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Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

💰 Earn $86K-$155K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 13% Job Growth

Help doctors diagnose by capturing detailed images of internal organs.
Play a vital role in patient care and medical diagnosis with advanced imaging.
Use cutting-edge technology to ensure patient safety and comfort.

What Diagnostic Medical Sonographers DoProduce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

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.
Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
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.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationAssociate Degree

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings5,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$120,840 in California

$89,340 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Service Orientation

Go Deeper: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Explained

Diagnostic Medical SonographerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

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What Is the Healthcare Industry?