand for healthcare professionals and alternative medicines on the rise, so is the need for adequately educated trained personnel. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures such as x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Accounting for approximately 50,300 jobs in the United States in 2008, compared to the 214,000 jobs held by radiologic technicians, according to

As many medical advances as there are today, numerous careers in a medical field have a positive growth in job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the diagnostic medical sonographer career field is projected to grow 26 percent from 2014 to 2024. Research anticipates this field of study to grow at a much faster pace than the average for all occupations. Resources also indicate that advances in imaging technology will lead medical services to utilize it more in place of costly, invasive procedures and less-expensive equipment, which also means more procedures will be conducted outside hospitals. It was found that in 2014, there were approximately 60,700 individuals employed as a diagnostic medical sonographer. With a 26

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is a career that falls within the medical and health field. Diagnostic medical sonographers utilize machinery known as sonographic scanners. These scanners create images of the patient's internal organs. There are a few other names that this specific career may be referred to as, which are Ultrasound Tech and/or Medical Imaging. Although though there are advancement possibilities, there are pros and cons about the career. The work environment may be difficult, and differential diagnosis is found within sonography. There is a lot of time and dedication needed as well as important information to know and understand about the career before deciding whether or not this is the chosen path that will be taken. I have decided that DMS is the career I want to be successful in because I have always had the interest of becoming a prenatal sonographer. I love working with people and I also wouldn’t mind being the person that could potentially save someone else’s life by

The process of becoming an ultrasound technician can be one that is intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the help of an organization called American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), those seeking to be a sonographer can achieve their goals. Although there are many steps to take, it can be done. This paper will help instruct individuals who wish to go through the sonography principles and instrumentation (SPI) examination (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation [SPI], (2015).

Sonography is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses the echoes of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of internal organs or body structures. The employment rate is is expected to grow 26 percent from 2014 to 2024. Since ultrasound is non-invasive, it is more encouraged than other methods so the career is always in demand. Diagnostic medical sonographers duties are to prepare and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment, taking a patients medical history, answering questions about the procedure, operating the equipment, review images and test results, know the difference between normal and abnormal images, analyze diagnostic information, record findings, and keep track of patient records. Hospitals, offices of physicians, medical

As per the Foothill Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Assessment Form, the skills obtained from the program only come after a lengthy list of prerequisites. This includes the completion of a two- year Allied Health Program in Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Technology, Registered Nursing, Veterinary Technology or a degree with significant direct patient care experience. In addition to this advanced experience the student also has to have completed college level Human Anatomy, Physiology

I was 20 years old when I had my first myomectomy due to multiple fibroids. After few years, the condition worsened. My major concern at that time was only if my fibroids were shrinking or growing bigger when I would look at the screen during the ultrasound. I was very keen to learn about Diagnostic Sonography to be able to know and help others with the same issue I was suffering from since long. By going through this condition, I felt I could definitely help others.

I have always thought about being a sonographer.

The ability to see things in black and white with ever evolving research horizon made Pathology very attractive for me as a prospective career. Attention to detail by use of various modern and advanced techniques enabled me to quench my intellectual

My interest in x-rays and ultrasounds led me to pursue a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Two-year associate degree is commonly accepted. After two years of educational expenses, sonographers graduate to find that their services are in demand and that starting salaries are generous enough to justify the investment in a college education. Since sonography is in high demand you have job security, good benefits packages, and the opportunity for ultrasound career development and the satisfaction for helping patients as part of a dedicated team of health care professionals. Not only do ultrasound technicians receive good health benefits, but they also extend down to their family as well. This job helps to diagnose people who may be experiencing a disease or an illness. Its real time capabilities allow it to be used for guiding biopsies and other procedures and can ensure that the best images are gathered during diagnostic scans. The procedures are safe, painless, and non-invasive. The ultrasound machine is also portable. It can help diagnose a range of conditions in different parts of the body, such as the abdomen, pelvis, blood vessels, breast, kidneys, muscles, bone and joints. Ultrasounds are used to check the health of a baby during pregnancy. Because sonographers are part of a patient-facing service, they have the chance to provide a personal touch to patient care. Many ultrasound technicians find this is an intensely rewarding experience. There

The required training and education for entry-level positions in diagnostic medical sonography is generally obtained through an associate’s degree, preferably with an accredited institute. Bachelor’s degrees are also available, as well as one-year certificate programs for professionals expanding their current healthcare degree. Most employers require education from an accredited program because of their allotment for clinical training and studies including medical terminology courses and detailed instruction on interpreting ultrasound images. As discussed previously, students choose a specialized field of sonography to study. Certification is then applied to whichever specialized field has been chosen, such as obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, breast sonography, musculoskeletal sonography, neurosonography and cardiovascular sonography. Although the interviewee Wilma Barniak has many modalities, she mentions, “I have fortunately always been able to find employment in Rad/CT or a Cardiac Cath Lab. I would say these are my most useful certifications.” The job market for cardiovascular technologists and vascular technologists is rapidly growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a projection of twenty-nine percent in employment between 2010 and 2020 is expected. The authors of Hot Health Care Careers noted, “This technology is increasingly being used to detect heart attacks and heart and

When I entered college I was uncertain of what my career would be. I chose to get my degree in Biology because I knew that it can open my path to many different fields in healthcare. Following the completion of my Bachelor in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, I worked at a medical office and during those times I came across the field of Ultrasound. I was amazed and fascinated by the technology and the sight of a human heart. Echocardiography was created a unique opportunity for me to combine my interest in medicine and technology with concern for others.