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Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

O*NET files this work under Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: people who produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. With a code of RCI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Conventional interests also help, rated 5.1 out of 7. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to active listening, speaking, and reading comprehension as the ones to build. A regular part of the work is to observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

Main tasks

  • Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
  • Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Critical Thinking
  • Operation and Control

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on active listening and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.3 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Also called

  • Cardiovascular Sonographer
  • Echo Tech (Echocardiographic Technician)
  • Echosonographer Technologist (Echo Technologist)
  • Medical Sonographer
  • RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.