How to Get Degree in Medical Sonography

Sonography (ultrasonography) uses sound waves to produce a picture of the structures inside a patient’s body. An associate’s degree in medical sonography gives students the skills to run ultrasound technology equipment properly, and work with doctors and patients in ensuring a smooth flow of information between them.

Medical Sonography Degree

As a rule, it takes 2-4 years to complete a sonography degree. However, it depends on the course of study. Nowadays students have a chance to earn their sonography degree online.

Coursework for Sonography Degree

As part of their coursework, students learn the skills to use various types of sonography equipment to obtain images of a patient’s organs. These images are used to diagnose a number of different conditions, depending on the reason for the ultrasound.

In addition to operating the machinery, sonographers may also be required to read the results of the images to assist the physician in delivering a diagnosis for the patient.

During their education students are trained academically and clinically.

Required courses may include:

Patient Care
Medical Imaging
Medical Technologies
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology
Sonography – OB/GYN
Ultrasound
Pathophysiology
Scanning Techniques.

How to Become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Graduates of accredited sonography and radiology degree programs may be able to continue their education to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.

In this case they will be able to choose a specialty, such as:

Obstetric sonography
Neurosonography
Ophthalmologic sonography
or Abdominal sonography.

Obstetric sonography focuses on the female reproductive system and is used throughout pregnancy to monitor the growth of the fetus or to find potentially dangerous issues that could harm either baby or mother. A neurosonographer specializes in ultrasounds of the central nervous system and brain. Opthalmologic sonography is related to the eyes. Abdominal sonography focuses on the kidneys, liver, and other abdominal organs.

Career in Sonography

Sonographers usually work 40 hours per week. However, weekends, evening shifts, and on-call shifts may be required for sonographers who work in a hospital environment. Sonographers usually work directly with patients, keep patient records, and adjust equipment. Medical sonographers may find job not only in hospitals. They may also be able to find employment in the offices of physicians and gynecologists.

If you have earned a sonography degree, you may consider testing to become part of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) to increase your chances of landing a position in the field. ARDMS is an independent organization, which certifies that sonographers have a certain level of training in the field.